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As Europe emerges as a semiconductor hub, the demand for skilled talent is on the rise. In fact, the European Chips Act intends to double the European Union’s (EU) global market share in semiconductors from 10% to at least 20% by 2030. Strategy& estimated that 350,000 additional professionals are needed in the European semiconductor industry by 2030 to achieve this ambitious vision.
Synopsys is stepping up to this challenge through the Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA). From partnering with EUROPRACTICE to make electronic design automation (EDA) software more accessible, to a collaboration between 400 universities and imec on the semiconductor industry’s first N2 (2nm) design pathfinding process design kit (PDK), SARA initiatives are making a significant impact across the European region.
Addressing the semiconductor talent shortage is a huge feat, but SARA is laying the groundwork with a series of meaningful steps. Read on to explore the various workforce development programs, initiatives, and industry collaborations that SARA is spearheading and supporting to empower and educate the next generation of semiconductor engineers.
Solving Intel’s Workforce Development Needs in Poland
One critical factor in boosting the industry’s overall success is training future talent to proficiently use Synopsys’ tools. SARA is instrumental in this process, helping both industry leaders and startups to train students through high-level lectures, tech talks, hands-on labs using Synopsys’ tools and software, and training resources. These sessions cover the importance of semiconductor curriculum, the role of EDA, and Synopsys’ impact on the semiconductor ecosystem.
For example, Intel was seeking engineers trained on Synopsys tools and methodologies as it built its talent pool in Poland. Intel turned to Synopsys to help support its training needs in areas such as verification, Fusion Compiler, and ASIC Design. We spoke with GPU Engineering Manager Zdzisław Mrówka, who led this initiative at Intel:
“Previous methods for training students at the university level used to be difficult, leaving a huge skills gap upon graduation. Through our collaboration with SARA, our new engineers adjust easily to the working environment, having been trained in more advanced topics, including algorithms, image and processing, high-level modeling, ASIC design, power tools, verification, and more. With the help of Synopsys, these graduating students’ knowledge level is immensely better.”
Last year, Intel hired 25 students trained in Synopsys tools who were immediately able to integrate into their teams. Their goal is to onboard over hundreds of ASIC Design and Verification engineers annually from various technical universities in Poland. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our collaboration with Intel to support these efforts, including expanding to new universities and introducing new topics and modules such as in the area of AI.
A Unique Approach to Attracting Semiconductor Talent
Synopsys is committed to fostering the next generation of semiconductor engineers through innovative and engaging approaches.
At the Technical University of Munich, SARA sponsored an ASIP Designer Hackathon hosted by the university student association neuroTUM. Synopsys donated tools, like ASIP designer and Fusion Compiler, along with training materials and technical support, enabling students to implement an AI algorithm.
This year, Synopsys is also sponsoring the Teknofest Chip Design Competition in Turkey to spark students’ interest in microelectronic technologies and boost their career potential in this field. The competition, organized under multiple categories including Analog Design and Digital Processor Design, offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate students from Turkish universities the chance to work individually or as a team to develop a project report, demo, and final presentation for a panel of judges.
TÜBİTAK, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, shared how Synopsys’ contribution positively impacted its competition:
“This year, thanks to sponsorship from Synopsys, we are using professional EDA tools for both categories of our competition. This has diversified the technical aspects of the competition and provided students with an environment closely resembling real-world integrated circuit design environments. Moreover, participants have access to Synopsys' training materials and documentation, significantly reducing the technical support burden on us as organizers. This competition not only attracts students pursuing careers in these fields but also contributes significantly to accessing the best talent for our current and upcoming research projects at TÜBİTAK.”
Previously, competing students had to rely on open-source software as a resource for the competition. This year, Synopsys is sponsoring all software for both analog and digital flows, providing students with complete cloud access over a six-month period. This not only enhances their entries but also introduces them to the software they may use in their future careers.
Joining Forces With Other Industry Leaders
Synopsys is also expanding its workforce development footprint through regional and global initiatives with other top semiconductor companies.
One such initiative is the Pact for Skills for Microelectronics, a new engagement and governance program aimed at upskilling, reskilling, and attracting new talent in Europe. Endorsed by over 20 partners, the pact signals the microelectronics industry’s commitment to prioritizing the creation of a highly skilled European workforce in microelectronics, R&D, design, and manufacturing. As a member of the EU Pact for Skills, Synopsys has already participated in webinars and gained a deep understanding of what’s needed to build the European workforce of tomorrow.
Another initiative that Synopsys proudly supports is the Arm Semiconductor Education Alliance. The alliance unites key stakeholders across industry, academia, and government to tackle the challenges of finding and upskilling talent. Leveraging our longstanding relationship with Arm, SARA developed a syllabus and training materials specifically for members of academia who want to utilize an Arm processor.
As technology advances and methodologies evolve, the demand for semiconductor talent remains constant in Europe and beyond. Synopsys is helping meet this need through its initiatives that educate students and grow their skills and experience. Training students in chip design software helps them develop into more skilled and confident engineers as they enter the workforce.
By building relationships with local universities, creating new curriculums using Synopsys tools, and supporting new bachelor’s and master’s programs in microelectronics, SARA is closing the skills gap and paving the way for Europe’s chipmaking ambitions.
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