A New Era of Sovereign AI: IBM VELA AI Goes Live in Switzerland
The launch of IBM VELA AI in Switzerland marks a significant milestone in the advancement of sovereign AI solutions. Located in a state-of-the-art NorthC data center, this powerful supercomputer was designed to deliver scalable, AI-driven solutions across industries. By combining cutting-edge AI technology with NorthC’s robust data center management, IBM VELA AI represents a leap forward for organizations seeking secure, innovative, and high-performance AI capabilities.
Phoenix Technologies, together with its partners, officially launched Switzerland's first commercial AI supercomputer. This groundbreaking development provides businesses, government agencies, and NGOs with immediate access to state-of-the-art AI infrastructure within a zero-trust environment, enabling rapid and efficient productivity gains. A use case from QuantumBasel, one of the first adopters of the AI supercomputer, demonstrated impressive efficiency gains of up to 90% in analyzing complex text content. Held at the renowned uptown Basel, this event featured a comprehensive list of elite speakers and showcased how VELA, the first commercial Supercomputer in Europe, will drive AI advancements in a souvereign environment. The insightful presentations by industry leaders on the transformative potential of sovereign AI showcased how IBM VELA AI, combined with the kvant AI ecosystem, is poised to revolutionize multiple sectors.
The AI supercomputer is housed in the NorthC data center in Münchenstein, near one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation zones, which includes the Switzerland Innovation Park in Allschwil and the Industry 4.0 hub Uptown Basel in Arlesheim. This supercomputer forms the foundation for the comprehensive suite of services offered under the kvant AI brand, enabling users to rapidly and successfully implement sovereign AI solutions.
Thomas Taroni: The Value of Digital Sovereignty
Thomas Taroni underscored the critical importance of digital sovereignty and compliance for secure AI solutions. In an era where data privacy and regulatory adherence are paramount, the Swiss-based IBM VELA AI provides organizations with the peace of mind that their sensitive data remains within sovereign borders while benefiting from cutting-edge AI capabilities.
Peter DeMeo: Introducing kvant AI Armor
Peter DeMeo highlighted kvant AI Armor, a secure infrastructure built to protect AI models and data. By leveraging the robust architecture of IBM VELA AI, kvant AI Armor ensures end-to-end security, enabling businesses to deploy AI confidently while safeguarding sensitive information against threats.
Angel Nunez: Showcasing Kvant AI Concierge
Angel Nunez presented kvant AI Concierge, an advanced solution designed to automate and enhance customer interactions. Demonstrating real-world use cases, Nunez showcased how this innovative tool uses AI to deliver personalized, efficient, and scalable customer service experiences, setting new standards for automated engagement.
Jan Mikolon: AI in Cancer Research
Jan Mikolon shared a compelling use case of how kvant Cloud and AI are accelerating breakthroughs in cancer research. By leveraging IBM VELA AI’s massive computational power, researchers can process complex datasets faster and uncover insights that drive scientific discovery. This example highlighted the profound impact AI can have on advancing healthcare and improving lives.
IBM VELA AI: The Future of AI-Powered Innovation
As IBM VELA AI officially goes live, it brings with it a new era of possibilities for industries ranging from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and beyond. By combining the unparalleled capabilities of AI with a secure, sovereign infrastructure, this supercomputer is not only driving innovation but also setting new benchmarks for data security and compliance. Phoenix Technologies, in collaboration with NorthC, IBM, and other key partners, is proud to support businesses and researchers in unlocking the full potential of AI. From groundbreaking applications in customer service to life-saving advancements in medicine, IBM VELA AI is poised to transform how industries operate and innovate.
“kvant AI enables companies to execute AI projects on a sovereign, Red Hat OpenShift-based, and AI-optimized infrastructure in Switzerland. Combined with data governance and open-source LLMs on IBM watsonx, businesses get everything they need to scale trustworthy AI.”
Looking ahead, Phoenix Technologies is preparing to open the AI Innovation Center in Q1 2025. According to Patrick Geiser, Managing Director of Phoenix Technologies, this center aims to become an inspiring hub for intellectual exchange, fostering a cross-industry "free trade zone" for knowledge and ideas.