Berlin’s research landscape will soon get a new AI facility and data center through a collaboration between the Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB). The center aims to provide scalable, secure infrastructure for high-performance computing (HPC), data management, and AI applications.
According to a press release, development will start in 2026-2027 with consolidated infrastructure at ZIB in Dahlem and a new site at HZB in Adlershof. By 2029-2030, additional computing capacity will be added. Sustainability is a priority, including energy-efficient hardware and plans to use waste heat locally.
Dr Ina Czyborra, Berlin’s Senator for Science, Health and Care, said, “With the new data center, two strong partners are creating the digital power infrastructure that modern cutting-edge research needs. The data center meets this growing demand while strengthening technological independence and resilience. Sharing resources is economically sound and a model of Berlin’s research policy.”
Professor Christof Schütte, President, ZIB, said, “The new Data, Compute and AI Center aligns with ZIB’s vision of advancing modelling, AI, and high-performance computing. It creates a collaborative infrastructure for data-intensive research that is flexible, powerful, and secure. This is a strategic investment in Berlin’s scientific excellence.”
Bernd Rech, Director Professor, HZB Scientific, added, “Together with ZIB, we are building the foundation for next-generation data-driven materials science. HPC and AI-supported methods help predict material properties and accelerate innovation. The collaboration also strengthens our BESSY II IT infrastructure and prepares for BESSY III.”
The project was announced at a kick-off event on March 27, 2026 in Berlin-Adlershof, and addresses the growing need for fast and reliable processing of large research datasets in areas like materials, energy, and health, while also protecting sensitive data.