English 
Հայերեն The ARPA Institute, in a significant stride towards enhancing Armenia’s technological landscape, has officially begun construction on a pioneering Electronic Design Automation (EDA) laboratory at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA). This initiative, announced today, is a collaborative effort with global tech giants CISCO and Cadence Design Systems, spearheaded by the renowned expert, Vatche Souvalian.
The new lab aims to revolutionize circuit design education and research at NPUA by integrating the latest in specialized software tools from Cadence Design Systems. The primary goal is to introduce advanced courses for graduate students, focusing on the application and mastery of these sophisticated tools. This endeavor is expected to significantly boost Armenia’s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem.
“The establishment of this lab represents a leap forward in our educational and technological capabilities,” stated Vatche Souvalian. “By providing access to industry-standard software and hardware, we are not only educating the next generation of engineers but also positioning Armenia as a player in the global tech arena.”
The lab will feature two high-performance servers alongside other lab equipment and computers, all supplied by the ARPA Institute. Furthermore, the ARPA Institute will manage software arrangements and coordinate with NPUA’s administration to ensure seamless integration into the academic curriculum. CISCO’s role will involve imparting essential knowledge and training to both faculty and students, ensuring the effective use and propagation of these design tools.
Upon completion, the lab will receive certification from Cadence Design Systems, enhancing NPUA’s international standing and attractiveness to global tech companies and researchers. This certification not only validates the quality of education and research conducted but also promises to draw international collaboration and investment.
“This partnership with ARPA, CISCO, and Cadence is a testament to our commitment to fostering high-caliber engineering education in Armenia,” said a representative from NPUA. “We are excited to see how this lab will serve as a catalyst for innovation and development in semiconductor technology.”
The construction of the lab is scheduled to be completed early in 2025. The current lab supports 13 students. Overall there are 18 undergrad and 35 graduate students enrolled in the program. This project marks a new chapter in Armenia’s journey towards becoming a hub for technological innovation in the region.
