Synopsys, and GlobalFoundries announced a strategic collaboration to launch a groundbreaking “chip design to tapeout” education program for universities worldwide. The initiative, aligned with GFLabs and Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA), is designed to accelerate semiconductor innovation by giving students, researchers, and professors direct access to real-world chip design and fabrication.
By significantly reducing the cost of custom silicon, the program enables academic institutions to transform design concepts into working silicon, opening new doors for education, research, and workforce development in the semiconductor industry.
This fall, 40 universities around the globe will join the pilot program, which leverages open-source 180MCU technology. Synopsys will deliver professional-grade electronic design automation (EDA) tools, training resources, and design collateral through its Synopsys Cloud platform. Once student designs are completed, GlobalFoundries will manufacture the chips via its GlobalShuttle Multi-Project Wafer Program, which aggregates designs from multiple institutions onto a single wafer for cost-efficient fabrication.
Dr. Patrick Haspel, executive director of SARA at Synopsys, stated: “Partnering with GlobalFoundries to bring a full ‘chip design to tapeout’ course to universities is a game changer. This collaboration will empower students with practical, hands-on experience using advanced tools and technologies – skills that are critical to drive innovation in the semiconductor industry. Together, we’re not just teaching design – we’re building the next generation of engineers who will shape the future of silicon.”
Also Read: L&T Technology Services and SiMa.ai Partners on Innovation in Mobility, Healthcare, and Automation
Looking ahead, Synopsys and GF plan to expand the program to embed chip design directly into academic curricula. Professors will receive dedicated training to lead design courses, with follow-up programs that incorporate testing and validation of the fabricated chips in classroom environments.
Bika Carter, director of external R&D at GF, added: “This program reflects our deep commitment to advancing semiconductor innovation and cultivating the next generation of talent. By giving students and researchers the opportunity to bring their designs from concept to silicon, we’re enriching chip design education and helping shape the future of our industry. We’re proud to partner with Synopsys to empower the talented minds driving tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
The collaboration is powered by Synopsys’ SARA program, which provides universities with software, cloud environments, training, and curriculum to strengthen semiconductor education worldwide. By equipping students with advanced tools and industry-ready skills, SARA is helping build the workforce pipelines critical for sustaining innovation across the global chip industry.