Synopsys Inc. Establishes EDA/AI Research Center at NYCU: Exploring AI Applications in IC Electronic Design Automation

Translated by Chance Lai
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Artificial Intelligence is viewed as the next significant technological wave in the semiconductor industry. The EDA/AI Research Center of Synopsys Inc., a top global IC electronic design automation (EDA) software supplier, has officially been established at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU).

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed, marking the beginning of collaborative efforts between academia and industry. The joint capacity of both parties will be dedicated to researching and developing the application and innovation of artificial intelligence technology in semiconductor design.

Synopsys Software Empowers Students in Practice and Research

EDA, an indispensable tool in modern IC design, enables engineers to lay out and design ICs, placing them at the forefront of the semiconductor industry. The "NYCU - Synopsys EDA/AI Research Center" is housed within the Industry Academia Innovation School (IAIS). In the future, it will foster collaboration with the School of Electrical Engineering and other relevant resources on campus, concentrating on researching and developing AI technology applications in EDA. The center will emphasize optimizing the entire process from silicon to system level.

Through Synopsys' design software, students can enhance their depth of learning in electrical and electronic engineering. Incorporating Synopsys' electronic design curriculum into the teaching environment increases students' practical experience and research capabilities, facilitating collaborative initiatives such as industry-academia research projects, student internships, and faculty exchange programs.

Dr. Jack Sun, Dean of the IAIS, stated that with the rapid advancement of semiconductor and AI technology, in response to the semiconductor AI development trend to strengthen the collaboration between industry and academia, NYCU and Synopsys have joined forces to establish a research center. They are setting up an advanced environment for semiconductor component simulation and IC design, leveraging the capabilities of intelligent digital twins and industry-academia collaboration platforms to enrich teaching resources and provide students with more practical experience.

This effort aims to accelerate the development and innovation of next-generation key semiconductor technologies, lead the application of future emerging industries, and actively cultivate top-tier talents.

Industry-Academia Collaboration in Cultivating Semiconductor Industry Professionals

Dr. Robert Li, Chairman and CEO of Synopsys Taiwan, stated, "Synopsys has always been committed to technical excellence and innovation, with the roots of these attributes stemming from academia. Our collaboration with NYCU will further strengthen Synopsys' technical advantages in EDA and AI. By jointly nurturing the next generation of talent, we believe we will drive the industry towards more technological breakthroughs and developments, thus creating greater value for the semiconductor ecosystem.

Dr. Li-Chun Wang, Dean of the College of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), remarked, "Last summer, NYCU and Synopsys jointly organized the 'Semiconductor and Chip Design Science Summer Camp' for high school students. Dr. Robert Li, an outstanding alumnus of our university, delivered an excellent speech that received rave reviews. This year, the ECE and Synopsys are collaborating again to cultivate exceptional talents for the future semiconductor industry.

The valuable opportunities Synopsys provides, such as advanced design software and practical training, will deepen our ties with the industry and guide more professionals into semiconductors."

In the presence of Vice President Chen-Yi Lee (third from the left) and Sassine Ghazi (second from the right), President and CEO of Synopsys, the memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr. Jack Sun (second from the left), Dean of the IAIS, Dr. Li-Chun Wang (first from the left) from the College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Robert Li (first from the right), Chairman and CEO of Synopsys Taiwan.