NATIONAL DAYSCIENCE & TECH

National Exascale Day

Join us in celebrating the future of computing on National Exascale Day.

OCT18

Sunday, October 18Every year on October 18

days to go

Roots: Founded in 2019 by Cray, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company.
Vibe: Innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement.
Also on Oct 18: International Legging Day · Chocolate Cupcake Day · No Beard Day
Hashtag: #NationalExascaleDay

Add to my calendar Send a card Email a friend

Apple or Outlook calendar

3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Explore supercomputer visuals

Look up stunning simulations of weather and galaxies that supercomputers made possible. Share your favorite find.

WITH FRIENDS

Quiz night on tech

Run a trivia round on famous computers and inventions. Loser makes the snacks next time.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Try a STEM challenge

Run a fun problem-solving contest with your team or class. Fastest solution wins bragging rights.

Plan ahead

National Exascale Day is observed on October 18 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sun, Oct 18this year

2027Mon, Oct 18

2028Wed, Oct 18

2029Thu, Oct 18

2030Fri, Oct 18

2031Sat, Oct 18

2032Mon, Oct 18

2033Tue, Oct 18

2034Wed, Oct 18

2035Thu, Oct 18

2036Sat, Oct 18

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Exascale computing is defined as systems capable of at least one exaflop, or a billion billion calculations per second.

2022Frontier at Oak Ridge became the first exascale supercomputer in 2022.

The story

National Exascale Day is observed on October 18, a date that echoes 10 to the 18th power, the calculations per second of an exascale system. The term 'exascale' refers to systems capable of performing at least one exaflop, which translates to a billion billion calculations per second. This milestone not only enhances the ability to solve complex problems but also accelerates research in various fields, from climate modeling to drug discovery.

Read the full story

The journey to exascale computing has been marked by significant investments and research initiatives. The U.S. Department of Energy has been at the forefront, unveiling Frontier, the first exascale system, in 2022. Countries around the world, including China and the European Union, are also heavily investing in similar technologies, fostering a global race towards advanced computational power.

Exascale systems promise to revolutionize industries by enabling simulations and data analyses that were previously unimaginable. They are expected to tackle challenges such as predicting natural disasters, analyzing large-scale genomic data, and developing new materials. As we celebrate National Exascale Day, it is important to recognize the collaborative efforts driving this technology forward.

As we observe this day, let us reflect on the implications of such powerful computing capabilities. The advancements in technology not only enhance our understanding of the world but also empower researchers and innovators to create solutions for some of humanity's most pressing problems. National Exascale Day is a reminder of the potential that lies ahead in the realm of computing.

Did you know?

What is Exascale?

Exascale refers to computing systems capable of performing at least one exaflop, a billion billion calculations per second.

First Exascale System

The first exascale system, Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, debuted in 2022.

Global Race

Countries worldwide are competing to achieve exascale computing, recognizing its importance for future advancements.

Applications

Exascale computing will transform fields such as climate science, genomics, and artificial intelligence.

Investment

Significant investments are being made globally in supercomputing to drive exascale technology forward.

Data Growth

The amount of data generated globally is doubling approximately every two years, necessitating powerful computing solutions.

Future Prospects

Exascale computing is seen as a key to unlocking new discoveries and innovations in numerous scientific fields.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesA leader in technological innovation, the U.S. is home to many of the top research facilities developing exascale systems.
CNChinaChina is rapidly advancing in exascale computing, with significant government investment aimed at achieving superior computational capabilities.
EUEuropean UnionThe EU is focusing on collaborative projects to enhance computational power across member states, emphasizing innovation.
JPJapanJapan continues to push the boundaries of computing, contributing to the global exascale initiative with its own advanced systems.
DEGermanyGermany’s research institutions are integral to European efforts in developing exascale technologies.
AUAustraliaAustralia is investing in supercomputing capabilities that align with global exascale goals, enhancing its research potential.