Current and future generations of electronic systems design continues to be incredibly complex due to increasing scale, diversity, and functional demands of the underlying circuits. In Pillar 5, we are advancing electronic systems design through intelligent hardware-software co-design and automated modelling solutions. Our approach integrates behavioural and functional circuit models with reliable system-level validations, using machine learning principles to create predictive digital twins.
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By combining dynamic modeling capability with automated validation in these twinning tools, we are able to expedite the design of systems from emerging device concepts to practical implementations. This approach enables circuit designers to leverage system-level models faster and more efficiently - transforming productivity of semiconductor technologies and applications in electronics.
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The APRIL AI Hub was featured on STV News!
Our recent event, held in collaboration with ACE IT Scotland, was spotlighted in a segment that captured the energy and real impact of APRIL. It was an incredibly rewarding experience seeing how our outreach initiatives are already beginning to improve the lives of older adults in our community.
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We're also excited to share a lovely story from one of our ACE IT Scotland participants following our recent AI intergenerational mentorship workshops! It's great to hear how our workshops supported their journey into the world of AI and the confidence they've gained in using it. Read their story HERE.
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Summer Celebration: Farewell to our Interns!
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At the APRIL AI Hub, we waved goodbye to our wonderful interns by wrapping up their final week with a fun summer celebration event! All interns presented a research poster in the morning and then pitched their research projects in a Dragon’s Den-style showcase judged by a panel of experts from both academia and industry.
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The full APRIL team coming together to celebrate the interns’ success
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In just 8 weeks, our talented interns have demonstrated outstanding commitment not only to their research but also their meaningful contributions to our outreach initiatives for both young people and the elderly.
It was a great day celebrating the success of our first APRIL internship programme made possible by the Royal Academy of Engineering, The Hg Foundation and Google DeepMind. We were also thrilled to welcome participants from our ACE IT event, who had the opportunity to reunite with their mentors and witness the real-world impact of their work at APRIL.
A huge congratulations to all our interns, we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
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Our interns celebrating their successful Dragon’s Den pitches
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We captured the highlights of the internship in a special video, watch below:
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New Podcast: APRIL Conversations
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APRIL is excited to launch APRIL Conversations, our brand new podcast!
In our very first episode, we’re joined by 14 amazing summer interns on their final day with us. Together, we look back on their internship journey from their favorite moments and biggest takeaways, the skills they’ve gained and the impact they’ve made through outreach initiatives. Their energy, creativity, and curiosity have left a lasting impression on all of us, and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this series.
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Responsible Research ORBIT Workshop
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The APRIL research team came together for another installment of our ethos workshop series. This time the focus was Responsible Research and Innovation training run by ORBIT RRI.
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The full day workshop focused on understanding the importance of practicing responsible research and innovation through dynamic discussion and case studies. Research Fellow, Dr. Cristian Sestito commented: “I left the event with a clearer framework for ensuring my research is not only scientifically sound but also socially responsible and future oriented.”
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Sutton Trust Summer School
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Mohannad and Eva reflecting on their journeys into research
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Two of our fantastic Google DeepMind interns, Mohannad and Eva, delivered inspiring talks for the Sutton Trust Summer School. The talks reflected on their unique journeys to studying Engineering at university offering valuable insights to future students from widening participation backgrounds.
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Prof. Vihar Georgiev presenting to APRIL
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On July 28th, researchers and collaborators across APRIL met at the University of Glasgow for a Pillar 5 workshop. The day focused on electronic systems modelling and digital twin technologies and advancements in computational methodologies, device physics simulation, and AI-integrated design frameworks, establishing critical research priorities for next-generation electronic systems.
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The day featured research updates across multiple domains of electronic systems modelling. Key presentations addressed advances in Technology Computer-Aided Design methodologies, incorporating machine learning algorithms for enhanced device simulation accuracy. Researchers demonstrated novel approaches to Density Functional Theory materials characterization, enabling more precise electronic structure calculations for emerging semiconductor materials. Significant developments in 3D device architectures were presented, showcasing innovative modelling techniques for complex geometries beyond traditional planar structures.
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APRIL Research and Collaborators at the University of Glasgow
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Dr Sachin Chowdary
Pillar 4 Research Associate
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Dr Panagiota Kontou
Pillar 4 Research Associate
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Before joining APRIL, Sachin worked as a SoC Pre-Silicon Design Verification Engineer at Intel, where he contributed to the verification of complex SoC architectures. His professional journey spans advanced hardware verification, UVM methodology, and the application of AI/ML techniques to accelerate Design Verification workflows. Sachin holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and has developed deep expertise in System Verilog, UVM, and Python scripting for DV automation. His current research focuses on integrating Machine Learning models into verification environments to optimise coverage closure, reduce simulation time, and enhance bug detection efficiency. With a passion for innovation, Sachin is advancing his expertise in AI/ML for DV, exploring reinforcement learning,intelligent stimulus generation, and verification data analytics. Beyond research, his interests include entrepreneurial ventures, financial trading, scalable automation solutions, travelling, reading books, and singing.
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Panagiota holds an MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Democritus University of Thrace (Greece), and an MSc in Embedded Systems Engineering from Heriot-Watt University (UK). She got her PhD at Heriot-Watt University, where she developed a contactless heartbeat and breathing monitoring device using radar technology (VisionRF). She pursued the commercialisation of this work and gained experience in translating research into commercial applications and engaging with stakeholders in the MedTech sector. In addition, she gained industry experience at Greengage Agritech. Her research interests include AI-driven sensing systems, smart embedded design,electronic system testing, and the prototyping and commercialisation of electronics. Beyond research, she enjoys exploring the latest tech trends, rallying on the tennis court, swimming, experimenting in the kitchen, diving into books on self-discovery, photography, and setting off on adventures around the world.
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Fun Friday Intern Activities
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The final couple of weeks of the APRIL summer internship saw some incredibly fun Friday activities! The team ventured out to the Meadows to take part in a competitive APRIL Olympics tournament. The following week, we wound down with a peaceful and creative arts and crafts afternoon where we sketched and painted.
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