Brazil Launches Jaci Supercomputer to Boost Climate Research and Environmental Monitoring
Brazil has officially launched the Jaci supercomputer to enhance climate modeling, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring, replacing the older Tupã system as part of a major modernization effort at Inpe.
- • Jaci supercomputer inaugurated at Inpe in Cachoeira Paulista, replacing Tupã.
- • R$ 30 million investment for Jaci within a R$ 200 million Inpe modernization project.
- • Jaci’s enhanced processing supports advanced Brazilian climate and oceanic model Monan.
- • Official appointment of Antônio Miguel Vieira Monteiro as Inpe director at launch event.
- • Project aligns with Brazil’s National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Key details
Brazil has inaugurated the Jaci supercomputer, marking a major step forward in the country’s scientific capacity to tackle climate-related challenges. The launch event took place at the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) in Cachoeira Paulista on November 11, with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and Inpe leading the initiative. Minister Luciana Santos and Inpe director Antônio Miguel Vieira Monteiro, who was officially appointed during the ceremony, were key participants.
The Jaci supercomputer, named by public vote, replaces the older Tupã system and significantly improves Brazil’s ability to generate faster, more detailed weather forecasts and climate models. This advancement will strengthen environmental monitoring and disaster alert systems that are critical for agriculture, civil defense, and territorial planning.
With a dedicated investment of R$ 30 million from MCTI’s Finep fund, the Jaci project is part of a broader R$ 200 million modernization of Inpe’s infrastructure. This includes not only the supercomputers themselves but also upgraded electrical systems, efficient cooling technologies, and a photovoltaic power plant. The modernization is set to be fully implemented by 2028 under the Risc Project, aimed at transforming Inpe’s Scientific Data Center into a cutting-edge hub.
Director Monteiro emphasized the collaborative effort behind Jaci and its alignment with Brazil’s National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation. The increased processing capability will allow the full operation of Monan, a new Brazilian climate and oceanic forecasting model, which is expected to enhance environmental studies significantly.
Minister Santos highlighted that the Jaci supercomputer is a pivotal asset for Brazil’s science agenda, representing a significant technological leap that enables the country to better anticipate and respond to climate challenges. Monteiro also expressed a commitment to restoring Inpe’s historical prominence in environmental sciences, meteorology, and climate monitoring.
As Brazil strengthens its scientific infrastructure with Jaci, the enhanced capabilities promise to deepen the nation’s understanding and management of climate phenomena, positioning it to more effectively address environmental risks in the future.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.