Student Teams Compete in the Ultimate HPC Challenge at SC24

Formed in January 2023, the UNM HPC team quickly established itself in the competitive HPC landscape with appearances at WC23, SC23, WC24, and ISC24. This year’s team includes Ryan Scherbarth, a core member since the beginning, and Sumaya Houssini Mohamed, who joined during WC24 and works with Ryan at UNM’s HPC center. Xavier Barr, a recent addition from WC24, contributes valuable expertise. Newcomers Molly Palko and Saskia Trefethen, both competing for the first time, bring solid  backgrounds from the UNM computer science department.

This year, the team is excited to leverage custom-designed hardware from sponsors, Penguin Solutions and Dell. The opportunity to build a cluster from the ground up will allow them to optimize for this year’s GPU-intensive benchmarks. While awaiting hardware delivery, the team is preparing by familiarizing themselves with applications and benchmarks at UNM’s Center for Advanced Research Computing, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running.

The UNM HPC team is proud of its diversity as half of its members are women and several identify as first-generation college students or hail from minority groups. This diverse composition, combined with the team’s range of experience and strong connections with HPC professionals, positions them well for success at SC24.

The Gig ’em Bytes team brings a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to SC24. Though not all are from Texas, their dedication to their alma mater is unwavering. Co-Captains Victoria Chen and John Ammon, who are excited to build on their previous IndySCC experience, will be mentoring first-time SC competitors and ensuring an engaging experience for all team members.

The team is well-prepared with a solid foundation in HPC and scientific computing. Their preparation includes weekly meetings focused on HPC fundamentals and strategies for deploying applications alongside asynchronous training modules, such as LinkedIn Learning courses on Linux commands and bash scripting. They will also work through ICON and NAMD tutorials with additional targeted training once the fall semester begins. While awaiting their vendor hardware, the Gig ’em Bytes team will have access to cutting-edge technology from Dell’s Innovation Lab. Dr. Lisa Perez will guide them on scientific writing and reproducibility, while TAMU High Performance Research Computing System Administrators and Dell will provide training in hardware benchmarking. With members actively involved in research and one holding three patents, the team seems poised to take on SC24 SCC.

The Clemson Cybertigers are a cohesive team, blending both seasoned veterans and eager newcomers. Built on the foundation of the SC23 HPC Tigers, the team includes returning members Benjamin (Ben) Schlueter, Kristen Guernsey, and Ainara Garcia  alongside new recruits Marcus McAbee, Chloe Crozier, and Sam Quan. Together, they bring a range of expertise from working in national labs, internships, and ongoing HPC projects, making them both versatile and resilient. Their shared goal is to leverage this diverse set of skills to excel in the SC24 SCC.

In preparation for competition, the Cybertigers have focused on hands-on learning and strategic planning. To date, they have set up 4-node Raspberry Pi clusters; configured HPC software, like Slurm and MPI; and tested parallel applications to optimize their performance. A visit to Clemson’s Palmetto Cluster provided the team with valuable insights from HPC experts, which are being integrated into their strategies. To avoid last year’s challenges, each team member has been assigned specific benchmarks to optimize, ensuring a well-rounded approach to both performance and power efficiency.

Diversity is a core strength of the Cybertigers with half of the team being women. Kristen and Ainara’s efforts to build a more inclusive team have resulted in a group with  varied perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The lessons learned from SC23 have been crucial in shaping this year’s strategy, allowing the team to refine their approach and avoid past pitfalls. With prolonged access to their hardware this year, the Cybertigers are better prepared to face the SCC competition, supported by the Clemson data center and the guidance of system administrator Ben.

The Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) team for SC24 SCC was formed through a specialized university course that brought together students with a shared passion for HPC. Although many team members were strangers before the course, they quickly bonded over their common goals. Experienced members like Johannes Dittrich, who previously competed at the ASC (Asia Supercomputer Community) Student Supercomputing Challenge 2024, have guided the team, while the newer members bring diverse backgrounds in computer science.

The team has rigorously prepared for the competition with weekly meetings intensifying as SC24 approaches. Dividing into smaller groups, they focus on specific benchmarks, applications, and cluster setup, practicing under competition-like conditions. They benefit from the mentorship of former SCC participants and support of their sponsor, MEGWARE, which provides hardware and a testing environment.

