The University of Southampton’s School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) is proud to be a founding academic partner in the newly announced Siemens Cre8Ventures Open Higher Education Program, launched in collaboration with Arm and Siemens Cre8Ventures to drive semiconductor innovation and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

This program creates a unique pathway from classroom concept to commercial deployment, offering participating students design kits, entrepreneurial bootcamps, and access to the Siemens Digital Twin Marketplace, alongside Arm’s Academic Access and startup tools. Its structured stages, Proof‑of‑Technology, Proof‑of‑Concept, and Proof‑of‑Value, enable projects to evolve from ideation to investor‑ready startups, with support from both corporate networks and Southampton’s lab-to-fab expertise.

As a founding partner, ECS brings world-class capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, embedded systems, and semiconductors, positioning the University at the heart of Europe’s semiconductor innovation and skills pipeline.

Key program benefits include:

• Industrial-grade access to the Siemens Digital Twin Marketplace and EDA tools
• Arm’s Academic Access, Flexible Access for Startups, developer training, and communities
• Hands-on workshops, design‑kit experiences, and entrepreneurial bootcamps
• A clear route from Proof‑of‑Technology through Proof‑of‑Value, leading to prototype-ready spinouts
• Market validation and access to Siemens’ and Arm’s global networks

Professor Sarah Morris, Deputy Head of School in ECS for Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise, said:

"The program is a powerful catalyst for translating research excellence into commercial and societal impact. By working alongside Siemens and Arm, we can provide our innovators with the resources, mentorship, and networks needed to turn great ideas into market-ready technologies, strengthening the UK and Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem."

Professor Harold Chong, Head of Smart Electronic Technologies (SET) Group in ECS, added:

"This initiative provides our students with unprecedented opportunities to work with industry-standard tools and processes, bridging the gap between their academic studies and the real-world demands of the semiconductor industry. It perfectly aligns with our mission to integrate cutting-edge research into education, ensuring our graduates are ready to lead in this rapidly evolving field."

The University of Southampton, along with Siemens Cre8Ventures and Arm, is also actively engaging with other universities and Chips Act Competence Centres across Europe to expand the program’s footprint, contributing to the European Union’s sovereign semiconductor ambitions

About ECS
As one of the world's largest electronics and computer science schools, we have a strong culture of research and innovation across advanced electronics and semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electrical and electronic systems, cybersecurity, digital health and biomedical engineering. The economic and societal impact of our research is substantial, reflected in 100% of research impact being rated world leading by the UK Research Excellence Framework in 2021. This is underpinned by an exceptional interdisciplinary environment integrating education, research and enterprise with some of the best facilities in Europe including the Zepler cleanroom complex. Recognised by an Athena Swan Silver award, ECS is committed to translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact, nurturing talent, and driving innovation with industrial and academic partners.

Further information
For more details, please refer to the official announcement on the Siemens Cre8Ventures Open Higher Education Program.

The School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) is pleased to announce that Dr Ihab Zaqout has joined the school as an Associate Professor. Dr Ihab Zaqout is Head of Department of Information Technology at Al-Azhar University in Gaza. Due to the ongoing conflict, he and his family have sought refuge, and ECS is honoured to host him at the University of Southampton. With the support of Diana Eccles, Dean of Medicine, and Michael Butler, Dean of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Dr Zaqout has been appointed to a 24-month Associate Professor position funded jointly by the University and the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA). 

Dr Zaqout's research is centred on applying Artificial Intelligence techniques in healthcare imaging, focusing on breast cancer detection and classification. He will be based in the Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering research group in ECS led by Prof Age Chapman. His work will support the Engineering Better Health University theme and AI@Southampton initiatives. 

CARA, the Council for At-Risk Academics, is dedicated to supporting academics at risk due to conflict or persecution. This initiative aligns with the University's commitment to sanctuary seekers, for which it has been recognised as a University of Sanctuary. 

Professor Timothy Norman, Head of ECS, remarked, "We are delighted to welcome Dr Ihab Zaqout to our school, where he can continue his important work on AI for health. We look forward to him contributing to the thriving interdisciplinary research community established across Medicine and ECS and working with us to have positive impact on people’s lives."