On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the National Scientific and Technical Polytechnic University of Bucharest and NXP Semiconductors inaugurated the NXP Laboratory at the Faculty of Automation and Computers, located in the EG building.

The event, which was the culmination of long-term cooperation, was held in the presence of university representatives: Mr. Rector Michnea Costa, Mr. Dean of the Faculty of Automation Mr. Michnea Moisescu, Mr. Vice-Dean Rezvan Ruginish and representatives of NXP Romania: Mrs. General Director Simona Almajan together with representatives of the Council of Relations with universities.

“The labor shortage in Romania is estimated at 145,000 people in 2022 and is projected to reach 224,000 people in 2026 if we do not act fast and focused. The economic impact of this deficit is currently estimated at €4.4 billion, equivalent to 10% of nominal GDP growth last year. The NXP Romania team is one of the educational partners in the country who understand that the role and responsibility of companies in the process of training future specialists is extremely relevant for the results we want to achieve. The field of microprocessors and microcontrollers – in the broader spectrum of semiconductors – is currently a strategic priority at the level of the European Union. As we want to restore deep shortages in the labor market and offer young people the opportunity to acquire relevant lifelong skills, it is extremely important to develop partnerships with those companies that are taking more responsibility in the Romanian market. We also thank NXP Romania for the example it offers to the industry in the country,” said Mihnea Kostoi.

The laboratory, furnished and equipped by NXP, is intended for all students of the Faculty of Automation and Computing and includes equipment that reflects the latest trends and innovations in the industry. It is equipped with equipment that uses the latest technologies in the field of microprocessors and microcontrollers designed for the automotive, industrial Internet of Things markets, the total investment amount is about 105 thousand euros.

In the laboratory, the teaching staff will conduct courses for deepening and practical application of theoretical knowledge in the field of Operating Systems and Advanced Operating Systems. In addition, NXP experts will support presentations, competitions, workshops and various applied projects on topics of interest to the industry.

The laboratory consists of two working spaces: a space intended for everyday teaching activities, respectively, a space intended for students who carry out their activities for the preparation of diploma and dissertation projects.

“As part of the ecosystem, supporting higher education in Romania through close cooperation with the academic environment is an important pillar of our research and development center’s activities. We are close to our university partners, we actively promote the training of the young generation of engineers, offering experience in the field of advanced technologies, in the most innovative and competitive fields. We have research projects that we are developing together with the Polytechnic University, projects that are aimed at different technological areas. NXP Romania contributes to the creation of solutions for the automotive, consumer and industrial IoT markets by developing software platforms that integrate NXP components and software from partners. We offer scholarships to students, participate in hackathons, fairs, summer schools, organize and support competitions for students, a successful example is the annual NXP Cup competition, where participants program car prototypes using our technologies,” said Simona Almajan, regional manager of NXP. Romania.

Article sponsored by NXP