In a significant move aimed at advancing the semiconductor sector’s workforce and business prospects, FPT Semiconductor, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation (FPT), has formalized a partnership with Silvaco, a leading US-based provider of TCAD, EDA software, and Design IP. The partnership signing ceremony occurred during Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the United States.
The collaboration between FPT Semiconductor and Silvaco revolves around fostering the development of the semiconductor workforce in the United States. It leverages the industry expertise of both entities, as well as the resources offered by FPT University, a component of FPT’s comprehensive education system. Additionally, the two organizations will collaborate in the establishment of the Vietnam Learning Semiconductor Hub, aligning their efforts with government initiatives designed to nurture talent in this critical sector.
Under the agreement, FPT Semiconductor will tap into Silvaco’s customer base, offering its intellectual property (IP) on Silvaco’s platform, and becoming the exclusive representative and distributor of Silvaco’s semiconductor software solutions in Vietnam. Simultaneously, Silvaco will become a strategic investor in FPT Semiconductor, and the two companies will collaborate on business development activities encompassing StandardCell, IO, and Memory design.
Semiconductors hold a prominent place on FPT’s strategic agenda, as underscored by FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh during US President Biden’s state visit to Vietnam earlier in September. Chairman Binh called for collaborative efforts and government support from both Vietnam and the United States to enhance the development of the semiconductor workforce. As part of this commitment, FPT University is set to launch its Semiconductor Circuit Faculty, offering comprehensive training to undergraduate, college, and postgraduate students starting in 2024.
In 2022, FPT made significant strides in the semiconductor industry by establishing its subsidiary, making it the first company in Vietnam to engage in commercial chip manufacturing with a focus on customized chip design. The company has already secured orders for nearly 70 million chips, to be fulfilled over the next two years.
Having entered the US market in 2008, FPT has solidified its position as a trusted solution provider, serving over 300 companies. Over the next five years, FPT has committed to annual investments of USD 100 million in the US market. Furthermore, the company anticipates creating an additional 3,000 jobs by 2028 and achieving revenues of USD 1 billion by 2030 within this market.
