SUNNYVALE, CA and MALTA, NY, Sep 9, 2025 – Synopsys and GlobalFoundries (GF) have partnered to launch a “chip design to tapeout” program for universities worldwide. Aligned with GFLabs and the Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA) program, the initiative lowers the cost of silicon and gives students and professors access to chip design and manufacturing, expanding opportunities for education, research and workforce development.
Forty universities worldwide are joining the sponsored open-source 180MCU pilot. Synopsys will support the program with electronic design automation tools, training, and design collateral on its cloud design platform. After designs are finalized, GlobalFoundries will manufacture the chips through its GlobalShuttle multi-project wafer program, which combines designs from institutions on a single wafer for fabrication.
“Partnering with GlobalFoundries to bring a full ‘chip design to tapeout’ course to universities is a game changer,” said Dr. Patrick Haspel, executive director of SARA at Synopsys. “This collaboration will empower students with practical, hands-on experience using advanced tools and technologies – skills that are critical to drive innovation in the semiconductor industry. Together, we’re not just teaching design – we’re building the next generation of engineers who will shape the future of silicon.”
Synopsys and GF plan to expand the workforce development program by moving chip design, testing into classrooms, and embedding design and testing into academics. Synopsys will train professors to lead design courses, enabling students to collaborate on projects. After a shuttle run, chips will be returned for classroom testing in the following semester.
“This program reflects our deep commitment to advancing semiconductor innovation and cultivating the next generation of talent,” said Bika Carter, director of external R&D at GF. “By giving students and researchers the opportunity to bring their designs from concept to silicon, we’re enriching chip design education and helping shape the future of our industry. We’re proud to partner with Synopsys to empower the talented minds driving tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
The collaboration is supported by Synopsys’ SARA program, which provides software, cloud access, training and curriculum to help universities integrate semiconductor design into education. The Synopsys–GF initiative reflects the program’s focus on workforce development and building talents. In addition to tools and cloud environment access, participating universities will receive course content and training.
Source: Synopsys
About Synopsys
Synopsys Inc., founded in 1986 and based in Sunnyvale, California, provides software and intellectual property for semiconductor design and verification. Its tools support the full chip development process, including electronic design automation, simulation, silicon IP, and software security testing. The company serves a range of industries, including semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, defense, data centers and industrial systems. Synopsys reported revenue of approximately $6.13 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. Its technology is used by leading chipmakers and system developers to accelerate innovation in complex areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced computing. Synopsys recently announced plans to acquire Ansys, expanding its capabilities into multiphysics simulation and further strengthening its role in the electronic and system design ecosystem.
About GlobalFoundries
GlobalFoundries is a leading semiconductor foundry that provides advanced manufacturing services for integrated circuits. It offers a range of technologies, including CMOS, RF, embedded memory, silicon photonics, and FinFET, catering to automotive, communications, defense, data center, industrial, and consumer electronics applications. Founded in 2009 after being spun off from AMD, GlobalFoundries has over a decade of experience delivering tailored semiconductor solutions. The company supports fabless chipmakers with design enablement, IP services, and process technologies to accelerate innovation and meet global demand. Headquartered in Malta, New York, it operates manufacturing sites in the U.S., Germany, and Singapore. As of 2023, GlobalFoundries reported an annual revenue of approximately $7.4 billion and continues to play a critical role in global supply chains. The company focuses on unique technologies designed to meet the needs of growing markets. It supports new digital applications that require energy efficiency and dependable performance.