About
What Is CalCompute?
A publicly owned cloud computing cluster — mandated by California law, designed to democratize access to AI infrastructure, and intended to be built within the University of California system.
The Initiative
What CalCompute Is
CalCompute is a public cloud computing cluster established by California Government Code Section 11546.8, enacted as part of SB-53 (the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act), signed by Governor Newsom on September 29, 2025.
It is designed to advance the development and deployment of artificial intelligence that is safe, ethical, equitable, and sustainable — with two core statutory purposes:
- Fostering research and innovation that benefits the public.
- Enabling equitable innovation by expanding access to computational resources.
CalCompute is intended, to the extent possible, to be established within the University of California system. The statute requires it to include a fully owned and hosted cloud platform, human expertise to operate and maintain it, and human expertise to support and train users.
The initiative becomes operative only upon a legislative appropriation — meaning it requires funding from the California State Legislature to activate. A 14-member Consortium established within the Government Operations Agency (GovOps) is charged with delivering a framework report to the Legislature by January 1, 2027.
The Problem
Why Public Compute Matters
Compute is the essential infrastructure of the AI revolution — the specialized hardware and data center capacity required to train and run advanced AI systems. Today, this infrastructure is dangerously concentrated in private hands.
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. This price tag effectively excludes universities, startups, researchers, nonprofits, and public interest organizations from meaningful participation in AI development.
The result: Big Tech is picking the winners and losers of the AI race. Microsoft gave OpenAI preferential compute access. Amazon did the same for Anthropic. An AI startup's survival depends on hyperscalers' goodwill — and the public interest gets no seat at the table.
CalCompute changes that. As a publicly owned and operated resource, it would be free from profit motives and designed to serve those currently priced out — the way the U.S. Postal Service and public broadband democratized communication.
"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
About This Site
What Is CaliforniaCompute.org?
This site is run by the UC CalCompute Coalition — an independent, community-led effort supporting the CalCompute initiative.
Research
We conduct and publish independent research to inform each element of the Consortium's required framework report.
Nominations
We identify and vet qualified candidates across all four Consortium appointment tracks and submit nominations to the relevant appointing authorities.
Advocacy
CalCompute cannot move forward without a legislative appropriation. We track the budget process and coordinate with advocates, legislators, and stakeholders.
Recommendations
We publish detailed policy and technical recommendations on governance, workforce equity, platform architecture, and public access.
Coalition Support
We support the Consortium throughout its work and the broader initiative beyond the Consortium's dissolution.
Public Education
We explain CalCompute to the public, the press, policymakers, and potential users — including researchers, students, nonprofits, and public agencies.
Who We Are
The UC CalCompute Coalition & Partners
We are a coalition of University of California students, alumni, and faculty, partnered with leading organizations in AI policy, economic security, and tech equity. We operate independently of the state government.
University of California, Berkeley
Public research university and founding coalition institution.
University of California, Riverside
Public research university and founding coalition institution.
Economic Security Project
Economic power, public investment, and anti-monopoly advocacy.
Secure AI
AI safety and security policy.
TechEquity
Equitable outcomes in the tech economy for workers and communities.
ENCODE
Tech policy education and civic engagement.
Affiliation note: 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.