The University of Florida (UF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dassault Systèmes to launch a collaboration that will accelerate innovation in the semiconductor industry through the use of virtual twin technologies and advanced virtual modeling platforms.
University of Florida Partners with Dassault Systèmes to Advance Virtual Twin Technologies for the Semiconductor Industry
This partnership will combine UF’s research expertise and state-of-the-art semiconductor facilities and UF’s exascale hyperscaler supercomputer (‘HiPerGator’) with Dassault Systèmes’ world-leading 3DEXPERIENCE platform to create a next-generation environment for virtual twin-driven semiconductor design, manufacturing, and sustainability. Together, the two organizations aim to build a scalable, collaborative framework that supports end-to-end virtual prototyping, from materials and devices to wafer processing and full manufacturing systems.
“Digital twins are transforming how we design, simulate, and operate complex systems,” said Volker J. Sorger, the Rhines Endowed Professor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UF and Deputy Director, Strategic Initiatives at the Florida Semiconductor Institute. “By joining forces with Dassault Systèmes, UF will play a leading role in shaping how these technologies are applied to strengthen America’s semiconductor innovation ecosystem.”
The initiative supports the broader U.S. goal of securing and advancing domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities by leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and virtual engineering tools to improve process yield, efficiency, and time-to-market. UF faculty and students from departments including Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Industrial and Systems Engineering will work closely with Dassault Systèmes researchers and engineers to develop virtual twin frameworks applicable to both academic and industrial partners.
“Dassault Systèmes is committed to empowering the next generation of innovators through virtual universes,” said Bill DeVries, Vice President of North America Brands & Workforce of the future. “Our collaboration with the University of Florida demonstrates how virtual twin technology can revolutionize the semiconductor industry—enhancing agility, sustainability, and competitiveness.”
“Florida’s pluralistic ecosystem advancing specialty electronics is well positioned to lead the buildout of Multiphysics digital twins,” said David Arnold, the George Kirkland Engineering Leadership Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
The partnership will also support workforce development initiatives to prepare students for high-demand roles in semiconductor design and manufacturing enabled by digital technologies.