Tech Boost at IIT Madras: Indigenous PARAM SHAKTI Supercomputer Goes Live
MUMBAI: The inauguration of the PARAM SHAKTI supercomputing facility at IIT Madras marks a significant milestone in India’s scientific infrastructure. This event, led by S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, represents more than just the launch of a new machine; it signifies a pivotal moment where scale, sovereignty, and scientific ambition converge.
Overview of PARAM SHAKTI
At the heart of the PARAM SHAKTI facility is Param Rudra, a supercomputing system capable of performing 3.1 petaflops. This indigenous system, built entirely in India, utilizes C-DAC’s RUDRA series of servers and operates on an open-source software stack, including AlmaLinux. In computational terms, the system can execute over 3.1 quadrillion calculations per second.
Impact on Research and Development
The introduction of PARAM SHAKTI allows Indian researchers to significantly reduce the time required for experimental work across various fields. Some of the key areas benefiting from this supercomputer include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Materials Science
- Climate Modelling
- Drug Discovery
- Advanced Manufacturing
National Supercomputing Mission
The PARAM SHAKTI facility has been developed and implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) as part of the National Supercomputing Mission. This mission is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology. To date, the mission has successfully deployed 37 supercomputers across various Indian institutions, with plans for more installations, including the largest planned system in Bengaluru.
Institutional Transformation at IIT Madras
During the inauguration, S. Krishnan emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration at IIT Madras. He noted, “I have had a long association with IIT Madras, including in my earlier roles, and I have seen first-hand how truly interdisciplinary the Institute has become.” This collaborative environment is crucial for maximizing the potential of the PARAM SHAKTI facility.
Strategic Goals and AI Development
Krishnan also highlighted the strategic goals of the National Supercomputing Mission, focusing on scale and diversity rather than dependence on foreign technology. He stated, “Under the National Supercomputing Mission, we are supporting a wide range of use cases and application-driven projects with dedicated funding.” This approach is designed to enhance India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Specifically addressing artificial intelligence (AI), he mentioned the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to avoid promoting a single technology or type of GPU. This strategy is intended to foster resilience and informed technology choices, ensuring that India’s AI ecosystem remains diverse and adaptable.
Operational Efficiency and Utilization
PARAM SHAKTI is not merely a symbolic project; it has been operational since May 2025 and is currently running at over 80% utilization. The supercomputer is engaged in a variety of research projects, ranging from sub-atomic electronic structure calculations to large-scale structural simulations. Moreover, it boasts a power usage effectiveness (PUE) between 1.2 and 1.4, reflecting a growing emphasis on energy-efficient computing infrastructure.
Contributions from IIT Madras Faculty
During the inauguration ceremony, several faculty members from IIT Madras highlighted the significance of the new facility:
- Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, traced the continuity of state investment in computing, emphasizing the transition from the National Knowledge Network to high-performance platforms.
- Shri E. Magesh from C-DAC discussed the long journey of developing the Rudra platform.
- Prof. G. Phanikumar showcased “MicroSim,” an open-source multi-GPU solver developed at IIT Madras, which is now among the fastest globally in its category.
Conclusion: A Shift Towards Indigenous Competence
The launch of the PARAM SHAKTI supercomputer signifies a transformative shift in India’s computing capabilities. The country is moving from a reliance on imported technology to a position of indigenous competence and ownership. As the National Supercomputing Mission sets its sights on exascale ambitions, facilities like PARAM SHAKTI represent not only advancements in speed but also a strategic confidence in building, running, and governing the machines essential for modern scientific research.
Note: The PARAM SHAKTI supercomputer is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in high-performance computing and reflects the nation’s commitment to advancing its scientific and technological landscape.
