Lemhi supercomputer expands Idaho research capacity

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho —A powerful supercomputer is expanding high-performance computing for researchers across Idaho, enabled by a partnership between Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the state’s public research universities.

The system, known as Lemhi, serves researchers at University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University and replaces the Falcon supercomputer, delivering substantially faster performance and improved efficiency. The upgrade strengthens Idaho’s capacity for research, education and innovation and provides computing capabilities comparable to those at major national research institutions.

“Access to this level of computing allows Idaho to punch well above its weight,” said Luke Sheneman, director of research computing and data services at U of I. “It helps us attract top faculty and graduate students, compete for federal research funding and tackle problems we could not address without this kind of infrastructure.”

High-performance computing, often called supercomputing, allows researchers to solve problems that require enormous computational power, not because of the amount of data involved, but because of the complexity and scale of the problem itself. These systems process information faster than standard computers, accelerating discovery across disciplines such as artificial intelligence, energy systems, engineering, health sciences and natural resources.

“My research uses large-scale molecular simulations to better understand how chemicals interact with liquids, which is important for applications ranging from drug development to energy storage,” said Bourgeois Gadjagboui, a doctoral student at Boise State. “Lemhi enables this work to scale by providing the computing power and data infrastructure needed to analyze thousands of molecules efficiently and support>

Researchers throughout the state can access Lemhi remotely using their university credentials, allowing them to complete computing tasks in just hours or days that might otherwise take weeks or months on a regular computer. This level of access supports advanced research, workforce development and collaboration among institutions.

Keith Weber, director of the GIS Training and Research Center at Idaho State University, said a task that previously took 12.8 hours on a Windows workstation was completed in six minutes on the supercomputer. The faster processing enabled researchers to create digital terrain and ladder fuel models used in pre-wildfire mitigation efforts and post-fire management studies funded by FEMA and NASA.

Lemhi is hosted at INL’s Collaborative Computing Center in Idaho Falls, where INL provides the secure facility, power and core infrastructure required to operate and sustain a supercomputer. U of I currently oversees day-to-day operations, with leadership set to rotate among the three universities in the future. Boise State is expected to assume the lead role in late 2026.

Both Falcon and Lemhi are the result of a long-standing collaboration between INL and Idaho’s research universities. As INL modernizes its computing systems, select resources are made available for academic use, extending the value of major research investments before systems are eventually retired through federal surplus processes.

INL researchers used Lemhi for approximately six years before making it available for academic research, reflecting INL’s ongoing commitment to supporting university partnerships. This approach helps maximize the value of advanced computing investments while expanding access to cutting-edge tools for education and research.

“Scientific computing and artificial intelligence are critical enablers of Idaho’s leadership in research and engineering,” said Eric Whiting, senior advisor of scientific computing and AI at INL. “University access to capable computer systems such as Lemhi will continue to elevate Idaho’s scientific reputation and create positive impacts for both the state and INL.”

By supporting research across a wide range of disciplines, Lemhi helps Idaho institutions compete for federal funding, attract top researchers and train the next generation of scientists and engineers, reinforcing the statewide impact of INL’s long-term investment in research excellence.

About University of Idaho

University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant university and the state’s first Carnegie R1 research institution — a ranking reserved for the top 4% of U.S. universities. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state through centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and McCall, 10 research and Extension centers, and Extension offices in 42 counties. With more than 12,000 students, U of I is a leader in student-centered experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, business and community service and global outreach. The Vandals compete as a founding member of the Big Sky Conference and as an affiliate in the Big West and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Learn more at uidaho.edu.

About Idaho National Laboratory

Battelle Energy Alliance manages Idaho National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development and also conducts research aligned with DOE’s strategic priorities in energy, national security, science and the environment.

About Boise State University

Boise State provides an innovative, transformative and equitable educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world. Serving more than 32,000 students annually, Boise State is proud to be powered by creativity and innovation, receiving national recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the country. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. In the past 10 years, the university has quadrupled the number of doctoral degrees and doubled its master’s degree offerings. Learn more at BoiseState.edu.

About Idaho State University

Idaho State University was founded in 1901 and has grown to be one of the most comprehensive institutions in the country. The university is one of only six institutions in the U.S. offering programs from technical certificates through graduate and professional degrees. As the state's designated lead institution in health professions, Idaho State is home to more than 75 percent of Idaho’s health degree programs. Idaho State attracts students from around the world to its campus locations in Pocatello, Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. For more information, visit isu.edu.

Media contacts

Luke Sheneman
Director of Research Computing and Data Services
University of Idaho
208-669-2248
sheneman@uidaho.edu

Stephany Galbreaith
Director of Media Relations
Boise State University
208-426-1597
stephanygalbreaith@boisestate.edu

Sarah Neumann
Media Relations
Idaho National Laboratory
208-526-0490
Sarah.Neumann@inl.gov