The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), together with Chip Tech Brasil and Softex, announced last Monday, January 13, the launch of the CI-Digital Program. This initiative is a residency aimed at training professionals to work in semiconductor development, equipping them for a rapidly expanding global market.
The CI-Digital Program aims to position Brazil as a leader in the development of high-complexity microelectronics projects. Featuring a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical and practical experience, the program covers advanced microarchitecture technologies as well as the development and verification of digital architectures. Designed to meet the growing global demand for specialized professionals, it provides participants with a unique residency experience to excel in an increasingly competitive market.
According to Alessandro Campos, General Coordinator of Semiconductor Technologies at MCTI, the program paves the way for promising careers in a constantly evolving sector by offering participants training that integrates cutting-edge technology with market practices. “The CI-Digital Program seeks not only to address the specific shortage of specialized professionals but also to establish Brazil as a strategic hub for semiconductor development, driving the country’s technological and industrial advancement.”
Ruben Delgado, President of Softex, describes CI-Digital as a unique opportunity to develop talent and strengthen Brazil’s position in a highly strategic sector. “The training provided will be essential to enhancing the competitiveness of our industry.”
Program Structure and Timeline
The CI-Digital training will be offered as an evening, in-person course. Initially, it will take place at the facilities of the National Telecommunications Institute (Inatel), the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), and the Hardware BR Institute (HBR). In a second phase, the course will expand to include the State University of Maranhão (UEMA) and the Center for Research and Technological Development in IT and Electronics of Ilhéus (CEPEDI).
The program spans 18 months, divided into three six-month phases, totaling 1,200 hours of training:
- Phase 1: Introduction to microelectronics, hardware description languages, and basic digital circuits.
- Phase 2: Logical synthesis, circuit verification, and RISC-V microarchitecture.
- Phase 3: Practical immersion in semiconductor companies or intellectual property (IP) development projects.
Eligibility and Benefits
The CI-Digital Program is open to professionals with a degree or students who have completed at least 70% of their coursework in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or Engineering fields. Eligible areas include Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Analysis, and Technology Technologists, among others. Participants will receive a monthly stipend throughout the program to support full-time dedication.
Registration
Registration for the CI-Digital Program opens on January 20. For more information and to access the full program details, read the complete call for applications here.
