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.
”Fostering research and innovation that benefits the public… [and] enabling equitable innovation by expanding access to computational resources.”
— California Senate Bill 53
The Initiative
What CalCompute Is?
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.
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.
“Fostering research and innovation that benefits the public… [and] enabling equitable innovation by expanding access to computational resources.”
— California Senate Bill 53
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 |
Framework Report Deadline
January 1, 2027
Until the Consortium’s framework report is due to the California Legislature
About This Site
What Is CaliforniaCompute.org?
CaliforniaCompute.org is an independent community resource on California's CalCompute initiative, maintained by UC students, alumni, and faculty.
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 for Consortium appointment and submit nominations to the relevant appointing authorities on behalf of the coalition.
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.
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.
Help Build CalCompute
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.