The supercomputer will be capable of making 11 trillion mathmatical calculations or 11 teraflops per second, said Akihiro Shimoide, IBM Japan spokesman.

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology ordered the supercomputer, which is due to be finished by spring next year, he said.

"We have designed it so that it can be used to research in the areas of computer science, life science such as developing new drugs, and research for materials used for such things as fuel cell batteries and super conductivity," he said.

IBM Japan did not disclose the amount of the contract.

The national institute is Japan's largest public research organisation with research facilities located throughout Japan.

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