High-Performance Computing

New Indiana U AI Supercomputer Is Fastest in the State

• By Rhea Kelly
• 01/10/20

Indiana University has acquired a new artificial intelligence supercomputer that claims the distinction of being the fastest in the state of Indiana and one of the fastest university-owned supercomputers in the United States. The first Shasta supercomputer from Cray installed anywhere in the world, Big Red 200 is six times faster than its predecessor Big Red II and nearly 300 times faster than the original Big Red supercomputer from 15 years ago, the institution noted in a news announcement.

Big Red will support IU's research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and scientific and medical research, the university said. "There has been a huge growth in the use of AI in nearly every area of science in recent years," said Fred Cate, IU vice president for research, in a university news article. "Common to many of these is the application of sophisticated machine learning techniques to massive amounts of data. Essential to this is enormous computing power specially configured to optimize these kinds of calculations. Big Red 200 will bring this nationally competitive capability to Indiana University scientists and researchers and to the state."

"I am excited about utilizing the AI capabilities of Big Red 200 to accelerate the research programs in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the IU School of Medicine," commented Distinguished Professor Tatiana Foroud, chair of the department, in a statement. "I believe this new AI-capable supercomputer will enable breakthrough discoveries across a broad range of research areas, including neurodegeneration and the study of Alzheimer's disease."

On Jan. 20, IU will broadcast a dedication ceremony for the new supercomputer as part of its Bicentennial celebration, which can be viewed live on the university's web streaming portal.