Cusat's Knowledge Festival Opens Doors to Public, Showcases Rs 26 Crore Supercomputer
Kochi: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has launched a two-day Knowledge Festival, aimed at strengthening the university's engagement with the general public and showcasing its comprehensive academic and research ecosystem. The event began on Thursday, offering visitors a unique opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to Cusat's innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge research activities, and impactful social initiatives.
Key Attraction: Advanced Hybrid Computing System
A major highlight of the festival is the hybrid high-performance computing system, developed at a cost of Rs 26 crore with support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Housed at the Centre for Information Resource Management, this state-of-the-art facility features 102 computing nodes, nine GPU nodes, and two petabytes of storage capacity. This makes it one of the most advanced computing systems among universities in south India, underscoring Cusat's commitment to technological excellence.
Expert Talks and Academic Exploration
Experts from Cusat will deliver a series of informative talks on a wide range of topics, including four-year degree programmes, admissions processes, climate change, the blue economy, advanced instrumentation facilities, and the fundamentals of patents. Additionally, the university's 33 academic departments—spanning science, technology, law, business studies, economics, and languages—are open for exploration, allowing visitors to delve into diverse fields of study.
Special Programmes and Parallel Events
Special highlights of the festival include unique programmes in marine engineering and marine sciences, along with initiatives from centres such as the Centre for Science in Society and the Advanced Radar Centre. At the School of Engineering, a parallel event titled Vibhava features seminars with industry representatives and an automotive exhibition, providing practical insights into engineering applications and industry trends.
Overall, the Knowledge Festival serves as a bridge between academia and the community, promoting transparency and collaboration in higher education and research.
