Annual Review of the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE Project: A Year of Impactful Progress

In 2024, the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE project reached a new milestone, with 34 National Competence Centers (NCCs) showcasing significant achievements. This year’s review highlighted the collective drive to advance HPC, HPDA, and AI, strengthening competencies, capacities, and collaboration across Europe.

NCC Montenegro at the annual review meeting
NCCs form 34 countries participated

A key focus in NCC presentations was user engagement, particularly with industry/SMEs. Through real-world HPC and AI use cases, Proofs of Concepts, and Success Stories, NCCs have bridged the gap between cutting-edge technologies and practical applications, fostering innovation across industries, academia, and the public sector. End-users have benefited from expert training, technical support, and subsidized access to EuroHPC supercomputing resources.

Great opportunity to exchange experiences and lessons learned

Collaboration remains central to EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE. NCCs have deepened ties with other NCCs, CoEs, and EDIHs through mentoring, twinning, training and workshops. Joint initiatives, supported by EuroCC2 PMT and CASTIEL 2, have facilitated knowledge exchange, best practices, and white papers, accelerating Europe’s HPC/HPDA/AI ecosystem development. Training programs have equipped researchers, engineers, and industry professionals with essential skills to leverage these technologies effectively. The success stories presented reaffirm the project’s impact—enhancing scientific research, optimizing industry workflows, and improving public sector efficiency through smart solutions.

All NCCs presented what worked what did not in the precvous period

NCC Montenegro showcased Montenegrin companies, including UHURA, PAID MNE, IHMS, successfully utilizing European supercomputers to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their innovative applications, complex simulations and advanced AI models. Additionally, the NCC Montenegro’s representative shared valuable insights on conducting HPC/AI study and training programs aligned with Smart Specialization strategy and highlighted successful collaborations with over 10 NCCs and CoEs in capacity building, industry practices and HPC awareness raising.

EUROCC4SEE and NCC Montenegro report

The 2024 review underscored EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE’s role as a cornerstone of European HPC+ progress, driving user engagement, technological innovation and international collaboration. Looking ahead, the project remains committed to scaling impact, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring HPC and AI technologies remain accessible and beneficial to all.

Good opportunity for networking with EUROCC2/EUROCC4SEE representatives

N-Ways to GPU Programming Bootcamp

The NVIDIAEuroCC AustriaEuroCC CzechiaEuroCC GermanyEuroCC MontenegroEuroCC PolandEuroCC Sweden, and EuroCC Slovenia invite you to the N-Ways to GPU Programming Bootcamp, which will be held online from 8-9 April 2025. The application deadline is 10 March 2025.

The N-Ways to GPU Programming Bootcamp offers a comprehensive introduction to GPU programming. Participants will learn about various methods for adapting scientific applications to GPUs using NVIDIA CUDAOpenACC, OpenMP offloading, and standard programming languages.

Throughout the bootcamp, attendees will work alongside teaching assistants to explore multiple GPU programming models. They will also learn how to analyze GPU-enabled applications using NVIDIA Nsight Systems. The program includes hands-on activities that allow participants to apply their newly acquired skills to real-world problems.

Course details

  • Content level Content level: Basic = (100%) + Intermediate = (0%) + Advanced = (0%)
  • Entry level : Basic – no prior GPU programming knowledge is required
  • Prerequisites : Basic experience with C/C++ or Fortran
  • Target audience : Course for academia, industry, and public administration.
  • Course format : This course will be delivered as a LIVE ONLINE COURSE (using Zoom), All communication will be done through Zoom, Slack, and email.

Registration form and more info : https://events.vsc.ac.at/event/179/

BioExcel Workshop Balkan Edition

2 Days Hands-On Workshop: Hybrid Learning Experience jointly organized by BioExcel and supported by Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy & Faculty of Physics, DISCOVERER Supercomputer and National Competence Centres in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, this hydrid workshop will offer participants the chance to engage both on-site and online. The workshop will focus on the use of BioExcel core codes such as GROMACS, HADDOCK and PMX with a strong emphasis on hands-on practical sessions and guidance from leading experts in the field.

  • When & Where: May 21–22, 2025 | Sofia University, Bulgaria & Online
  • Apply by: April 15, 2025
  • Don’t miss out and boost your research skills! More info and registration : https://bioexcel-balkan-workshop.com/

EuroCC4SEE F2F Meeting during IT2025: Strategic Insights on HPC/AI Development in the SEE Region

The EuroCC4SEE consortium, consisting of representatives from NCC Serbia, NCC Montenegro, NCC North Macedonia, NCC Turkey, and NCC Bosnia and Herzegovina, gathered for an F2F meeting during the IT IEEE Conference in Žabljak, Montenegro. The meeting aimed to enhance regional collaboration, coordinate training activities, and maximize the impact of NCC’s regional events to promote HPC/AI technologies and advancements across Southeast Europe.

Click to watch video from IT2025

Each NCC shared updates on ongoing projects, collaborative opportunities, and strategic directions, including: developing SME and Startup Ecosystems; focusing on the digitally mature IT sector, PoC prioritization using EuroHPC and national computing infrastructures, enhancing HPC engagement in academia etc.

EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE group photo from Feb 20th

The meeting also explored common activities and future initiatives driving the success of EuroCC4SEE, like organizing an SME training series, based on a cross-border survey on SME training needs; hosting large-scale events at the intersection of academia and industry interests and efforts; developing joint PoCs across diverse sectors using regional expertise and resources, investigating service portfolio management system; mobilizing joint efforts to high-impact EU projects etc.

EuroCC4SEE F2F meeting on 21 Feb

By leveraging strategic conferences, collaborative training programs, and joint project initiatives, EuroCC4SEE continues to empower the SEE region to embrace the future of HPC/AI-driven innovations and growth.

