From Prompt to Silicon CURE: An Undergraduate Experience in End-to-End Integrated Circuit Design

New Mexico undergraduate students typically encounter integrated circuit (IC) design only in their senior year, which delays essential skill development and limits access to research and internships just when the semiconductor industry demand is accelerating in our region. To address this, the PI proposes a two-week, intensive summer Course–based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) that immerses sophomore and junior students in the full concept-to-manufacturing chip design flow. The program will spark early interest, build practical competencies, and strengthen the local semiconductor workforce pipeline by preparing New Mexico students for upper-division research and internships sooner.