The finals of the ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge (ASC25) successfully concluded at Qinghai University in Xining, China. Following five days of rigorous competition, the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University emerged as the champion, while the team from Peking University secured the silver prize, both demonstrating outstanding competence in high-performance computing and scientific problem-solving.
More than 300 university teams from around the world registered for ASC25. Following a preliminary selection round, 25 teams advanced to the finals held at Qinghai University-marking the geographically highest-altitude venue in the history of the ASC competition. In the final round, participating teams were required to design and deploy small-scale supercomputing clusters, each constrained by a 4,000-watt power consumption limit. Within these clusters, teams executed and optimized internationally recognized benchmark tests, HPL and HPCG. Additionally, they applied performance optimization strategies to a suite of advanced scientific and engineering applications, including acceleration for AlphaFold3 inference and RNA 5-methylcytosine modification site detection, as well as DeepSeek inference and cosmic neutrino detection simulations. Teams were further assessed through English-language oral defenses presented before a jury composed of more than ten internationally renowned experts in high-performance computing and scientific applications. Furthermore, the 25 finalist teams were randomly assigned into five groups for the Group Competition, where they collaborated across institutions to address a complex scientific challenge: numerical simulation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau climate.
As anticipated, the final round of the competition was marked by exceptional intensity and high-level performance. The 25 finalist teams demonstrated excellence across a range of evaluation criteria, including system architecture design, power efficiency, application performance optimization, collaborative problem-solving, and oral defense presentations. Their collective pursuit of innovation and technical advancement contributed to a truly remarkable and impactful event. The team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University demonstrated comprehensive capabilities, delivering strong performances in multiple tasks such as AlphaFold3 inference optimization, DeepSeek inference, and cosmic neutrino detection simulation. Their results reflected a deep understanding of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing systems, and interdisciplinary scientific applications, as well as superior optimization skills-culminating in their attainment of the overall championship. Meanwhile, the team from Peking University delivered outstanding results in RNA 5-methylcytosine modification site detection and DeepSeek optimization, earning them the silver prize.
In the designated task for the e Prize Challenge-AlphaFold3 inference optimization-the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University implemented comprehensive system-level and algorithmic optimizations. These included framework migration, refinement of matrix algorithms, task decomposition, parallel computing strategies, and communication acceleration. As a result of these efforts, they successfully achieved efficient multi-node inference of AlphaFold3 on a general-purpose CPU-based cluster. Their outstanding performance secured the highest ranking in this challenge and earned them the prestigious e Prize.
A group comprising students from Sun Yat-sen University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Fuzhou University, and National Taiwan University demonstrated exceptional coordination and exemplary inter-institutional collaboration. Their joint efforts resulted in the highest score in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau climate simulation challenge. In recognition of their outstanding performance, the team was collectively awarded the Group Competition Award.
Teams from Zhejiang University, Fuzhou University, and Qilu University of Technology were awarded the Application Innovation Award in recognition of their outstanding performance in specific competition challenges and their innovative approaches to application-level problem-solving.
Jack Dongarra, Chair of ASC Advisory Committee, Turing Award winner, and Emeritus Professor at the University of Tennessee, stated: "The ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge is not just a competition, but a platform connecting global students, mentors, and industry leaders-where knowledge, creativity, and cutting-edge technologies ignite new possibilities. The fascination with emerging technologies, the fearless courage to tackle complex challenges, and the spirit of cross-border collaboration demonstrated by young participants all fuel students' drive to explore, innovate, and ultimately achieve personal breakthroughs."
Shi Yuanchun, President of Qinghai University, stated: "The competition is a premier platform for young students around the world to push the boundaries of computing and explore the frontiers of science and technology. It also serves as a bridge for mutual learning among civilizations. By hosting the ASC25 finals, Qinghai University has delivered a powerful message to the world-vibrant, rigorous, pragmatic, and driven toward progress. Looking ahead, Qinghai University will collaborate with global partners to address major scientific challenges, drive breakthroughs in cutting-edge supercomputing technologies, and unleash innovative momentum on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau."
View the ASC25 Video here
About ASC
The ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge serves as a platform to promote the exchange and development of young talent in supercomputing worldwide, with support from experts and institutions across Asia, Europe, and America. The competition aims to elevate the application and R&D capabilities in supercomputing, harness its technological driving force, and foster innovation across science, technology, and industry. Since its inception in 2012, ASC has attracted tens of thousands of university students from six continents, solidifying its status as the largest university-level supercomputing competition globally. To discover more about this impactful endeavor, visit the website http://www.asc-events.net/StudentChallenge/index.html
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