India Advances High-Performance Computing with Launch of Param Shakti Supercomputer at IIT Madras
On January 9, 2026, India took a significant step forward in enhancing its high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities with the inauguration of the Param Shakti supercomputer at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. This indigenous supercomputing facility, boasting a computational power of 3.1 petaflops, is a part of the National Supercomputing Mission aimed at bolstering research and innovation across various scientific and industrial domains.
Inauguration and Development
The launch of Param Shakti was officiated by S. Krishnan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in Chennai. The supercomputer is powered by the PARAM Rudra system, which was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This facility is designed to serve as a shared national resource, supporting advanced research in multiple fields.
Research Applications
Param Shakti is expected to facilitate cutting-edge research in various areas, including:
- Aerospace engineering
- Climate and weather modeling
- Drug discovery
- Materials science
- Advanced manufacturing
The computational capacity provided by Param Shakti is set to accelerate innovation by enabling complex simulations, large-scale data analysis, and AI-driven scientific discovery.
Impact on Academia and Research
During the inauguration, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti highlighted the importance of national digital infrastructure, such as the National Knowledge Network, in enhancing research capabilities. He encouraged students and researchers to focus on energy-efficient programming practices and effective GPU sharing to maximize the potential of the new supercomputer.
Government Support and Future Plans
MeitY Secretary Krishnan addressed the gathering, expressing optimism about the collaboration among faculty and researchers from various departments. He emphasized the significance of the launch in the context of India’s expanding HPC ecosystem. As of now, there are 37 supercomputers installed across institutions nationwide, with more systems planned, including the largest supercomputer intended for Bengaluru.
This growing network of supercomputing infrastructure aims to democratize access to high-end computing power across academia and research institutions, fostering a collaborative research environment.
Self-Reliance in Computing Infrastructure
Param Shakti is built entirely in India, utilizing C-DAC’s Rudra series servers and open-source software. This initiative reflects the country’s broader push for self-reliance in critical digital and computing infrastructure. Secretary Krishnan linked the capabilities of Param Shakti to the IndiaAI Mission, stating, “By enabling access to multiple GPU architectures, we want our innovators, scientists, and researchers to gain broad exposure and develop the capability to master diverse platforms.”
Operational Status and Utilization
Since becoming operational in May 2025, Param Shakti has achieved over 80 percent utilization, underscoring its importance and demand among researchers. The facility places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, which is crucial for sustainable computing practices.
These developments signal India’s steady progress toward building exascale computing capabilities in the coming years, thereby strengthening its position in global science, technology, and innovation.
Conclusion
The launch of the Param Shakti supercomputer marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards enhancing its high-performance computing capabilities. By providing researchers with access to advanced computational resources, India is not only fostering innovation but also positioning itself as a leader in the global scientific community.
Note: This article reflects the current advancements in India’s high-performance computing landscape and the significance of the Param Shakti supercomputer in supporting various research initiatives.
