Cadence, IIT Delhi launch semiconductor innovation lab

Cadence has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Under this partnership, they launch the IIT Delhi–Cadence Innovation Lab, which is an integrated capabilities centre of excellence aimed at accelerating semiconductor research, strengthening workforce development, and supporting early-stage startups in India.

The students, researchers, and educators will get access to more than 200 industry-grade Cadence electronic design automation (EDA) solutions covering chip design verification, digital implementation, analogue design, and system design and analysis.

By integrating artificial intelligence into semiconductor design workflows, the initiative aims to improve engineering productivity and accelerate the adoption of AI-driven VLSI design methodologies.

As part of the partnership, IIT Delhi has added Cadence-developed courses which combine theoretical learning with project-based laboratories, assessments, and real-world design challenges. The curriculum is further supported by guest lectures from Cadence professionals and industry experts, helping students gain practical exposure to current technology trends and career opportunities in the semiconductor sector.

The Innovation Lab will also unveil an Early Master’s Research pathway for selected fourth-year undergraduate students from IITs and NITs. Under this program, the students will get mentorship from Cadence experts and IIT Delhi faculty while working on advanced semiconductor research projects.

Also, there will be a lab incubator programme which will offer support to pre-seed startups by providing a low-cost pathway to first tape-out and prototype development, enabling innovators to transform research concepts into market-ready solutions.

Alok Jain shared that this initiative will help to fill the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by offering students access to the same AI-enabled tools used in professional semiconductor design environments.

Jayadeva noted that the partnership combines academic excellence with advanced industry technologies to expand research output, prepare students for high-impact careers, and support startup innovation.

This partnership between the two organisations showcases the steps behind India’s semiconductor ecosystem initiatives, including the India Semiconductor Mission and the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. Electronics For You