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Applying for Access

Access to Isambard-AI and Isambard 3 are allocated by bodies external to BriCS. Prospective users will need to apply via these routes.

Isambard-AI

DSIT/UKRI

Most prospective users will apply for access via the AI Research Resource (AIRR). There are two options:

  • AIRR Gateway route, offering up to 10,000 GPU hours, designed for researchers from academia, industry, or other UK organisations
  • AIRR Rapid Access route, offering up to 20,000 GPU hours, is open to UK-registered micro, small and medium organisations

In both cases, applications are made via AIRRPortal.

These allocation routes are intended as initial projects, which includes activities to port, test and scale workflows.

Sovereign AI Unit

From time to time access calls are published. Prospective users are encouraged to monitor the Sovereign AI Unit web page for further information.

University of Bristol

Permanent academic staff members at the University of Bristol are eligible to apply for the University of Bristol allocation portal. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Note that allocations via this route will be considerably smaller than the AIRR Gateway route.

Isambard 3

UKRI Tier 2

The periodic UKRI Tier 2 HPC calls are open to UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. These calls are usually released each Spring and Autumn. Past calls provide further information and methods for receiving updates:

GW4 Alliance

Isambard 3 is hosted by the University of Bristol and operated by the GW4 Alliance, and each member institution may apply for access. Each institution manages its own application process and will be advertised internally.

Dev/test access

Please note that general 'dev/test' access to Isambard-AI or Isambard 3 is not available. This is due to compliance obligations dictated by the bodies that fund the platforms. Please consult the detail of relevant access routes to determine if successful porting and accurate resource estimation is a prerequisite.

External information

Information and links are based on best knowledge at the time of writing, and provided on a best endeavours basis. Prospective users should engage with external entities for authoritative guidance.