What sets this team apart is its diversity as its members span various cultural and academic backgrounds from across three continents. Although only six members can compete, the team is supported by two additional students who have been involved in preparations. This blend of diversity and mentorship makes the FAU team a strong contender to win this year’s SCC.

The NTHU SCC team, organized by Professor Jerry Chou, brings together students from various departments and academic years – all united by their enthusiasm for HPC and artificial intelligence (AI). While none have participated in SCC before, the team members have considerable experience from other cluster competitions and a solid foundation built through more than a year of training under senior team instructors. Guided by Prof. Chou, the team leader collaborates with members to select the most suitable participants for each event, ensuring a diverse range of HPC backgrounds and a shared passion for computational science.

Preparation for SCC is structured and thorough with weekly meetings where each member reports on research progress. The team recently organized a summer camp to promote HPC and AI among students at various educational levels, sparking widespread interest in these fields. In addition, they are testing machines provided by their hardware sponsors, gaining valuable early insights to enhance their research outcomes. These activities highlight the team’s commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, leveraging advanced technology to push the boundaries of what is possible in HPC and AI.

What makes NTHU SCC special is the legacy of excellence they have inherited from previous members who have excelled in international supercomputing competitions. Despite this team’s limited experience, they expect to rise to the challenge, turning obstacles into growth opportunities through events like the HiPAC competition and international contests, such as ISC24 and ASC24. The team features members from different disciplines, which aims to foster innovative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of supercomputing challenges. Their participation in HPC competitions also allows them to connect with global teams, exchanging ideas and embracing fresh perspectives. NTHU SCC is not just a team: it is a vibrant community heading to SC24, where they are ready to showcase their skills and collaboration on the world’s HPC stage.

The Diablo team from Tsinghua University is a well-established group with a rich history of achievements in the SCC competition. This year, the team has been carefully assembled through a series of HPC-related courses and competitions within the university, aimed at cultivating talent and fostering collaboration. The team features a strategic mix of seasoned members with prior SCC experience and eager newcomers ready to dive into the world of HPC. This blend of experience and fresh perspectives is designed to enhance the team’s capability and innovation as they prepare for the challenges of SCC at SC24.

Extensive training has been a cornerstone of the team’s preparation, supported by robust hardware resources provided by the PACMAN Lab. The team has access to a training cluster equipped with Intel Xeon CPUs and NVIDIA accelerators, along with diverse platforms including ARM and AMD processors, AMD accelerators, and field-programmable gate arrays. This variety enables the team to explore different architectures and optimize their performance across applications. Weekly meetings are held to discuss progress, and specific applications are assigned to team members for focused optimization. Feedback from faculty and senior team members is integral to refining their strategies and ensuring they are well-prepared for the competition.

Diversity and dynamism are central to the Diablo team’s ethos. The team is committed to promoting diversity in HPC by including members from underrepresented groups, such as Zhiyu Xue, a Korean Chinese student from a remote area with limited access to computer education. This range of experiences and backgrounds enriches the team’s collaborative environment. Moreover, team members share a variety of hobbies, from basketball and table tennis to diving, painting, and game development, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The Diablo team is excited to showcase their talent at SC24 and eager to exchange knowledge and experiences with the global HPC community.

This year’s NTU team is composed entirely of newcomers to SCC, which formed via a rigorous recruitment process that includes admission tests, workshops, meetings, and industry site visits. While this will be their first time at the SC Conference, the team members have already participated in several international HPC competitions, honing their skills and preparing for the challenges ahead. They are eager to broaden their horizons as part of the SCC, learn from experts, and connect with peers from around the world.

The NTU HPC team’s preparation is a blend of regular training, practical experience, and robust industry partnerships. Weekly sessions led by senior members cover essential HPC topics, such as Linux usage, parallel programming, and cluster administration, while group meetings focus on hardware configuration and competition strategies. The team also benefits from workshops organized by Singapore’s National Supercomputing Center (NSCC) and collaborations with domain experts in climate research and engineering. Practical experience is emphasized through hands-on management of HPC systems and optimization of configurations. The team’s efforts are supported by partnerships with vendors, such as NSCC, NVIDIA, AMD, and Super Micro Computer, Inc., providing the technical support and resources needed to stay at the forefront of HPC technology.

