NQ Spark signs Ethan Global as high-performance computing provider
In a long-term multi-million-dollar contract, North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK) has engaged Ethan Global to provide the High-Performance Compute (HPC) capability at the heart of Northern Australia’s first dedicated simulation, training and testing precinct.
A partnership between Townsville City Council and James Cook University, NQ SPARK has been established through a $32.2m Federal Government grant to develop a six-hectare site in Townsville which will be home to a purpose-built Advanced Environmental Simulation Facility (AESF) combining live, virtual, constructive and augmented reality systems, to create a training, testing and research environment unique in Australia.
The precinct will also include supporting training facilities, and an advanced industry collaboration area bringing together key players active in the tropical simulation arena.
Recognising the ever-increasing demand for digital data management and graphic utilisation for immersive visual systems, as well as the accelerated growth and adoption of Artificial Intelligence functions, NQ SPARK has partnered with Australian owned global technology provider, Ethan Global to create a scalable and Australian sovereign-based HPC capability to support that functionality.
With offices in 10 countries across four continents, NQ SPARK in Townsville will become Ethan Global’s first permanent non-metro office, capitalising on this and other existing North Queensland contracts in the science, research and defence sectors.
Townsville Enterprise, CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said, Townsville Enterprise has been a long-term advocate of NQ SPARK.
“We are proud to see this transformative project progress, reinforcing North Queensland’s leadership in simulation, AI and training,” Ms. Brumme-Smith said.
“Our region thrives on cross-industry collaboration, and NQ SPARK offers an unparalleled platform for key sectors including defence, health and academia, to collaborate and advance research outcomes in the regions.”
“Construction is projected to generate $121.37M in GDP and 834 FTE jobs. Once operational, NQ SPARK will contribute $109M in economic output, $57.8M GDP, and 379 FTE jobs by 2029/30.”
“We welcome the announcement from Ethan Global to expand their presence within the NQ SPARK precinct. Their investment in High-Performance Computing capabilities will position North Queensland at the cutting edge of this rapidly growing sector."
“This new capability will significantly enhance efficiency, productivity, and provide an invaluable resource for local industries, cementing our region’s role as a leader in advanced technology and innovation.”
Ethan Global’s Chief Revenue Officer, Antony Flutey said, “Ethan is dedicated to becoming the premier IT service provider in North Queensland. By partnering with NQ SPARK, we are enhancing our private cloud platform in Brisbane and Townsville with High Performance Computing capabilities. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering a high-tech industry in North Queensland.”
NQ SPARK is actively working with groups including the Australian Defence Force, Cubic Defence Australia, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and a range of other key regional and national organisations to scope, tailor and future proof the offerings at the facility and create tropical Australia’s first simulation centre of excellence.
“NQ SPARK’s success hinges on hosting top-tier simulation technologies, and Ethan Global’s expertise and sovereign Australian capability makes them an exceptional HPC partner” said NQ SPARK Board Chairman, Lieutenant General (ret) John Caligari AO DSC.
With NQ SPARK finalising design and planning for the project, initial construction activities are expected in mid-2025. Work on the HPC system is already underway and expected to be operational soon.
For more information about NQ SPARK, please visit www.nqspark.org
For more information on Ethan Global, please visit https://ethan.global/
