CalCompute Initiative
Public Compute for the Public Good
California's effort to build publicly owned AI infrastructure — a cloud computing cluster for researchers, startups, and communities priced out of the AI revolution.
"Compute is the highway system of the AI revolution, the essential infrastructure required to develop and run advanced AI systems."
— Natalie Foster, Economic Security Project
The Initiative
What Is CalCompute?
CalCompute is a publicly owned cloud computing cluster established by California SB-53 and mandated to be developed within the University of California system.
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft collectively control two-thirds of the global cloud market. A single leading AI model can cost $80–100 million to train — a price tag that excludes virtually every researcher, startup, and public interest organization in California.
CalCompute is California's answer: a public option for AI infrastructure, free from profit motives, designed to serve the researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities who need it most.
Current Status
Where CalCompute Stands
CalCompute is established in statute. The next step is a legislative appropriation to make it operative.
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| SB-1047 introduced | February 7, 2024 |
| SB-1047 passes Legislature | August 28–29, 2024 |
| SB-1047 vetoed by Governor Newsom | September 29, 2024 |
| SB-53 introduced | 2025 Legislative Session |
| SB-53 signed into law | September 29, 2025 |
| CalCompute Consortium established in statute | Gov. Code § 11546.8 |
| Legislative appropriation to activate CalCompute | Pending |
| GovOps appoints Consortium members | Pending appropriation |
| Consortium framework report due | January 1, 2027 |
| CalCompute operational | TBD |
Coalition Partners
Who We Work With
CaliforniaCompute.org is a community resource on California's CalCompute initiative, maintained by University of California students, alumni, and faculty.
This is not an official California state government website. CaliforniaCompute.org is operated by the UC CalCompute Coalition, an independent community coalition acting in support of a state initiative.
Help Make CalCompute Real
CalCompute cannot move forward without a legislative appropriation and a fully appointed Consortium. We need researchers, advocates, technologists, and community members to help us get there.