Graduating with a degree in electrical or computer engineering is a significant achievement, representing years of rigorous study in foundational science and mathematics. However, stepping into the tech industry can feel like jumping onto a fast-moving train. The sector is characterized by rapid technological advancements and constant business evolution.
Among the various fields within the tech industry, chip design and manufacturing demands a deep understanding of intricate processes and cutting-edge technologies, often requiring specialized knowledge that goes beyond standard academic curricula.
This is where the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineer’s (ECE) newest student-run organization, Silicon Jackets, steps in.
The club aims to create new pathways from academia to employment in the semiconductor industry. By minimizing the gap between graduation and employment in chip design, Silicon Jackets hopes to accelerate students' entry into the workforce.
"Our goal is to challenge the traditional classroom-to-career pathways in chip design education," said Zachary Ellis, president of Silicon Jackets. "With the right resources and opportunities, students can make significant contributions to the field even before they graduate."
The idea of Silicon Jackets was conceived by Ellis and Nealson Li, who met during their master's studies. Li, served as the inaugural teaching assistant for the special topics course "ECE 4804 VLSI Design: Theory to Tapeout" in 2022. In collaboration with Apple, the course offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to engage in the entire process of designing and manufacturing integrated circuits, known as Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI). Students gain hands-on experience from system specification to the fabrication and testing of a digital system on a chip (SoC).
The duo had a shared vision of creating opportunities for students in chip design outside the classroom, which resulted in the founding of Silicon Jackets.
There hasn't been a club or organization that provides the resources or a community for students to come together and design more complex chip projects until now."
Nealson Li, Co-Founder of Silicon Jackets
The first cohort of the VSLI tapeout course with the final chip designs.
ECE Professor Visvesh Sathe teaching the inaugural cohort of VLSI Design: Theory to Tapeout during the Spring 2023 semester.
"I was the teaching assistant for the first cohort of the digital design course with Apple," said Li. "There was a lot of interest among students in chip and circuit design after they acquired the necessary knowledge and tools. However, there wasn't a club or organization that provided the resources or a community for students to come together and design more complex projects, until now."
How the Club Works
When Silicon Jackets began in October 2023, there were only eight members. Today, they have 75 members and 100 students on a waitlist hoping to join. The members are divided into four sub teams: digital design, design verification, physical design, and business.
Teams have their own student leads, weekly team meetings, weekly executive meetings, and a monthly all-teams meeting. This structure is meant to mirror that of the leading tech companies where these students hope to land.
"Silicon Jackets extends the classroom experience of 4804 into a student-led environment," explained Professor Visvesh Sathe, who designed and teaches the course. "This shift not only allows students to explore the full extent of their innovation but also creates space to push the boundaries of what's possible—a cornerstone of Georgia Tech’s mission—while providing them with a real-world environment to test and enhance their skills."
The working structure not only provides resources and support but also enhance the club's credibility and the practical value of its projects, according to Ellis.
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Nealson Li speaking at Apple NSI launch event about Silicon Jackets.
Seeing the Vision Through
"From the outset, our mission was clear," said Li. "We wanted to provide a bridge for students to transition smoothly from academic theories to real-world applications, empowering them with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in the tech industry."
Silicon Jackets' “Tiny Tape Out” project is a prime example of this bridge in action. Participating students design and produce a microchip using industry-standard software and processes, all facilitated by the student organization.
"This project was a significant undertaking," explained Ellis. "We purchased a piece of a chip, which allowed us to design and test our work without the high costs typically associated with such processes. It's about the size of four human hairs in width and two in length, but it packs a powerful punch in terms of learning and application."
The club's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Apple supports the Silicon Jackets by providing mentorship and guidance to student engineers through the company's New Silicon Initiative (NSI), a program designed to prepare students for careers in hardware technology, computer architecture, and silicon chip design.
The Silicon Jackets have also fostered a collaboration with Cadence, a leading producer in chip hardware, and are working with Micron and AMD on potential collaborative efforts.
Ellis and Li at representing Silicon Jackets at ECE Rush, a student organization recruitment event that happens each semester.
Silicon Jackets structure their team meeting times to match that of a working industry team.
The club is structured similar to industry companies and each groups is responsible for a different aspect of chip development.
The Silicon Jackets team is hoping to utilize the success of the Tiny Tape Out project to expands its offerings and set new standards for extra-curricular educational experiences in engineering programs.
Team member Sowmya Janapati, who spent five years in industry working in digital design verification before pursuing her master's degree at Georgia Tech, understands the value Silicon Jackets can bring to both students and industry.
“The hands-on experience gained in Silicon Jackets is invaluable when transitioning into industry roles,” she said. “Companies recognize the value of hiring candidates who can adapt quickly. This experience not only builds a strong foundation in industry methodologies and workflows but also provides early exposure to real design challenges.”
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