Introduction
Welcome!
MERL-UITU stands at the forefront of chip design education, fostering a dynamic environment where innovation converges with academic excellence. Recognizing the transformative power of chip technology, we have partnered with UIT to empower the next generation of engineers.
Following the groundbreaking memorandum of understanding signed in December 2018, MERL-UITU has become a pioneer in open-source chip design education across Pakistan. This initiative extends to undergraduate students, providing them with a pathway to success in this ever-evolving field.
Our globally recognized curriculum, meticulously crafted by renowned academic leaders, leverages best-in-class resources. This ensures students acquire the most cutting-edge chip design techniques, equipping them with the skills to become future leaders in the industry.
More than just education, MERL-UITU offers an enriching journey of discovery and innovation. Here, you’ll unlock the limitless possibilities of chip design and become a key player in shaping the future of technology.
Background
There is an ongoing revolution in designing Computer Chips utilizing open source RISC-V ISA and EDA tools, which continues to gain momentum. UIT MERL recognized this early on and encashed on this initiative by signing an MOU in December 2018 with Adinwest, Arizona, to teach open source Chip Designing to students in Pakistan including undergraduates. There is a huge market for this, which is expected to grow to $ one trillion by 2030.
What We Offer
Globally accepted proven pathways for learning Chip Design for Pakistan’s students, both from Electrical Engineering and Computer Science programs.
Open-Source Education
At UIT University’s Micro Electronics Research Lab (MERL), we are dedicated to developing coursework that equips students with the skills needed to thrive in large open-source software communities. Our summer program offers intensive courses where students gain hands-on experience and benefit from exceptional mentorship opportunities provided by both academic experts and industry leaders. These experiences often lead our students to become prominent open-source contributors. In addition, MERL organizes guest lectures on open-source topics and hosts an annual workshop series dedicated to open-source software.
Our Strength
Our academic leadership has created a system, which leverages best in class sources for learning state of the art Chip Designing techniques. Our track record of imparting Chip Designing has been Steller and globally lauded.
Our team has worked with licensed Cadence software and open source tools and have the ability to effectively utilize these tools.
Achievements
MERL-UITU is the only Organization from Pakistan, which is hosting Google Summer of Code and Linux Foundation Mentorship program (LFX). Our mentors have successfully mentored mentees from Egypt, India, USA and Pakistan voluntarily.
The first completely open-source Microprocessor Chips taped out from Pakistan called “Ibtida” and “Ghazi” were made by UITU MERL students in 2021 and the inauguration ceremony was held on March 5, 2022, which was attended by the President of Pakistan, Mr. Arif Alvi. These chips were funded by Google.
Since then our students have done 9 Tape Outs, all were designed by our undergraduate students.
Around 30 global scholarships have been awarded to the undergraduate students of UITU MERL by Google Summer of Code and Linux Foundation. These student were paid $ 3,000 and $ 1,500 per scholarship for contributing to the international projects of different open-source organizations worldwide.
Some of our students are doing freelance online jobs earning $30 per hour.
Upcoming Events
Fulbright Science of Disinformation Symposium
Online
AI in Healthcare Conference
BAC Auditorium
Global Tech Summit 2025
Main Hall
