From Quantum to AI: EuroHPC User Days 2026

2.5 days, 700 participants, 28 sessions and a welcoming host city: the annual EuroHPC Joint Undertaking User Days once again proved why they have become one of the most valuable meeting points for Europe’s high-performance computing, AI and quantum computing communities.

The organisers from the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, together with the Irish EU Presidency and the local hosts at ICHEC, created an environment that encouraged open dialogue and collaboration.

Bringing together representatives from across the European digital ecosystem, the event offered a comprehensive overview of current developments within the EuroHPC landscape. Participants received updates on access opportunities to EuroHPC quantum computers, the progress of the AI Factories and AI Antennas initiative, and emerging services such as the European Federation Platform. The programme covered a broad spectrum of topics, reflecting the rapidly evolving European HPC, AI and quantum ecosystem and its growing importance for science, industry and innovation.

With attendees ranging from start-ups, SMEs and large enterprises to research institutions, hosting sites, national and European funding organisations, as well as end users, the event created countless opportunities for personal exchange. Whether discussing common challenges, exchanging experiences, exploring future collaborations or simply gaining new perspectives, many of the most meaningful insights emerged during informal discussions between sessions, networking events and shared meetings.

For the LRZ, the opportunity to engage with fellow EuroHPC hosting sites was particularly valuable. Discussions with partners operating quantum computing infrastructures provided useful insights into current developments, operational experiences and future plans across Europe. Equally enriching was the exchange with researchers and representatives from other AI Factories and AI Antennas, offering perspectives on how emerging AI services can support scientific discovery and innovation across disciplines.

The EuroHPC User Day 2026 demonstrated that Europe's strength in HPC, AI and quantum computing is built not only on world-class infrastructure, but also on the people, partnerships and shared ambitions that bring these technologies to life. The conversations started here often become the foundation for future projects, partnerships and new ideas that continue long after the conference has ended.

Image Credit: stock.adobe.com – David