Synopsys, a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor design and manufacturing, and the Jordan University of Science and Technology (Just) have agreed to establish an educational program in electronic design automation (EDA) at Just.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the two parties at the Mena ICT Forum, currently underway in Amman.

The program will provide an advanced education in EDA that is based on the Synopsys tool suite and curriculum used in universities worldwide.

Synopsys aims to deliver software licenses that give Just students access to Synopsys’ comprehensive, industry-leading electronic design automation (EDA) University Tools Package. The goal of the collaboration is to educate students in integrated circuit design and automation so they can help lead Jordan and the region into the next stage of technology development, said a statement.

Mena ICT Forum, widely considered one of the region’s foremost Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Information and Communications Technology Enabled Services (ICTES) industry events, will present over 65 distinguished speakers from leading private and public ICT and ICTES entities from around the globe.

The Synopsys Armenia Educational Department plans to provide Just with curriculum developed as part of the Synopsys Worldwide University Program. This state-of-the-art electronic design program can help enable Just to expand its engineering program into all aspects of system-on-chip design, including implementation, verification, test and design for manufacturing.

Synopsys also intends to provide an Educational Design Kit and interoperable Process Design Kit, guidance in implementing the educational program, advanced faculty training, and technical support. An exchange for faculty and students is also anticipated.

“We are very proud of this collaboration between Synopsys and Just as it is the first step toward establishing a design industry in Jordan. This is fully in line with the national vision of building the capacities of our human resources to attract investors to Jordan in this industry as well as build on the skills of our local talent,” said the Minister of ICT Marwan Juma.

“This collaboration between Just and industry leader Synopsys will be key to the success of the microelectronics industry in Jordan and in the region. Our aim is for the joint educational program to produce highly qualified design and automation engineers who can better serve the semiconductor industry needs. We are very glad to cooperate with Synopsys and will do everything necessary to ensure the success of our joint effort,” said Prof Wajih M Owais, president of Just.

“The Synopsys University Program provides a unique value in microelectronics education,” said Rich Goldman, vice president of Corporate Marketing and Strategic Alliances at Synopsys. “This collaboration between government, business and university has helped many graduates prepare to enter the workforce knowing they have received a world-class education that is current with the fast-paced semiconductor industry. I look forward to implementing this program in Jordan in cooperation with Just.” – TradeArabia News Service