According to GizChina , overseen by Sheikh Tahnoon, G42 is building a network of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers. G42 plans to use Cerebras' CS-2 hardware - a company that recently criticized Nvidia for supplying AI and high-performance computing GPUs to Chinese companies. Cerebras' WSE-2 processors are notable for being the largest chips ever brought to market. They contain 2.6 trillion transistors and 850,000 cores optimized for AI. They are located on a wafer-sized 7nm processor and are part of the CS-2 system.
G42 is looking to create the world's largest supercomputer
G42 is working on several Condor Galaxy AI supercomputers using the Cerebras CS-2 system. One of these supercomputers, CG-1 in Santa Clara, California, can deliver 4 exaflops of performance for large language models. It can handle up to 600 billion parameters and is scalable to support models with up to 100 trillion parameters.
The US government’s concern is that CG-1 is just the first of three AI supercomputers (CG-1, CG-2, and CG-3) that will use Cerebras hardware. G42 and Cerebras intend to deploy six Condor Galaxy supercomputers globally, each capable of 4 Exaflops of performance. It is this widespread network of powerful machines that has raised suspicions from organizations like the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency).
Under CEO Peng Xiao, G42 has expanded through notable deals, including a partnership with AstraZeneca and a $100 million partnership with Cerebras to build “the world’s largest supercomputer.” However, the CIA has expressed concerns about G42’s involvement with Chinese companies, particularly Huawei, which is on its national security list. The concern is that G42 could serve as a conduit for sensitive U.S. technology and data to China.
Condor Galaxy supercomputer system for AI tasks created by Cerebras
While the CIA’s stance on Peng Xiao remains unclear, discussions between the US administration and UAE officials have taken place. The US has begun urging the G42 to distance itself from Chinese entities, even hinting at potential sanctions if the association persists. The emergence of high-performance supercomputers outside the US has raised concerns that they could be used to train large language models for Chinese interests, putting the G42 in the context of escalating tensions between the US and China.
Notably, the G42 is a key element in the UAE’s economic diversification strategy to overcome its dependence on oil. By strengthening ties with China and Russia, the UAE aims to reduce its dependence on the US.
For its part, G42 declined to comment on its partnership with China and U.S. concerns. However, a senior executive at the company highlighted the company’s global technology partnerships, including talks with Microsoft, as well as its commitment to complying with U.S. regulations.
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