5 - 12 July 2026 (Team Selection)

Hosted by

The Center for High Performance Computing (CHPC) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

The CHPC invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to enter the CHPC Student Cluster Competition. The CHPC Student Cluster Competition gives undergraduate students at South African universities exposure to the High Performance Computing (HPC) Industry. The winning team stands the chance to be entered into the ISC Student Cluster Competition hosted at the 2026 International Supercomputing Conference in Germany.

The competition registration is open to South African students enrolled in a STEM related degree who are in 2nd year if enrolled in a 3 year degree, or in 2nd or 3rd year if enrolled in a 4 year degree.

Team Selection is intended to equip participants with the essential knowledge required to build a computing cluster. This includes gaining hands-on experience with Linux systems, understanding the fundamental software stack used in clusters, and learning the principles of high performance computing. The outcome of the team selection round,based on the various assessments that teams are required to complete during the week, are used to determine which teams advance to the CHPC Student Cluster Competition National Round.

The teams that make it through to the National Round will build small HPC clusters on the exhibition floor at the CHPC National Annual  Conference. The participants are given a selection of benchmarks and  applications to optimise and run on their clusters. 

The CHPC will cover the costs of accommodation during all events as well as travel to the venue and conference fees, where applicable.

For more information email: scc.chpc@csir.co.za