ECE KARE’S Nanothon2.0, a 24-hour VLSI Design and Verification hackathon with Nanochip and Venkeylabs

Nanothon 2.0: Pioneering VLSI Design and Verification Excellence at Kalasalingam University’s ECE Department – 15th and 16th December 2023

In a pursuit of technological innovation and academic excellence, the Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) Department at Kalasalingam University took a monumental step forward by organizing Nanothon 2.0. This 24-hour hackathon, focused on VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Design and Verification, was a collaborative effort between Nanochip and Venkeylabs, two prominent entities in the field of semiconductor technology.

Nanothon 2.0 unfolded as a thrilling event that brought together bright minds and budding engineers from across the nation to showcase their skills and creativity in the realm of VLSI. The hackathon aimed to foster a spirit of innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the intricacies of designing and verifying complex integrated circuits.

The event kicked off with an inaugural ceremony that set the tone for the intense yet exciting 24 hours ahead. Distinguished personalities from Nanochip and Venkeylabs shared insights into the latest trends and challenges in VLSI design, inspiring the participants to push their boundaries and think outside the conventional circuits.

The Nanothon 2.0 challenge encompassed various aspects of VLSI design, ranging from system-level specifications to RTL (Register Transfer Level) design, and finally, to functional verification. Teams were provided with cutting-edge tools and platforms, enabling them to bring their design ideas to life and validate their functionality in a simulated environment.

Mentors and industry experts from Nanochip and Venkeylabs were actively engaged throughout the hackathon, guiding and supporting the participating teams. Their expertise not only provided valuable insights but also added a real-world perspective to the solutions developed during the event.

As the clock ticked away, the ECE department transformed into a hub of creativity and collaboration. Teams huddled together, brainstorming ideas, coding tirelessly, and debugging intricacies in their designs. The atmosphere was charged with the energy of innovation and a shared passion for advancing VLSI technology.

The closing ceremony of Nanothon 2.0 was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and the spirit of competition. Teams presented their projects to a panel of esteemed judges, comprising experts from academia and industry. The projects were evaluated based on creativity, functionality, and efficiency in VLSI design and verification.

The winning teams were felicitated, not just for their victory but for their contributions to the ever-evolving field of VLSI. The top-performing teams received accolades, certificates, and, more importantly, the recognition of their peers and industry leaders present at the event.

Nanothon 2.0 stands as a testament to Kalasalingam University’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. By partnering with industry leaders like Nanochip and Venkeylabs, the ECE department provided students with a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, preparing them for the dynamic landscape of VLSI technology.

As the curtains fell on Nanothon 2.0, the legacy of this hackathon will undoubtedly inspire future generations of engineers to explore the vast potential of VLSI design and verification, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of semiconductor technology.