The Science and Technology Affiliates for Research (STAR) Program offers opportunities for companies to increase their effectiveness through advanced computing technologies. The STAR program’s mission is to promote a mutually beneficial exchange between industry and academia in advanced computing techniques and technologies, and at the same time foster a framework for technology innovation and support economic development in the state of Texas. Through this program, the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) and STAR participants will advance fundamental and applied research and development in the areas of science, technology, and engineering, among others.

TACC offers unique and valuable expertise in the field of advanced computing, with expert staff who conduct groundbreaking research in high performance computing, scientific visualization and data analysis, distributed and collaborative computing, and high bandwidth networking. This depth and breadth of experience provides the foundation for building strong research and development relationships that result in enhanced R&D programs for the participant.

The STAR program delivers exceptional value to its members by developing a strong relationship that provides a wide range of benefits, ensuring maximum flexibility, creating meaningful collaborations with researchers, and lowering the barriers for effective use of TACC’s advanced computing resources and services. Membership requires a minimum one-year commitment, following The University of Texas at Austin academic fiscal year (September 1 through August 31).

Technology companies benefit from collaborating with TACC to develop and evaluate prototypes of hardware and software, leveraging TACC’s systems and expertise for better exploration of users’ needs. STAR members may attend training sessions and STAR workshops and receive recognition on the TACC Web site and in STAR publications.

Participants who engage in sponsored research activities are expected to have a solid understanding of and prior experience in advanced computing systems. Individuals and organizations inexperienced in advanced computing should speak with the PSA program coordinator about training opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills required for active, constructive participation.

Member benefits include:

• Participation in two (2) STAR meetings per year, in the spring and fall, which promote information sharing and knowledge transfer between TACC and STAR affiliates, and among the affiliates themselves.
• Access to TACC publications and reports.
• The opportunity to attend annual training sessions and workshops. These classes allow members to upgrade and develop new skills in high-end computing, scientific visualization and data analysis, and distributed and collaborative computing.
• Access to well-trained, high-quality undergraduate and graduate students for internships and full-time positions.

Additionally, STAR members may negotiate sponsored research projects, to include:

• Exposure to TACC advanced computational resources, visualization and data analysis systems, and storage resources for conducting scientific research, developing high-end software, and solving complex problems.
• Technical support to resolve general issues that may occur with TACC resources.
• Individualized application and technology consulting to help companies find solutions for their unique business challenges, including assistance with porting, tuning, and optimization, and parallel performance analysis.
• Custom software development, including new tools, methods, and techniques in high performance computing, distributed and collaborative computing, and visualization and data analysis.

TACC works with STAR program participants to tailor the program to their unique needs and goals. Annual fees start at $25,000. Small firms and start-ups may be invited to join at a reduced rate. For sponsored research projects, additional fees are determined by the combination of optional components negotiated by the participant. Membership fees are pro-rated based on entry into the program, and may be adjusted as TACC upgrades its systems and software.