Chip Design Sprint: Chipathon

Curious about how microchips, electronics and embedded systems are made, and how to turn a technology idea into a real, working solution? 🤖

Chipathon is an intensive three-day chip design, electronics and embedded systems sprint for high school and university students. 👥 During the event, you will learn the fundamentals of chip design, electronics and embedded systems programming, create your first chip design and explore the world of technology in a practical and engaging way.

You will get hands-on experience with digital logic, chip design, electronics, Verilog programming, embedded systems, testing and AI tools, while working in teams of 2–3 participants. 🤝

Chipathon is organised by Riga Technical University, UniLab and Tiny Tapeout (TT).

Programme

Day 1 | Training & Your First Chip Design

Learn the basics of digital logic, chip design and the Tiny Tapeout platform. Create your first chip design and get introduced to the world of electronics and Embedded Systems.

Day 2 | Design Development

Work in teams of 2–3 to develop your own chip design, from an idea to a working solution. Use Verilog programming, testing and AI tools to develop and test your solution.

Day 3 | Demo, Career Market & Activities

Present your work, explore the chip design, electronics and embedded systems industries and meet companies at the Career Market. Discover internship, career and collaboration opportunities in the technology sector.

And that’s not all! A range of hands-on and fun activities will be happening in parallel – from computer games, board games and listening to vinyl to Arduino projects, soldering and more. ⚡

Chipathon is a place to explore technology without being intimidated, even if you know very little about chips, electronics or programming.

What will you gain?

• Hands-on experience in chip and IC design;

• foundational knowledge of electronics and embedded systems;

• the opportunity to create your first chip design;

• practical experience with Verilog programming, testing and AI tools;

• the opportunity to try Arduino, soldering and other hands-on electronics activities;

• experience working in a small team;

• the opportunity to submit your design to a Tiny Tapeout manufacturing run;

• the opportunity to meet technology companies and professionals at the Career Market;

• insights into internship and career opportunities in chip design, electronics and embedded systems.

No previous experience in chip design, electronics or programming is required, everything you need will be introduced during the event, with hands-on training starting on Day 1.

Who is Chipathon for?

High school and university students interested in technology, programming, electronics, microchips, Embedded Systems, engineering or simply looking to try something new.

You don’t need to be a programming or electronics expert. Chipathon is an opportunity to explore what it means to create technology yourself in a supportive and engaging environment side by side with 60+ other participants.

What is Tiny Tapeout?

Tiny Tapeout is an open educational initiative that enables students, hobbyists and engineers to manufacture their own chip designs on real silicon. Multiple designs are combined into a shared silicon manufacturing run.

Event is supported by:

Synopsys · Analog Devices · Investment and Tourism agency of Riga (RITA) · Chip Design Germany · SEMI · Eraser · SAF Tehnika · LETERA · RIVIERA ASIC · LMT

In case of any questions or if you need further information, please contact RTU Startup Project Manager | Microchip Talent Attraction Manager Kristiāns Kreinbergs at [email protected].