In addition to their technical pursuits, the NTU team shares a unique passion for brewing coffee, so much that they named their server, “Coffeepot.” This adds a personal touch to their collaborative efforts, creating a fun and engaging team dynamic. As they prepare for SCC at SC24, the team is committed to continuous learning and excited to showcase their skills – all supported by a comprehensive approach that blends theory, practice, and industry insight.

This year marks an exciting milestone for the Finnish HPC community as a team of students from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University will come together to compete in the SCC at SC24. Organized by the Finnish national supercomputing center, CSC, this team is stepping onto the global stage with enthusiasm and determination. While all members are newcomers to the SCC/IndySCC competitions, they bring diverse expertise from disciplines, including computer science, mathematics, physics, and biology, creating a multidisciplinary powerhouse ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Training has focused on mastering competition applications and benchmarks with guidance from CSC advisors. The team has benefited from access to LUMI, Finland’s top supercomputer, which mirrors their competition cluster. Collaboration with HPE and other experts has further sharpened their skills.

As the first Finnish team to compete on site at the SCC, they aim to represent the University of Helsinki and Aalto University with pride. Their diverse academic backgrounds also enhance their problem-solving approach, making them a uniquely innovative team at SC24.

This team’s journey to SCC at SC24 began through a blend of academic coursework and active involvement in their university’s supercomputing club. The club has been a vital platform, providing hands-on projects that have honed the team’s HPC skills. While this is the team’s first time competing in the SCC, they are not entirely new to the challenge. Two members bring valuable experience from previous SCC participation, playing a key role in training and mentoring. These seasoned competitors share their insights and strategies, helping the newer members – who are well-versed in HPC through various projects, research, and coursework – prepare for the competition.

Preparation has focused on club projects, such as the Raspberry Pi Cluster and Single Board Cluster Competition, where members practice essential HPC skills. The San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) Expanse supercomputer and club hardware has provided valuable hands-on experience. Weekly meetings and biweekly sessions with mentors, including SDSC staff and SCC alumni, under the guidance of Dr. Mary Thomas, ensure the team is well-prepared for the SCC.

Team RACKlette from ETH Zürich is a dedicated group of students passionate about HPC. Established in 2018, the team represents a diverse mix of academic backgrounds, especially in mathematics and computer science. This year’s SCC team includes three experienced members and three newcomers – all contributing to the team’s ongoing legacy. The team emphasizes continuous growth through knowledge sharing, supported by a detailed internal Wiki documenting past projects.

This team has prepared for SCC through weekly meetings, where they address challenges and receive mentoring from past members. A key part of their preparation involves collaboration with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), which provides resources and expert advice tailored to the competition. A multi-day workshop with CSCS experts has equipped the team with practical tips and deep insights to guide their SCC strategy.

Furthermore, the team stands out for its inclusivity, welcoming new members regardless of prior experience. They value motivation and team spirit, offering fast access to hardware and self-organized workshops hosted by experienced members. This supportive environment fosters a thriving community where everyone, whether competing or not, gains valuable HPC experience.

Peking University is no stranger to the SCC, having won the highest Linpack award at SCC in 2023. To continue sparking interest in supercomputing, the university launched the PKU HPC Game competition, the first of its kind in China, attracting students from various majors. This event helped identify the most talented and enthusiastic students for this year’s SCC team. Composed entirely of newcomers, half being freshmen, the team is determined to uphold the university’s tradition in supercomputing excellence.

The team’s preparation is well underway. They host weekly meetings to track progress and troubleshoot challenges and already started running competition applications on their hardware, ensuring hands-on experience. Former SCC participants are actively involved, sharing valuable insights and preparation tips to guide the new team members.

Peking University’s team places a special emphasis on the well-being of its members. The team encourages maintaining a balanced routine. The goal is for every member to enjoy the SCC preparation process and deliver their best performance at SC24.

SC also hosts the IndySCC. Meet the competing teams and learn more about this competition.