The design automation tool leaders are sowing seeds in Russia to grow the next generation of chip designers. Cadence, Mentor Graphics and now Synopsys have all forged ties with the Moscow Institute of Electronics Technology, one of Russia's elite high-tech learning centers, by donating tools and instructing graduate students. "Teaching students how to work most effectively with industry-leading electronic design tools ensures a work force well-prepared to advance Russia's growing electronics industry," said Yuri Chaplygin, rector of MIET. To that end, Synopsys announced earlier this month that it will help MIET establish a modern master's program in microelectronics based on the Synopsys tool suite and curriculum. MIET will also receive 20 software licenses for Synopsys tools. In addition, the company has established the Synopsys Charles Babbage Computing Laboratory, a state-of-the-art design facility that enables MIET to expand its engineering programs into all aspects of system-on-chip design, including implementation, verification, test and design-for-manufacturing.

For its part, Cadence Design Systems has already graduated 140 students in three years of running its program in Russia. And Mentor Graphics launched a program with MIET in April, contributing software, computers, training materials and scholarship funding. Courses started in September, focusing on printed-circuit board, system and HDL design and verification. Later courses will address mixed-signal custom-IC design. "The better prepared new engineering graduates are, the better for the industry," said Hanns Windele, Mentor Graphics' vice president for Europe.

Synopsys is probably reaching deeper and wider at MIET than its two competitors--and with good reason. Rich Goldman, president of Synopsys Armenia, has been successful in making a mark on Russia's southern neighbor since entering the country a few years ago under a government effort to bolster information technologies. The company assists in developing educational programs at three Armenian universities. To date, 168 students have graduated from these programs, the majority securing jobs within Synopsys Armenia.

Synopsys is providing MIET with the curriculum established by the Synopsys Armenia Educational Department, along with financial support for professors and students. Two groups of 20 students have begun their study in the master's program. "We will be strong contributors to the education of Russia's future electrical engineers, benefiting Russia's high-tech economy," said Goldman at the launch of the MIET initiative.

More American electronics businesses should follow the lead of the EDA giants, and spruce up their bottom lines by beating their swords into plowshares in Russia.