Cadence, IIT Delhi launch AI-equipped CoE for semiconductor innovation
Cadence has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) to establish an artificial intelligence (AI)-equipped Centre of Excellence (CoE) for semiconductor sector professionals.
The CoE will provide AI-enabled electronic design automation (EDA) tools and workflows to help drive research, strengthen workforce development, and support pre-seed startups with a streamlined path to first silicon, aligning with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, according to a joint statement released on Thursday.
Providing proven access to more than 200 industry-grade Cadence solutions across four domains – chip design verification, digital implementation, analog design and system design and analysis – the lab will ensure that students, researchers and educators learn on the exact tools used in professional environments.
By embedding “design with AI” across these workflows, the lab aims to improve engineering productivity and strengthen the integration of AI in VLSI design.
Furthermore, IIT Delhi has adopted Cadence-developed courses that combine theory with comprehensive, project-based labs and assessments.
To catalyse research and early-career exploration, the lab is introducing an Early Master’s Research pathway for select fourth-year undergraduates from IITs and NITs, mentored by Cadence experts and IIT Delhi faculty across multiple research areas.
“Students at IIT Delhi now use the same AI-enabled tools they’ll see on day one in industry, closing the gap from classroom to tapeout,” said Alok Jain, corporate vice president & India managing director, Cadence. “Pairing industry-grade technology with project-based curricula, real-world challenges and targeted startup support strengthens research relevance and workforce readiness for India’s semiconductor future.”
“The IIT Delhi–Cadence Innovation Lab combines top-tier academic rigour with cutting-edge industry tools,” said Jayadeva, professor in-charge, Cadence-IIT Delhi Innovation Lab. “This partnership will expand research output, prepare students for high-impact careers and help founders move from ideas to prototypes, supporting the goals of the India Semiconductor Mission and the DLI scheme.”
