On October 12, Synopsys Inc. announced the winners of the 6th Annual International Microelectronics Olympiad of Armenia, with competitors gaining prizes in 13 categories.

The first prize, Vivacell-MTS' laptop went to Hasmik Osipyan (Armenia); second prize, an iPad from Synopsys Armenia went to Mohamed Abu Obaida Mohamed (Saudi Arabia); third prize, a netbook from Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) went to Vache Galstyan (Armenia).

Organised on the sidelines of 2011 Synopsys Week in Armenia, this year’s competition reflected the diversity of participants from eleven countries: Belarus, China, Germany, India, Jordan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, UAE, Ukraine and the USA. Out of 349 competitors, 133 were from Armenian universities, Synopsys Armenia press service reported.

The Olympiad’s goals are to stimulate further development of microelectronics in Armenia and participant countries; recognize and inspire young, talented engineers; increase interest in microelectronics among young specialists; create a community of young experts involved in microelectronics.

Olympiad themes for 2011 included Digital IC Design and Test, Analog and Mixed Signal IC Design and Test, Semiconductor Devices and Technology, and Mathematic and Algorithmic Issues of Electronic Design Automation (EDA).

The Olympiad was held in two stages, with Synopsys Armenia CJSC and Vivacell-MTS and main sponsors.