Chennai, India – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has inaugurated ‘Param Shakti,’ a new supercomputer built entirely in India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the 3.1 petaflop system. This advanced machine performs over 3.1 quadrillion calculations each second, marking a significant boost for national research capabilities and accelerating scientific discovery.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) developed and implemented Param Shakti. Its indigenous construction aligns with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. The facility ranks among the nation’s most powerful academic computing resources. It will help researchers accelerate complex problem-solving, dramatically reducing lengthy experimental work.
Accelerating Scientific Discovery
Param Shakti will support cutting-edge research across critical national sectors. These areas include aerospace engineering, where complex fluid dynamics simulations are vital. In climate studies, it enables detailed global climate modeling. For materials science, the supercomputer assists in designing new materials at an atomic level. It also aids in rapid pharmaceutical drug development and advanced manufacturing processes, such as optimizing production lines.
By speeding up computations, the supercomputer helps shorten research timelines from years to months or even weeks. This enhanced computing power positions India more strongly in global scientific competition. It provides essential infrastructure for intricate simulations and large-scale data analysis, crucial for scientific breakthroughs and innovation.
National Supercomputing Mission Goals
The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) funded the Param Shakti facility. MeitY and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) jointly oversee the NSM. The mission aims to establish a robust supercomputing infrastructure across India. This strengthens research institutions, fosters innovation, and enhances scientific independence within the country.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, confirmed the installation of 37 supercomputers nationwide under the NSM. He stated the mission continually strengthens India’s research and innovation ecosystem. Krishnan emphasized the goal: to create research systems capable of “operating at a scale that makes a real difference” for national challenges and societal benefit.
Advanced Infrastructure and Future Focus
The Param Shakti facility includes essential supporting infrastructure for continuous, high-performance operation. This features a reliable round-the-clock power supply, ensuring uninterrupted computing cycles. Advanced cooling systems manage the immense heat generated by intense computations. The data center operates with energy-efficient technologies, minimizing its environmental footprint and operational costs.
V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, acknowledged MeitY’s long-term contributions to India’s digital landscape. MeitY has significantly advanced national computing infrastructure through initiatives such as the National Knowledge Network. This sustained support has been crucial for technological progress and educational connectivity.
Kamakoti specifically urged students and faculty to prioritize several key areas. These include developing energy-efficient code for optimal supercomputer performance. He also stressed the effective sharing of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) resources among users. Furthermore, developing indigenous technologies supports India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. These efforts ensure sustained innovation and technological self-reliance within the country’s academic and industrial sectors.