EuroCC4SEE NCC representatives took part in the workshop activities on 20 Ffeb

EuroCC 2 and EuroCC4SEE@IT2025: Inspiring HPC/AI Collaboration and Innovation

The EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE were successfully showcased during the 29th IT IEEE Conference in Žabljak, bringing together national and regional HPC/AI experts, facilitating networking and matchmaking opportunities between academia and industry, and effectively aligning HPC/AI technologies, trends, and innovations with the interests of young researchers and industry practitioners.

The Project Trade fair took place during the first day of the conference (19 Feb)
EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE were presented at the Project Trade Fair at IT2025

On 19 Feb, the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE (Digital Europe) project was presented at the Project Trade Fair, highlighting the NCC service and training portfolio, EuroHPC supercomputing opportunities, and HPC/AI benefits for research excellence and industry competitiveness. Success Stories were shared, illustrating how HPC and AI are driving innovations across various industry sectors and research domains. Projects AI-AGE and GenAI-HPC4WB were also featured at the fair.

NCC Montenegro team was moderating the workshops on the second day

During the second day, the HPC for Research Innovation session showcased the successful integration of HPC-computational resources and AI-intelligent algorithms into research infrastructures, enhancing scientific outcomes. The session featured a series of conference papers that addressed real-life challenges and HPC/AI-powered applications. The sessions also emphasize the importance of capacity building and competency development in high-demand, tech-driven careers. The focus on skill development is crucial for preparing students for advanced research roles or industry positions powered by HPC/AI technologies.

EuroCC4SEE NCCs participated in the worskhop activities on the second day (20 Feb)
Reserarchers and business representatives showcased their work and discussed needs for HPC resources

Also, on 20 Feb, during the HPC/AI Expert Round Table, panelists and presenters from academia and industry, representing Montenegro and the SEE region, shared insights on key challenges and innovative solutions related to the effective utilization of HPC and AI technologies. NCC representatives from Turkey, North Macedonia, and Serbia contributed with valuable experiences in industry engagement, SME onboarding, and the development of PoC/use cases across diverse sectors, including autonomous driving, digital commerce, social network simulations, bioinformatics, Large Language Models, and climate/weather prediction. There was around 100 attendees during the EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE events on the second day of the conference.

Representatives from EuroCC4SSEE NCCs gave presentations on use cases and provided insights on uptaking them to HPC

Furthermore, the discussions underscored the significance of enhanced collaboration among the scientific communities, business networks, and public governance to foster a thriving HPC/AI innovation ecosystem and digital economy. This collaborative approach is essential for leveraging the full potential of advanced computing technologies to address complex challenges and drive regional economic growth.

Young Researchers Gearing Up for IT 2025: Advancing HPC and AI Through EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE

The 29th International Information Technology Conference (IT 2025) is just around the corner, taking place from February 19–22, 2025, in Žabljak, Montenegro. As one of the region’s most prominent IT gatherings, the event will bring together researchers, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss the latest trends in HPC, AI and Digital Transformation.

As IT 2025 approaches, our team is gearing up to make an impact

This year, a team of young researchers from our institution is not only participating but also actively implementing activities related to the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE project, which focuses on strengthening national competence centers in HPC across Europe. Their engagement will be crucial in two major sessions at the conference:

  1. HPC for Research Innovation – Unlocking Potential and Overcoming Challenges
    📅 Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 11:30 – 13:00
    📍 IT 2025 Conference, Žabljak

The young researchers will contribute to this strategic session, focusing on:
✅ Exploring Innovation Potential – Investigating how HPC can drive new research opportunities.
✅ Technical Feasibility & Migration Strategies – Addressing the challenges of integrating HPC solutions.
✅ Capacity Building & Skills Development – Supporting the next generation of HPC professionals.
✅ Paper Presentations – Showcasing research advancements and practical applications of HPC in various domains.

Their involvement will ensure that cutting-edge research and technical expertise are shared with the broader community, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

  1. HPC & AI Roundtable – Expert Guidance and Collaborative Research Dialogues
    📅 Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 13:15 – 14:45
    📍 IT 2025 Conference, Žabljak

In this interactive roundtable, the young researchers will engage in:
🤝 Expert Consultation & Research Challenges – Discussing real-world AI & HPC implementation hurdles.
🔗 Collaboration Matchmaking – Connecting researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers.
🏢 Industry & Academia Synergy – Exploring how HPC and AI can bridge gaps between research and industry needs.

Their role in this discussion will be pivotal in shaping future research directions and establishing stronger ties between academia and industry. More info about the conference is available at [link].

EUROCC2 & EUROCC4SEE at IT2025 – Advancing HPC Collaboration in the Region

At the IEEE IT2025 Conference in Žabljak, EUROCC2 and EUROCC4SEE will play a key role in fostering high-performance computing (HPC) adoption through strategic discussions, expert panels, and networking opportunities. 🚀

  • On 19 Feb, a Project Trade Fair will showcase results from EUROCC2/EuroCC4SEE and other initiatives, highlighting their impact on digital transformation and regional collaboration.
  • On 20 Feb, the “HPC for Research Innovation” session will explore technical feasibility, capacity building, and AI integration. This will be followed by an HPC & AI Roundtable, where experts will discuss research challenges and collaboration opportunities between industry and academia.
  • On 21 Feb, a Strategy Meeting will focus on strengthening regional NCC collaboration, harmonizing training programs, and ensuring the sustainability of HPC initiatives.

With a strong lineup of discussions and expert engagement, these sessions will drive innovation, knowledge exchange, and future collaboration in the European HPC ecosystem. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative event! 🔥💡