This project was born out of the realization of the importance, relevance, and necessity for Inatel to position itself in initiatives and actions within the field of microelectronics—a strategic topic with significant impact on the technological development of solutions. Initially, it was not possible to realize this plan without support and incentives to bring the idea to life. Thanks to the backing of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, which believed in and supported the idea from the beginning, the program became a reality and expanded to a national scale. Thus, the CI Digital training program was created, with the purpose of preparing professionals in the field of microelectronics, focusing on digital front-end development. This program not only represents a strategic opportunity for Inatel but also marks a significant milestone for Brazil’s technological development. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for students and technology professionals, enabling their participation in a structured and accessible program through scholarships. Our goal is to prepare participants to thrive in a promising and challenging market upon completing their training. The proposed activities go far beyond theory. The program includes leveling modules, conceptual approaches, training in specific tools, and detailed technical deep dives into the digital front-end field. Additionally, it stands out for its practical immersion, where participants develop proofs of concept and tackle real-world problems and projects, directly connecting with industry demands throughout the training. The program’s mission is to prepare up to 350 highly skilled professionals capable of addressing complex challenges and contributing to the advancement of research, development, and technological innovation in the country. By the end of the program, participants will be ready to face real-world challenges in close collaboration with the industry. For Inatel, the benefits are immense. This program reaffirms our role as an institution of excellence in technology education and research, consolidating our position as a reference in developing innovative solutions and training talent aligned with the demands of a constantly evolving sector. It also strengthens the national industry in a globally competitive environment. For Brazil, the impact is transformative. The inclusion of other institutions in the program promotes the dissemination of knowledge and increases the number of participants across different regions of the country. Our vision is for this program to continue expanding in new phases, increasing the number of graduates and further extending its reach. The training of professionals in microelectronics strengthens technological sovereignty in a strategic area, fosters the creation of qualified jobs, and attracts investments to essential sectors. Moreover, it helps reduce the country’s dependence on foreign technologies, driving the growth of a robust and competitive national industry. It is an honor to be part of this pioneering initiative, alongside my colleagues who contributed to the program’s conception, as well as the other institutions involved and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. This program is of great importance to Inatel, opening new opportunities for technological partnerships. The CI Digital training program transcends the concept of mere training—it represents a vision of how knowledge and innovation can transform society, expand the frontiers of development, and solidify Brazil’s position on the national and international stage.

We are living in a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to think of equipment or products that are not digitally controlled or monitored. Automobiles, agricultural machinery, household appliances, and others are already part of the digital world. Homes, buildings, industries, and businesses are being automated. With the Internet of Things and edge computing—i.e., processing performed by the remote device itself—there is a significant demand for digital circuits and, consequently, a tremendous demand for designers. Through this training, students will receive high-level training in digital circuit design, provided by faculty from the participating institutions. The training will be conducted using state-of-the-art professional circuit design tools, preparing students to work in a wide range of companies. Once trained, they will be able to work in project specification, project development, testing, or even in configuring and using the designed circuits.

I have been working for 16 years in the field of research and development in microelectronics, and I can confidently say that it is one of the most challenging areas in engineering. I constantly have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, which is extremely rewarding. This training represents a unique opportunity for those who wish to enter the field, as it includes both theoretical and practical lessons, using state-of-the-art tools for integrated circuit design and development. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the necessary experience to stand out in the top companies in the sector. Considering the labor shortage and the anticipated growth in the field, graduates will certainly find numerous job opportunities, both in Brazil and in developed countries such as those in Europe and the United States. Thus, students will have the chance to advance their careers and, very likely, improve their quality of life.

The implementation of the CI Digital Program represents a significant advancement for the state of Maranhão and the State University of Maranhão (UEMA), which will offer its first course in this format. For the state, the course strengthens the qualification of the local workforce, contributing to the creation of opportunities and economic development. For UEMA, this initiative positions the university as a regional reference in technology, opening new academic and professional possibilities in the field of microelectronics.

Microelectronics has grown significantly worldwide, with an average growth rate of 16% over the past decades, compared to just 4% for the overall economy. This reality is rooted in the fact that microelectronics has become a crucial element for the technology industry, which has been relentlessly working towards the miniaturization of a wide variety of devices across all areas of application. In previous decades, the world witnessed the expansion of this industry, focusing primarily on manufacturing, which distanced some non-manufacturing countries from the vast opportunities in this market. With the development of design tools and methodologies, we are now in a new phase where the greatest value lies in the intellectual capacity of professionals dedicated to the development and testing of these devices. As a result, Brazilian professionals can actively participate in this rapidly expanding market, working as designers and testers of microelectronic devices and contributing to Brazilian companies and institutes that collaborate with major global corporations. Do not miss the opportunity to prepare yourself for this market, which is in high demand for skilled professionals.