Using the generic PDK with Genus

Hello all,

I'm quite new to using the Cadence software suite so my question might be a bit naive or easily answered.

I'm working at an educational facility and I was asked to see if the Cadence generic PDK (45nm) can be used with Genus. The students are supposed to synthesize an open microcontroller design, work on optimization and verification before presenting the results. Basic tasks for them to work with professional software. The next course is supposed to work with just the generic 45nm PDK from Cadence instead of the very old libraries we have now.

I downloaded the PDK, unpacked it but none of the .lib files are accepted by Genus. From the thread https://community.cadence.com/cadence_technology_forums/f/custom-ic-design/48008/generating-lib-file-for-synthesis-using-genus-from-transistor-level-cells-using-virtuoso I get the idea that I need to get the post-synthesis netlist and combine them with the models from the gPDK to get a combination that Liberate can use to generate the .lib file.

The point that I'm having trouble with is getting the netlist in the first place. As far as I understood the software suite Genus is used to synthesize verilog designs and generates the netlist, but I cannot use Genus because I don't have the lib file.

Is there a generic way to get to get the lib file or at least a way that is specific for the design we are using?

Thank you in advance!