Cadence Giving Foundation Pledges Multi-Year Support to Advance San José State University’s AI Hub
The Cadence Giving Foundation has announced a transformative multi-year commitment to expand the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub at San José State University (SJSU). This initiative aims to empower students with the skills, hands-on training, and practical experience necessary to thrive in careers within the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. As part of this partnership, Cadence Design Systems (Nasdaq: CDNS), the foundation’s parent company, will provide a substantial donation of AI design software and cutting-edge digital twin technology to SJSU. This collaboration underscores a shared vision of fostering an AI-ready workforce and preparing students across all academic disciplines for success in an AI-driven economy.
The announcement highlights the Cadence Giving Foundation’s dedication to leveraging its expertise for meaningful community impact. “We are proud to support the emerging AI ecosystem at SJSU and to help develop and promote the workforce of the future,” said KT Moore, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Cadence. “Our mission is to channel our specialized knowledge into initiatives that make a tangible difference, and this investment aligns perfectly with that goal.”
A Collaborative Effort to Build the Future of AI Education
The Cadence Giving Foundation joins a coalition of prominent partners, including NVIDIA, Adobe, the City of San José, and the Knight Foundation, in building out the AI Hub. Located on the SJSU campus within the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, the hub will feature specialized laboratories spanning nine colleges at the university. These labs will serve as innovation centers where students and faculty can explore the potential of AI and digital twin technologies to address complex, multidisciplinary challenges.
The San José AI Hub is anticipated to officially open in summer 2026. Once operational, it will provide students with unparalleled access to advanced tools and resources, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in AI development and application. By immersing students in real-world scenarios and problem-solving exercises, the hub will cultivate a new generation of AI talent equipped to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.
Preparing Students for the AI-Driven Economy
The partnership between SJSU and the Cadence Giving Foundation represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between academia and industry. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries worldwide, there is an urgent need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula and training programs accordingly. Through this collaboration, SJSU is positioning itself as a leader in AI education, ensuring that its graduates are not only technically proficient but also capable of applying AI responsibly and ethically.
“This important partnership with Cadence strengthens our ability to prepare students for the future of work,” said SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. “By collaborating through innovative tools like digital twin software, we are ensuring that SJSU graduates are equipped to lead in the responsible and human-centered use of artificial intelligence. Partnerships like this reinforce San José State’s leadership at the intersection of higher education, technology, and industry in the heart of Silicon Valley.”
Bridging Disciplines Through AI and Digital Twin Technologies
One of the most exciting aspects of the AI Hub is its multidisciplinary approach. The specialized laboratories will bring together students and faculty from diverse fields, such as engineering, business, healthcare, and the arts, to explore how AI and digital twin technologies can be applied to solve real-world problems. For example, engineering students might use digital twins to simulate and optimize manufacturing processes, while public health students could leverage AI to model disease outbreaks and inform policy decisions.
This cross-disciplinary focus reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern challenges. By fostering collaboration across departments, the AI Hub will encourage creative thinking and innovation, equipping students with the versatility needed to excel in a wide range of careers. Moreover, the integration of digital twin technology—a virtual representation of physical systems or processes—will allow students to experiment with and refine solutions in a risk-free environment before deploying them in the real world.
Strengthening SJSU’s Role in Silicon Valley’s Innovation Ecosystem
As the oldest public university in the Western United States and a cornerstone of higher education in Silicon Valley, SJSU is uniquely positioned to drive advancements in AI education and research. The university’s proximity to leading tech companies and startups provides students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, mentorship, and career advancement. The Cadence Giving Foundation’s contribution further solidifies SJSU’s role as a hub of innovation, connecting academia with industry to address the challenges and opportunities of the AI era.
By investing in the AI Hub, the Cadence Giving Foundation is not only supporting SJSU but also contributing to the broader economic and social development of the region. As AI continues to transform industries and create new job opportunities, initiatives like this will play a critical role in ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to the tools and training they need to succeed.
About Cadence
Cadence is a market leader in AI and digital twins, pioneering the application of computational software to accelerate innovation in the engineering design of silicon to systems. Our design solutions, based on Cadence’s Intelligent System Design™ strategy, are essential for the world’s leading semiconductor and systems companies to build their next-generation products from chips to full electromechanical systems that serve a wide range of markets, including hyperscale computing, mobile communications, automotive, aerospace, industrial, life sciences and robotics. In 2024, Cadence was recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the world’s top 100 best-managed companies. Cadence solutions offer limitless opportunities—learn more at www.cadence.com.
