Where Should I Start with VLSI and Cadence as a Second-Year Engineering Student?

Hi everyone!

I'm a second-year engineering student interested in learning VLSI and custom IC design. My long-term goal is to design my own chips, particularly AI accelerators.

I'm curious about Cadence tools but unsure where to start, which tools to learn first, and what projects to build.

I learn best by building projects, so I'm looking for a structured, hands-on roadmap that starts with the basics and gradually progresses to real chip design.

I'd appreciate your advice on:

• Which Cadence tools should I learn first?

• What projects should I build to learn CMOS design, RTL, synthesis, floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, and timing closure?

• Are there free academic tools, licenses, or open-source alternatives I can use?

• How should I progress towards designing a simple AI accelerator?

My goal is to graduate with practical skills and a project portfolio comparable to what an engineer might develop during their first two years in the industry.

I'd really appreciate recommendations for project-based courses, learning resources, and a clear path to get started.

Thanks!