IIT Madras Launches 3.1 Petaflop Indigenous Supercomputer ‘Param Shakti’
On January 10, 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras unveiled its latest achievement in high-performance computing with the launch of the indigenous supercomputer named ‘Param Shakti’. This significant development marks a milestone in India’s technological capabilities, showcasing the country’s commitment to advancing its computing power for research and innovation.
High Computing Power and Capabilities
Param Shakti boasts an impressive performance of 3.1 petaflops, which translates to the ability to perform over 3.1 quadrillion calculations per second. This extraordinary computational power positions Param Shakti among the most powerful supercomputers in India, enabling researchers to address large and complex problems with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
The advanced capabilities of Param Shakti are expected to significantly reduce the time required for experimental work across various fields. Researchers will be able to conduct simulations and analyses that were previously unfeasible due to computational limitations. Key sectors that will benefit from this supercomputer include:
- Aerospace
- Materials Science
- Climate Modelling
- Drug Discovery
- Advanced Manufacturing
By enhancing India’s computing capabilities, Param Shakti strengthens the country’s position in global technology competition.
Fully Indigenous Development
Param Shakti is a product of indigenous development, constructed entirely in India at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) located within IIT Madras. The system utilizes C-DAC’s RUDRA server series and operates on open-source software. This development aligns with the Indian government’s push for self-reliance in advanced digital infrastructure, reducing dependency on foreign technology.
Part of the Param Rudra Cluster
The new supercomputer is an integral part of the Param Rudra supercomputing cluster, which is designed to provide comprehensive infrastructure for high-performance computing. This cluster includes:
- Round-the-clock power supply
- Advanced cooling solutions
- Robust data centre operations
The project is funded under the National Supercomputing Mission, which is jointly led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This mission aims to enhance India’s capabilities in supercomputing and research.
Strengthening India’s Research Ecosystem
The National Supercomputing Mission is pivotal in supporting a wide range of application-driven projects across various institutions in India. As of now, 37 supercomputers have been installed nationwide, with more systems in the planning stages. This initiative aims to create a robust research and innovation ecosystem in the country.
According to experts, the introduction of Param Shakti will have a meaningful impact on the research landscape in India. The government is committed to providing dedicated funding for projects that operate at a scale capable of delivering significant results.
Focus on Technology Diversity
In an effort to foster innovation, MeitY has adopted a strategy that promotes technology diversity. Instead of endorsing a single technology or GPU type, the initiative encourages access to multiple GPU architectures. This strategy allows scientists, researchers, and innovators to gain exposure to various platforms, enhancing their skills and capabilities in high-performance computing.
This approach not only broadens the scope of research but also prepares the workforce to adapt to evolving technological landscapes, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global arena of advanced computing.
Conclusion
The launch of Param Shakti signifies a remarkable achievement for IIT Madras and India as a whole. With its advanced computing capabilities, this indigenous supercomputer is set to revolutionize research across multiple fields, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. As India continues to invest in its technological infrastructure, the future looks promising for researchers and innovators alike.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data as of January 2024.
