Dubai Silicon Oasis and Synopsys provide technology tools to UAE educational institutions

Dr. Eesa Bastaki, Director, Technology & Development said: 'Three months ago, DSO and US-based Synopsys have signed a partnership agreement to provide four UAE universities with the latest technology in (eda).It is interesting that the job took Synopsys less than two month to install the required systems in these universities so that they would start their new academic year in September with the new system in place, added Dr Bastaki.

'As a result, Synopsys' advanced design and verification software tools are now available to the four major academic institutions in the United Arab Emirates at no charge.'
'Dubai Silicon Oasis is playing a great role in bringing the latest technology to the region. We are working hand-in-hand with leaders in the semiconductor industry to help ensure we are competitive in attracting world-class tenants.'

'One of the key reasons client companies may choose to establish a presence within DSO is the availability of skilled technologists. It is important that we identify and address the mechanisms needed to groom talented and experienced graduates from this region so we can help fill the resource gap in semiconductor and IC design.'

'DSO is committed to collaborating with universities to strengthen the microelectronic curriculum components in the UAE. We need skilled individuals who can meet the requirements of the semiconductor industry,' added Dr. Bastaki. 'This agreement is the first step in a long-term academic association with Synopsys.' To date, the following universities have begun using Synopsys' semiconductor design and verification platforms and IC manufacturing software as the initial roll out of the project. These institutions are at UAE University-Al Ain (UAEU), the University of Sharjah (UoS), Etisalat University College (EUC) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

This arrangement is the first of its kind in the UAE and is part of an ongoing plan to assist higher education institutions with their technology programs. The electronics curriculum at the university levels needs to match the latest technology development trends. The tools being integrated into the curriculum of these academic institutions as part of this agreement are the same as those used by professional IC design engineers.

Rich Goldman, Vice President, Strategic Market Development, Synopsys said: 'Working with DSO, Synopsys has gained a deep understanding of the importance of developing a high-tech industry in the UAE. Expanding the qualified engineering pool is a cornerstone for promoting sustainable growth within the country's high-tech industry. This arrangement provides these academic institutions with world-class EDA tools that help students prepare for tackling the most advanced real-world designs.'

'As a world leader in design software, Synopsys is committed to helping its customers, by providing future EDA designers with the latest technology and helping them understand the key concepts of chip design and development.'