Chip Talk > Training Tomorrow's Chip Designers: MSU’s Impactful Academic Journey
Published August 21, 2025
Morgan State University (MSU) is setting a benchmark in academia by serving as a catalyst for innovative semiconductor training and development. Through a significant collaboration with industry leaders like Intel and Cadence, MSU is equipping its students with the skills needed to thrive in the semiconductor industry.
Under the New Silicon Initiative (NSI), MSU not only provides a ground-breaking curriculum covering everything from basic circuit concepts to advanced semiconductor design but also offers direct exposure to industry-standard tools and methodologies.
Led by forward-thinking educators like Dr. Kevin Kornegay, MSU's programs are designed to create in-depth learning experiences. Beginning with introductory courses and culminating in critical classes like the "Tapeout Course in Digital Integrated Circuit Design," students are empowered to proactively solve real-world problems. These courses stand out for their integration of experiential learning, a core tenet leveraged by the partnership with UC Berkeley.
For students, the difference between academic exercises and actual industry work can be vast. At MSU, the gap narrows significantly.
Through hands-on projects, students transition from theory to practice. Working with Intel's PDK and using the Cadence tool flow, MSU students are involved in the full spectrum of chip design and fabrication processes. From concept to tapeout, MSU students get unique insights into the semiconductor industry's inner workings with tools like Cadence's Genus, Innovus, Tempus, and Pegasus.
The Intel 16 technology node has made a significant mark. As a promising gateway into FinFET architecture, students work on tangible technology that is not scaled down for educational purposes but rather represents what is actively used in the industry.
The mutual benefits of academic-industry partnerships are evident. For Intel, providing MSU students access to a streamlined version of industry processes is an investment, ensuring familiarity with contemporary technologies upon graduation.
Cadence plays a critical role by offering access to its entire suite of design tools, useful not only for learning but also for laying groundwork in innovation. Cadence's commitment highlights how effective collaboration can invigorate academic programs and the next generation of engineers.
This movement towards more practical, hands-on education in semiconductor design underscores a larger shift in educational methodologies. It fosters an environment where students are not just passive learners but active contributors to the industry they aim to join.
The MSU story isn't just an academic success; it's a lesson in how to effectively blend educational and industry objectives into a cohesive strategy that is beneficial to all stakeholders. As semiconductor demands continue to evolve, programs like those at MSU ensure that the industry will have a pipeline of prepared and innovative talent.
The impact of such collaborations is bound to redefine how engineering education is perceived and implemented, signaling an exciting time for the intersection of academia and industry innovation. The success stories from MSU promise not only immediate contributions to the workforce but also hint at a reorganized and sustainably prepared future for the semiconductor domain.
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