Finding the needle in the haystack has become easy. 

This was one of many profound insights shared by Kimberly Powell, NVIDIA’s Vice President of Healthcare and Life Sciences, during the Gefion AI supercomputer meet-up in June. 

The “needle” refers to life-changing solutions in areas like life sciences, quantum technology, and the green transition. In other words, what once seemed impossible is becoming possible. The haystack is being transformed from an overwhelming pile of tasks into a set of manageable strands, each examined simultaneously – leaving no time or space for the needle to remain hidden. 

In March, the plan to build one of the world’s leading AI generative supercomputers here in Denmark was announced. In what feels like record time, we are now celebrating that we turn on the power. The computer is ready for the first use cases.

Timing is crucial, as progress in these fields grows exponentially – meaning that even a six-month delay could set Denmark back several years in international competition. 

The partnership between the Novo Nordisk Foundation, EIFO, and NVIDIA has made this seamless journey possible. But today’s real achievement is about access. Danish researchers and companies can now tap into an AI supercomputer with extraordinary power and groundbreaking software. Coupled with Denmark’s strong position in digitalization, this gives us a tremendous advantage in taking on tomorrow’s challenges.

Imagine a doctor’s diagnosis based not just on her expertise and examination but on the analysis of all relevant Danish medical data. Imagine a weather forecast that not only predicts rainstorms but pinpoints the exact locations that will be affected by flooding. Imagine developing resilient crops that not only feed populations on depleted soil but also absorb CO2. 

Access to an AI supercomputer accelerates our processing power to such an extent that it almost feels like time travelling.

Computational tasks that once would take a century can now be completed in a single day. We are stepping into unknown territory – an exciting but also cautious venture.

When I first met Mr. Jensen Huang in 2019, he described AI – and I am paraphrasing from memory here, so bear with me – Mr. Jensen Huang described AI as a man-made algorithm that, over time, develops a life of its own, generating algorithms that no human fully understands. This raises fundamental questions about how we manage a technology we don't fully comprehend and which potential we can’t even imagine. 

It’s easy to become blinded by speed, but we must remain vigilant for any bumps along the road. I know the partners behind the Gefion Supercomputer take these considerations seriously, and it’s essential that everyone involved continues to strike a balance between opportunity and risk. 

Language evolves. The meaning of words changes over time. One day, the phrase “needle in a haystack” may no longer imply an impossible task, but rather a mission made possible – thanks to AI. 

Congratulations on this groundbreaking launch. I look forward to seeing the remarkable scientific discoveries that Gefion will make possible.

(Det talte ord gælder)