In cooperation with the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV), IXPERTA has delivered a project that advances science and research in Slovakia. The new Devana supercomputer is the first step toward building a high-performance computing (HPC) ecosystem that will place Slovakia among the European leaders. Devana opens up new opportunities in research, development, and innovation — empowering scientists, businesses, and young talent with unprecedented computing power.
Project Overview
The initiative was launched by the Center of Shared Activities SAV as part of the National Competence Center (NCC) for HPC. Its computing power is available not only to academics, but also to public institutions, private enterprises, SMEs, and startups for pilot and proof-of-concept projects. Devana will also support university education, research laboratories, and international collaboration.
Named after the Slavic goddess Devana, the system is the “daughter” of a planned HPC infrastructure called Perun, which is expected to be launched in 2025.
Installation of the new Slovak supercomputer began in November 2022 at the SAV site in Bratislava. The machine consists of six racks with a total weight exceeding five tons. Deployment, stress testing, and final configuration took five months.
With a theoretical performance of up to 800 TFlop/s, Devana ranks among the TOP 500 supercomputers in the EU.
Statement from IXPERTA
“As a supplier, we feel a strong responsibility not only toward the Slovak Academy of Sciences but also toward society as a whole. Devana expands the frontiers of Slovak scientific development and provides computing power that has never before been available in Slovakia.”
Andrej Kavický, Country Manager, IXPERTA
Technology
Devana is built on a modular architecture using the latest HPC hardware and networking technologies from Lenovo. The system consists of:
- 140 CPU nodes (each with 64 Intel cores and 256 GB RAM) for classical HPC workloads
- 8 GPU-accelerated nodes (each with 64 CPU cores, 256 GB RAM, and 4x NVIDIA A100 GPUs) for AI/ML tasks
- Storage capacity of 3.8 PB, divided between permanent and temporary user data
- BeeGFS open-source file system for scalable bandwidth
- High-speed interconnect: 100 Gbit/s Infiniband with latency under 10 microseconds
- High-availability configuration with redundant critical components
Centralized management and system monitoring ensure reliable operation.
Innovation
Compared to its predecessor Aurel, Devana delivers:
- 50% lower energy consumption thanks to modern processors and advanced cooling
- GPU acceleration for AI and machine learning workloads
- New service modules (OpenOnDemand, graphical interfaces, and tailored external services)
- Enhanced cybersecurity via a fully virtualized next-generation firewall (Checkpoint), providing scalability, availability, and protection against advanced threats and zero-day malware
Benefits
- Performance Up to 800 TFlop/s computing power
- Accessibility Easy to access and operate
- Efficiency Energy-saving design with low operating costs
- Sustainability Reuse of waste heat
- Security Advanced protection against cyberattacks
Client Perspective
“The demand for high-performance computing in Slovakia is growing rapidly, and Devana is the machine that will meet this urgent need.”
Mgr. Lukáš Demovič, PhD, CSČ SAV
Applications
Devana supports advanced numerical simulations, data analytics, and virtual prototyping. Its potential applications span:
- Economy and transportation
- Energy research and new materials
- Climate crisis solutions and pandemic response
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Security and defense
With Devana, Slovak researchers gain faster and more comprehensive results, stronger participation in international projects, and new opportunities for scientific breakthroughs. Importantly, Devana’s capacity is also available for commercial use and the development of AI-driven technologies.
Future Development
Currently, the world’s TOP500 list is dominated by the USA, China, and Japan. However, the EU is moving forward through the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking initiative, pooling the most powerful HPC systems across member states.
With Devana and the upcoming Perun infrastructure, Slovakia is positioning itself as a key European player. This means Slovak researchers can stand as equal partners in international collaborations, while nurturing local expertise and retaining talent in the country.
About IXPERTA
IXPERTA has been active on the Czech and Slovak markets for over 30 years, specializing in infrastructure solutions, custom software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Headquartered in Prague with six branch offices, IXPERTA employs more than 200 experts and has successfully delivered 4,000+ projects for clients across Europe, the USA, and Asia.
Our strength lies in distinguishing true innovations from fleeting trends — and in applying cutting-edge technology to turn both the needs and ambitions of our clients into reality.
Published: 17. July 2025
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