Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers: UKESF Student Bursary Event 2025

Electronics lies at the heart of today's technological revolution, fuelling innovation across every sector. To keep this momentum going, the demand for skilled and passionate engineers continues to grow and the first step in meeting this need is to nurture the next generation of talent. This mission lies at the heart of the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) and its Scholarship scheme, which bridges the gap between academia and industry by equipping students with the necessary skills, experience and confidence they need to succeed.

Cadence is proud to partner with the UKESF in this effort, supporting initiatives that strengthen the UK's semiconductor ecosystem while inspiring the engineers of tomorrow. This year, Cadence participated in the UKESF Student Bursary Induction Programme, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Across a series of events held across Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol and Cambridge, Cadence engineers shared key insights and experiences with students, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Through these sessions, Cadence strengthened students' understanding of the pivotal role that EDA plays in advancing the semiconductor industry and shaping the innovations of tomorrow.

Glasgow – 3 September, University of Strathclyde

The series began at the Technology Innovation Centre in Glasgow, where students explored the possibilities of a career in the wider electronics industry. Representing Cadence at the event were Chasmitha Vadlamudi and Jake Barr, alongside Michel O'Sullivan, who delivered a talk introducing students to Cadence and its role in advancing semiconductor innovation. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students set an exciting tone for the events that followed.

Birmingham – 10 September, IET Austin Court

Building on the enthusiasm from Glasgow, the next stop was IET Austin Court in Birmingham, where more than 100 students from universities across the UK gathered to learn about the UKESF Bursary Programme and its industry partners. The day featured a series of inspiring talks from industry specialists and academic leaders, along with an engaging session that introduced students to the latest educational tools supporting semiconductor learning.

Sakshi Singh and Josh Goundry, alongside Madhuparna Datta, represented Cadence, giving students a deeper look into the company's role within the global semiconductor design ecosystem and how EDA drives innovation across industries. Students also had the chance to learn more about Cadence's mission, culture, and values, exploring how collaboration, innovation, and curiosity shape our success.

Bristol – 12 September, Engine Shed

Next up was the Engine Shed in Bristol, where Hssain Ait-Ouaziz and Lady Payan Cepeda from Cadence shared their own journeys into the semiconductor industry, offering students an authentic look at how different career paths can lead to impactful work in technology. They also highlighted the wide array of opportunities available at Cadence, from internships to graduate roles, helping students see how their skills and interests can shape a future within the company and the wider semiconductor ecosystem.

Cambridge – 19 September, Ray Dolby Centre, University of Cambridge

Building on the momentum from Bristol, the final event took place at the Ray Dolby Centre in Cambridge, concluding the month-long series on a high note. The session brought together students, academics, and industry professionals for insightful discussions and a final round of networking opportunities.

Madhuparna Datta, Tony Francis, and Sakshi Singh represented Cadence, sharing perspectives on the future of the semiconductor industry and highlighting how innovation at Cadence continues to shape the technologies of tomorrow. They shared their professional journeys and emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning, qualities that enable young engineers to thrive and grow in an ever-evolving technology landscape.

Across all four events, the enthusiasm and curiosity of students stood out as a clear sign of the bright future ahead for the UK electronics sector. The sessions offered valuable learning experiences for students and gave Cadence representatives a rewarding opportunity to engage with and inspire the next generation of engineers. The energy and optimism at every event reflected the true impact of this partnership. At Cadence, we remain committed to working with UKESF in empowering young talent, inspiring them to grow, and equipping them to shape the future of technology.

(Post compiled by Sakshi Singh.)