Guatemala Launches FODISEGUA to Build Talent for the Semiconductor Industry

FODISEGUA has officially launched in Guatemala as a new training initiative designed to develop specialized talent in digital integrated circuit design. The program represents a key step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its position within the global semiconductor value chain and support the long-term goals of La Ruta del Chip.

A Strategic Initiative for Guatemala’s Technology Future

The semiconductor industry has become one of the most important and fastest-growing sectors worldwide, creating opportunities for countries capable of developing specialized technical talent.

FODISEGUA—short for Formación de talento especializado en el diseño de circuitos integrados digitales con Synopsys para potenciar la emergente industria de semiconductores en Guatemala—was created to address one of the main challenges facing Guatemala’s participation in the sector: the shortage of professionals trained in integrated circuit design.

The program forms part of La Ruta del Chip, a national strategy promoted by the Guatemalan government to position the country as a relevant player in the semiconductor industry, attract foreign investment, generate highly specialized jobs, and strengthen the local innovation ecosystem.

According to M.Sc. Amilcar Veliz, from Galileo University and one of the program organizers:

“One of the main challenges for Guatemala to actively participate in this industry is the lack of professionals trained in integrated circuit design. FODISEGUA was created to develop specialized talent capable of contributing to the country’s technological growth and responding to the needs of a sector with increasing international relevance.”

Universities, Government Institutions, and Industry Partners Join Forces

The initiative is led by Galileo University through its academic and research programs focused on advanced technologies. It is being developed in collaboration with academic institutions, government entities, and strategic organizations committed to advancing Guatemala’s semiconductor industry.

Supporting partners include the Ministry of Economy, the National Secretariat of Science and Technology (SENACYT), Universidad del Istmo (UNIS), Universidad Mariano Gálvez, and Universidad Panamericana (UPANA).

Together, these institutions aim to strengthen national talent and promote technological innovation through a coordinated, multi-sector effort.

Intensive Training Program Focused on Chip Design

FODISEGUA will bring together 35 participants, including university students, engineers, and faculty members, for an intensive training experience totaling 320 hours over eight weeks.

The program combines three weeks of in-person instruction with five weeks of virtual learning, while participants remain gathered at Galileo University throughout the training period.

A key component of the initiative is the participation of instructors from Synopsys, a global leader in semiconductor design software. Specialists from the company will travel from Chile to deliver the technical training.

Participants will develop expertise in several critical areas, including:

• Digital design fundamentals, logic systems, and Boolean algebra.
• Circuit verification using Verilog, SystemVerilog, and UVM methodologies.
• Complete chip design workflows, from RTL coding to final layout.
• Professional Synopsys tools such as VCS, Verdi, and Fusion Compiler.
• CMOS manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturability principles.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive a diploma of participation and have the opportunity to present final projects. The three most outstanding proposals will be formally recognized.

Building Guatemala’s First Generation of Integrated Circuit Designers

The program is aimed at senior students in Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, and Computer Science, as well as professional engineers, educators, and researchers interested in emerging technologies related to integrated circuit design.

Beyond technical training, FODISEGUA seeks to establish the foundations for a national community of specialists capable of supporting the growth of Guatemala’s semiconductor sector.

One of the initiative’s primary goals is to create the country’s first certified generation of integrated circuit designers. Organizers expect these professionals to become future knowledge multipliers, helping train new talent and expand national capabilities in semiconductor technologies.

The program also aims to identify individuals with the potential to lead innovation projects, generate intellectual property, and strengthen Guatemala’s ability to attract technology-related investment.

A First Step Toward a Competitive Semiconductor Ecosystem

For the organizers, FODISEGUA represents more than a training initiative; it is a strategic investment in Guatemala’s technological future.

Dr. Oscar Rodas, from Galileo University and part of the organizing team, emphasized the importance of developing local talent before building a larger industry ecosystem:

“La Ruta del Chip begins with people. Before attracting investment and developing a semiconductor industry, it is necessary to build local capabilities. FODISEGUA is the first step toward creating a critical mass of professionals capable of designing, innovating, and leading high-value technology projects from Guatemala.”

He added that the long-term objective is for Guatemala to move beyond being solely a consumer of technology and become a creator of solutions for global markets.

Echoing that vision, M.Sc. Amilcar Veliz highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative:

“Today Guatemala imports technology. Through La Ruta del Chip and programs like FODISEGUA, we are training the people who will design the technology of the future from Guatemala.”

Supporting the Vision of La Ruta del Chip

With the launch of FODISEGUA, Guatemala continues advancing toward a more competitive technology ecosystem centered on specialized talent, innovation, and high-value industries.

By developing local expertise in integrated circuit design, the initiative supports the broader objectives of La Ruta del Chip and contributes to the country’s ambition of becoming an active participant in the global semiconductor industry.