Engineering students from across Lebanon gathered at LAU’s Beirut campus on May 29 for the second consecutive national edition of the Synopsys International Microelectronics Olympiad—organized by the School of Engineering (SOE)—to take part in a written competition that tested their knowledge in electronic design and semiconductor technology.

The Olympiad assessed participants on a broad spectrum of topics, including Digital and Analog Integrated Circuit (IC) Design, Semiconductor Technology, and the Mathematics and Algorithms that drive Electronic Design Automation (EDA). In doing so, it offered not just a competition but a vital bridge between academic excellence and industrial application.

“Not everyone will win, but all of you walk away with something greater—the experience, the resilience to come back stronger. Today, the winner represents their university; tomorrow, they may represent their country,” said Dean Michel Khoury just before the results were announced.

Indeed, the event was as much a talent showcase as it was a talent pipeline. The top three performers received not only cash prizes but also potential internships and job opportunities.

LAU stood out with two of its students earning top distinctions in the competition. First-place winner Mohammad Jouni, a second-year computer engineering student at the Beirut campus, shared the dedication behind his achievement.

“I solved everything I could find on the competition,” he said. “I prepared for 10 days and even used AI tools to understand the solutions better.” His success also earned him the honor of representing Lebanon at the Olympiad’s international finals, to be held at Synopsys Armenia.

Third-place winner Charbel Al Bateh, a third-year computer engineering student at the Byblos campus, approached the competition relying on his strong foundation in digital systems and logic. “Although I didn’t have much time to study, I had just taken electronics this semester, so I built my answers on that understanding,” he said.

Second place was claimed by Clara Fakhry from the American University of Beirut.

A highlight of this year’s event was a virtual seminar by Professor and Managing Director at Synopsys Armenia, Vazgen Melikyan, who was introduced to the participating students by Dr. Dani Tannir, associate professor and assistant dean at SOE and program committee member at the International Microelectronics Olympiad.

Melikyan delivered an engaging talk on the evolution of integrated circuits, focusing on the third wave of AI and its transformative impact on IC design and the Internet of Things.

By serving as the exclusive host of the Olympiad through its partnership with Synopsys, the school continues to build strong ties with industry while providing students with a valuable platform to showcase their skills, gain international exposure, and move forward in promising engineering careers.