Technology deal to benefit educational institutions

Dubai Silicon Oasis, the Dubai-based technology park for microelectronics and the semiconductor industry, and US-based Synopsys Inc have signed a partnership agreement.

Synopsys, a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA) software tools for semiconductor design will provide four UAE educational institutions with the latest technology in EDA tools utilised for the design and verification of integrated circuits (IC) chips.

The four institutions are UAE University Al Ain, the University of Sharjah, Etisalat University College and the American University of Sharjah.

The deal is in line with the government's aim of developing a strong knowledge-based society, said Dr Mohammad Al Zarouni, director-general, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).

"Technology will play a primary role in Dubai's economy in the future, and DSO aims to help Dubai and the UAE achieve this target," he said.

The deal makes available to the four academic institutions Synopsys's advanced design and verification software tools, valued at millions of dollars.

The agreement is the result of actions agreed upon in the articles of the memorandum of understanding signed recently between the Ministry of Education and DSO. The deal with Synopsys would enable educational development complement business and economic development, Dr Al Zarouni said.

"Dubai Silicon Oasis has a great role to play in bringing the latest technology to the region and will work hand in hand with world leaders in the semiconductor industry to ensure competitiveness and attract world class tenants.

"Obviously, one of the key reasons for the client-companies to establish a presence within DSO is the availability of skilled and competent human resources, a matter that DSO management is looking into very carefully. It is extremely important to look into the issues of bridging the gap between industry and these academic institutions."

He said it was just the first step in a long-term academic association and partnership with Synopsys.

Rich Goldman, vice-president, Strategic Market Development, Synopsys, said: "We have a deep understanding of the importance of developing a high-tech industry for the region. We will help our customers by providing these future EDA designers with the latest technology and help them understand the key concepts of IC chip design and development."

Dr Eesa Bastaki, director, technology and development, DSO, said: "In order to provide our client companies with their urgent needs of qualified and skilful human resources, DSO has committed itself to collaborate with the universities and strengthen the microelectronic curriculum components in the UAE." He said the deployment of EDA tools, which is provided by DSO at no cost to the academic institutions, is the first of its kind in the UAE and is part of an ongoing plan targeting many other higher educational institutions.