DAC Young Fellows 2026

Be part of an unforgettable experience at the 63rd Design Automation Conference (DAC, the Chips to Systems Conference) in Long Beach, California! As a DAC Young Fellow, you'll have the opportunity to:

Learn from leading researchers and industry experts.
Network with peers and professionals.
Present your work in poster sessions, and participate in career coaching, summer school, exciting contests, and more.

DAC Young Fellows Program Benefits

Free full conference registration (valued at $1,599).
Travel grants of up to $1,200 to support your journey.
Eligibility for the prestigious Pistilli Young Fellows Awards, with significant prizes.

This program is funded by the Design Automation Conference with generous support from Cadence Design Systems, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA.

Cadence

Industry Partners Silver

Cadence delivers tools, software, IP, and high-end services that help companies design and verify chips, packages, boards, and entire systems. Real Behavioral Modeling. Automated Workflows. Extensive Coverage. Comprehensive Platform. Customizable Tools.

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Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. is an American multinational electronic design automation company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, that focuses on design and verification of silicon chips, electronic system-level design and verification, and reusable components.

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Siemens

Industry Partners Platinum

Siemens is the technology company for transforming industry, infrastructure and transportation.  The expertise underpinning our technologies—electrification, automation, software, and digital twin—is helping customers be more productive, profitable, and sustainable.

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Over 160 students participated last year, and 2026 could be your chance to attend DAC in sunny Long Beach. Application is easy via the button below.

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Who Should Apply

The DAC Young Fellows program is designed for early-stage students entering the world of Electronic Design Automation, from Chips to Systems. We welcome applications from talented individuals worldwide, especially those from underrepresented groups.

: You must be a full-time student pursuing an MSc or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related EDA field.
Participation is geared toward students in the early stages of their academic journey.
Accepted participants will receive free full DAC registration (not applicable if you're an author of an accepted DAC paper, as a full paid registration is required for paper authors).
: The funding check will be distributed at the end of the conference. Active participation throughout the program is required to receive the grant.
Additional funding from your advisor will likely be needed to cover the full cost of travel. "Double-dipping" with other full travel reimbursements is not permitted.
An endorsement letter from your advisor confirming your student status and their commitment to covering any additional travel expenses.
: March 6, 2026: Application deadline
March 30, 2026: Acceptance notifications
June 25, 2026: Virtual opening session with fellow DAC Fellows
July 6, 2026: Online hands-on labs and other activities
July 25, 2026: Arrival in Long Beach, California
July 26, 2026: Young Fellows Opening Breakfast & EDA Summer School
July 27-29, 2026: DAC Conference & Exhibits open + DAC Fellows Poster Session
July 29, 2026: Young Fellows Closing Session with prizes, certificates, and travel checks

This program offers a unique opportunity to advance your career, learn from the best in the field, and make lasting connections. Join the DAC Young Fellows and let 2026 be your year to shine!

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