$100m supercomputer takes nano-tech back to school

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has unveiled a $100m collaboration with IBM and the State of New York to create what it claims is the world's most powerful university-based supercomputing centre.

The Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations (CCNI), which ranks as one of the top 10 supercomputing centres, is based on the Rensselaer campus and the Rensselaer Technology Park in New York.

It is designed to continue the advances in shrinking device dimensions seen by electronics manufacturers, and to extend this model to a wide range of industries that could benefit from nanotechnology.

Chipmaker AMD and Cadence Design Systems, an electronic design automation software developer, will collaborate with Rensselaer and IBM to deliver advanced simulation and modelling of nano-electronic devices and circuitry.

The CCNI will focus on reducing the time and costs associated with designing and manufacturing nano-scale materials, devices and systems.

"This new supercomputing centre dedicated to nanotechnology will have a global impact," said Rensselaer president Shirley Ann Jackson.

John Kelly, senior vice president of technology and intellectual property at IBM, added: "Current semiconductor technology is rapidly approaching its practical limits.

"New nanotechnology-based technologies will be needed to sustain the productivity growth that the IT industry provides to the world economy."