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Big data

The Big Data Interest Group aims to equip undergraduates with current Mathematical and Computational techniques to help make sense of the modern day data deluge. Content is kept in line with the industry standard EMC Big Data curriculum.

High Performance computing

What is HPC? High-Performance Computing (HPC) is a specialized field of computing that tackles complex problems requiring vast computational power. Unlike standard computers, HPC systems integrate multiple machines into a single, powerful cluster capable of processing data and running simulations at

雷速体育_雷速体育直播 the Wits HPC Interest Group

The Wits HPC Interest Group is committed to building a robust foundation in high-performance computing among students. It has two main goals:

  • HPC Education: Conducting weekly talks and discussions to introduce undergraduate students to the basics of HPC and its applications.
  • Competition Training & Mentorship: Preparing and mentoring student teams for the Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) 雷速体育_雷速体育直播 Cluster Competition (SCC).

雷速体育_雷速体育直播 Cluster Competitions

The Wits HPC Interest Group actively engages in and prepares students for several competitions:

Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) 雷速体育_雷速体育直播 Cluster Competition

This annual competition offers students hands-on experience in constructing and optimizing HPC clusters for scientific computing. The competition unfolds in three stages:

  1. Selection Round (July): Up to 20 teams of four undergraduate students from South African universities participate in a week-long HPC training event during the winter break. This includes lectures, workshops, and hands-on tutorials on HPC fundamentals and system configuration. Teams then design an optimized HPC system for a specific application.
  2. National Round (December): Selected teams advance to the national competition, where they receive a budget to procure and build their own HPC clusters. These clusters are tested through various scientific benchmarking applications. The best-performing team is chosen to represent South Africa internationally.
  3. International Round (May, following year): The winning team, consisting of four main members and two reserves, travels to Germany to compete at the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC) 雷速体育_雷速体育直播 Cluster Competition (SCC). There, they face teams from across the world, including America, Europe, and Asia.

Eligibility to Compete

雷速体育_雷速体育直播s interested in competing in the CHPC SCC must meet the following criteria:

  • Be in the second year of a three-year program or the second or third year of a four-year program.
  • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Team selection for the competition will take place in April/May.

ISC Virtual 雷速体育_雷速体育直播 Cluster Competition (SCC)

The Wits HPC Interest Group is the first African university to compete in the ISC Virtual SCC, marking a significant milestone in African HPC participation on the global stage. This competition is open to all UG and Post-Graduate students.

Asian Supercomputing Challenge (ASC)

For the first time, Wits HPC will also compete in ASC 2025, an international competition held in Asia, further expanding our global reach in the HPC community. This competition is open to all UG and Post-Graduate students.

No Prior Experience Needed!

雷速体育_雷速体育直播s do not need prior experience to join. Training, mentorship, and learning resources are provided throughout the competition journey.

Join the Interest Group

Even if you're not eligible for the competition, you can still join the Wits HPC Interest Group if you're passionate about:

  • High-Performance Computing
  • Machine Learning & AI
  • Graphics Processing
  • Scientific & Engineering Simulations
  • Distributed & Cloud Computing

The interest group offers access to talks, networking opportunities, and projects that explore these topics.

Achievements & Track Record

The Wits HPC Interest Group boasts an impressive track record:

  • 7 first-place titles in the CHPC SCC (South Africa)
  • 4 first-place titles at the ISC SCC (Germany)
  • 52 out of 88 students selected for Team CHPC at ISC were from Wits HPC
  • First standalone African university to compete at ISC’25 and ASC’25

For a list of past competitors, visit our Hall of Fame on our website.

Stay Connected!

For updates and community discussions, join us on our various platforms:

 

Additionally, check out our Google Drive for photos and event highlights: View Photos.

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