The Institute for System Level Integration (iSLI) has announced an agreement with Cadence Design Systems Ltd. to help advance new businesses by giving them easy access to chip design software and methodology services. Providing access to software design tools and methodology services will enable new companies who may not have the finance or resources available to accelerate their product development processes allowing them to become successful in the shortest possible time.

Cadence Design Systems is the world's leading Electronic Design Automation (EDA) technologies and engineering services provider. The company has already been the engine behind numerous successful start-ups, helping with design methods, the integration of intellectual property, and supporting tape-out to foundries for prototyping and manufacture. Like Cadence, iSLI is working towards a brighter future for the engineers of tomorrow. The institute provides postgraduate education, professional training and research in system level integration and system-on-chip technologies, and works in close co-operation with its many industrial partners to ensure that the education and training it provides reflects the needs of the electronics system design industry in the UK, Europe and worldwide.

The announcement demonstrates the continued commitment from both Cadence and iSLI in assisting entrepreneurs and early stage start-ups. “This joint collaboration is a natural step in the growth of iSLI as a centre of excellence for electronic design,” said Tony Harker, CEO of iSLI. “In 2006 iSLI announced the development of a software hub for entrepreneurs of the fabless semiconductor design community. The agreement with Cadence will help companies to commercialise ideas faster.”

Sean Redmond, VP, EMEA at Cadence, said “As a part of our start-up strategy in Europe, the collaboration with the Institute for System Level Integration is a perfect milestone for us to support entrepreneurs with an easy access to our tools, services and design chain partners. We are very happy to be part of iSLI programs and look forward to a fruitful relationship.”