In response to the critical shortage of skilled engineers in semiconductor Integrated Circuit (IC) design and layout, Professor Patrick Reynaert of KU Leuven, in collaboration with several leading semiconductor companies in Flanders, Belgium, including members of Flanders Semiconductors, has launched a great initiative.

Flanders is home to a multitude of commercial enterprises at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, playing essential roles in various electronic applications across industries such as automotive, medical, industrial, consumer, data center, optical, and space. Despite their ambitious growth plans, the semiconductor industry in Flanders faces a significant hurdle – a shortage of qualified engineers in IC design and layout.

To address this challenge head-on, Professor Reynaert’s recent initiative introduces three comprehensive courses designed to coach individuals into proficient ‘chip designers.’ This program equips students with specialized skills essential for semiconductor industry roles, focusing on practical insights and real-world perspectives.

Importantly, the courses are not just theoretically driven; they are developed and taught by experienced experts from Flanders’ leading semiconductor companies, including BelGan, Caeleste, easics, ICsense, imec, Melexis, Omnivision, and Sofics – all of whom are members of Flanders Semiconductors. This collaboration ensures that students gain industry-specific knowledge directly from those shaping the semiconductor landscape.

Members of Flanders Semiconductors support this initiative, donating time and resources to make these courses accessible. We encourage prospective students to enroll and embark on a journey towards becoming the future leaders of semiconductor design. For more information about the courses and enrollment details, please visit KU Leuven’s website.

Key points of this collaboration include:

  • The chip lab at KU Leuven and various companies whom are member of Flanders Semiconductors collaborating to offer new training programs for chip developers.
  • A significant shortage of chip developer profiles, especially due to European plans to reduce dependence on Asian and American chip companies.
  • Three courses are planned, with the first starting in January, 2024.

Original – Flanders Semiconductors