As the demand for advanced digital design talent accelerates, universities are working to ensure students gain the practical experience required in modern embedded systems roles. Emerging engineers must navigate adaptive SoC architectures, hardware–software integration, and industry-grade design workflows long before they graduate. Yet many academic programs lack access to the platforms and insights needed to prepare students for this environment fully.
To help address this gap, Fidus is partnering with Carleton University to introduce a hands-on FPGA learning experience built around AMD adaptive SoC technology. This collaboration brings industry practices, real hardware, and insight from engineers working in advanced embedded-system development —bridging theory with the challenges students will encounter in real design teams.
Building a hands-on environment for real-world design
As part of this initiative, along with supporting the AMD University Program, Fidus is providing a complete, industry-aligned foundation to help Carleton strengthen its FPGA and embedded systems teaching environment. This includes:
A full class set of Real Digital’s AMD AUP ZU3 development kits and supporting accessories, ensuring every student team can work hands-on with adaptive SoC technology.
A dedicated server donation, coordinated with Carleton IT, to support course material, design files, and future development workflows.
A guest lecture led by Fidus’ technical leadership, providing students with insight into real industry requirements, design expectations, and career pathways.
Ongoing technical guidance throughout the academic year, ensuring students and faculty have access to engineering expertise as labs and projects evolve.
These commitments help create a reliable, scalable foundation for hands-on digital design learning—anchored in the methods and technologies used across today’s most advanced embedded systems.
A shared commitment to developing engineering talent
Beyond equipment and logistics, this collaboration reflects a joint investment in strengthening Canada’s engineering talent pipeline.
“The Department of Electronics at Carleton University is grateful to Fidus for their support of our FPGA Drop-In Centre, which strengthens student training through direct exposure to industry-standard hardware and design workflows.” — Leonard MacEachern, Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Electronics, Carleton University
From Fidus’ perspective, supporting academic programs is about contributing meaningfully to the broader engineering ecosystem and helping students build confidence working with modern FPGA and embedded-system platforms.
“Strengthening Canada’s engineering talent pipeline is not just good for industry—it’s essential for innovation,” — Alan Coady, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fidus Systems. “By giving students hands-on access to modern FPGA platforms and direct mentorship from practicing engineers, we’re helping prepare the next generation to succeed in an increasingly complex embedded-systems world.”
With one of the largest groups of AMD-certified FPGA engineers outside of AMD, Fidus brings deep technical experience that enriches student learning while providing a realistic view of industry expectations.
“Universities produce brilliant thinkers, but engineering careers demand practical intuition,” — Scott Turnbull, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Fidus Systems. “This program, in conjunction with Carleton University, provides students access to the hardware, the tools, and the support they need to learn by doing. It’s the kind of experience we look for when recruiting—and we’re excited to help shape it.”
Setting the foundation for future academic collaboration
Carleton University is Fidus’ launching pad for this exciting collaboration.
This includes hardware access, lab enablement, guest instruction from practicing engineers, and direct exposure to real-world development workflows. As the collaboration evolves, Fidus will continue sharing stories, in-class insights, and program highlights to demonstrate what an effective industry–academic partnership can look like.
Looking ahead
The Fidus × Carleton University initiative relies on Carleton’s highly respected educational curriculum and represents an industry-driven addendum to equip Carleton’s students with the opportunity to develop even deeper embedded design skills. By combining modern technology, engineering mentorship, and a shared commitment to student success, Fidus joins Carleton in shaping capable, confident engineers ready for the challenges ahead.
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