AUA announces extension of collaboration with Siemens for advanced research and academic enhancement

Back in 2012, the American University of Armenia (AUA) initiated a collaborative relationship with electronic design automation (EDA) leader Mentor Graphics, which is now part of Siemens Digital Industries Systems (Siemens). Over the years, this collaboration has included joint research and development initiatives, co-authored technical papers and conference presentations, and other mutually beneficial activities in the areas of advanced integrated circuit (IC) design, verification, and manufacturing.

This month, AUA announced a six-year extension to the current collaboration agreement. With that extension, AUA and Siemens plan to expand their investigation of pioneering technologies such as the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to both EDA and IC design and manufacturing technologies, as well as cloud-based IC design and verification, among others.

“Although collaboration between universities and industries is common, it seldom lets us take full advantage of each other’s diversity and support each other’s sustainable development. This collaboration agreement is constructed to enhance and develop these untapped opportunities.”

Dr. Karin Markides, president of AUA

While corporate/university collaborations are not unusual in the EDA industry, as Dr. Markides notes, the AUA/Siemens relationship stands out for the depth and breadth of the technologies it addresses, as well as the myriad of opportunities it provides AUA students to work directly with Siemens engineers to gain crucial experience and skills in the software and semiconductor design fields. In return, Siemens gains access to top university researchers to explore, develop, and test innovative technologies and techniques that address some of the most challenging issues facing the EDA and IC design and verification industries.

In response to the announcement, Sedrak Sargisian, director of research and development for Calibre Design Solutions at Siemens, said “Siemens is pleased to extend its successful, long-term collaboration with the outstanding faculty, students, and leadership of AUA. As the EDA space continues to incorporate compelling new technologies and advancements, it is critical that Siemens maintains strong relationships and collaboration with the future leaders of the IC design industry. Our longtime collaboration with the bright young minds of the AUA has been valuable to Siemens and we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.”