New Supercomputer Expands Research Capacity for Idaho Universities

Lemhi system boosts high-performance computing access for public institutions across the state.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new supercomputer called Lemhi is expanding high-performance computing access for researchers at the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University through a partnership with Idaho National Laboratory. The system replaces the previous Falcon supercomputer and provides faster performance and improved efficiency to support complex research in fields like AI, energy, engineering, health, and natural resources.

Why it matters

High-performance computing allows researchers to solve complex problems much faster than standard computers, giving Idaho's public universities a competitive edge in securing federal funding and attracting top faculty and students. The Lemhi system extends the value of INL's previous investment and broadens access to advanced computing resources statewide.

The details

The Lemhi supercomputer is housed at INL's Collaborative Computing Center in Idaho Falls. INL provides the infrastructure, while the University of Idaho manages day-to-day operations. Leadership of the system will rotate among the three universities, with Boise State expected to take over in late 2026. Researchers are using Lemhi for large-scale simulations in fields like drug development, energy storage, wildfire mitigation, and post-fire studies.

  • Lemhi replaces the previous Falcon supercomputer.
  • Boise State University is expected to assume leadership of the Lemhi system in late 2026.

The players

University of Idaho

One of the three public research universities in Idaho that has access to the Lemhi supercomputer. The University of Idaho manages the day-to-day operations of the system.

Boise State University

One of the three public research universities in Idaho that has access to the Lemhi supercomputer. Boise State is expected to assume leadership of the system in late 2026.

Idaho State University

One of the three public research universities in Idaho that has access to the Lemhi supercomputer.

Idaho National Laboratory

The national laboratory that provides the infrastructure for the Lemhi supercomputer and previously used the system for about six years before making it available for academic research.

Luke Sheneman

Director of research computing and data services at the University of Idaho.

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What they’re saying

“High-performance computing allows researchers to solve complex problems in fields such as artificial intelligence, energy systems, engineering, health sciences, and natural resources. Tasks that could take weeks or months on a standard computer can now be completed in hours or days.”

— Luke Sheneman, Director of research computing and data services at University of Idaho

“Lemhi supports large-scale molecular simulations used in research related to drug development and energy storage.”

— Bourgeois Gadjagboui, Doctoral student at Boise State University

“A process that once took nearly 13 hours was completed in six minutes, supporting wildfire mitigation and post-fire studies funded by FEMA and NASA.”

— Keith Weber, GIS director at Idaho State University

What’s next

Boise State University is expected to assume leadership of the Lemhi supercomputer system in late 2026.

The takeaway

The Lemhi supercomputer is a valuable resource that expands high-performance computing access for researchers across Idaho, helping the state's public universities compete for federal funding and attract top talent while supporting critical research in fields like AI, energy, and natural resources.