San José State’s has received a multi-year commitment from the Cadence Giving Foundation to support the expansion of the university’s Artificial Intelligence initatives in multiple areas. The agreement, which includes a significant donation of AI design software and digital twin technology to SJSU from Cadence Design Systems, the foundation’s parent company, is designed to equip students with the skills, hands-on training and experience needed to excel in careers in artificial intelligence (AI).
This partnership marks an important step toward preparing students across every academic discipline at SJSU for success in an increasingly AI-dominated economy.
“We are proud to support the emerging AI ecosystem at SJSU and to help develop and promote the workforce of the future,” says KT Moore, vice president of Corporate Marketing at Cadence. “Our priority at the foundation is to channel our specialized knowledge into meaningful community impact, and we believe this investment will do just that.”
- The academic upskilling and curricular applications in departments such as, but not limited to electrical and aerospace engineering.
- A rebrand and refresh of the existing Cadence Design Lab in electrical engineering and;
- Aligning with university focus areas (AI for All, STEM Education and Opportunity), and seeding promising student projects and faculty research that increase career opportunities.
The Cadence Giving Foundation also joins NVIDIA, Adobe, the City of San José and the Knight Foundation to build out the AI Hub at the MLK Library. The San José AI Hub, anticipated to officially open in summer 2026, will provide students with hands-on training and experiences that prepare AI future-ready talent.
“This important partnership with Cadence strengthens our ability to prepare students for the future of work,” says SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. “By collaborating through innovative tools like digital twin software, we are ensuring that SJSU graduates are equipped to lead in the responsible and human-centered use of artificial intelligence. Partnerships like this reinforce San José State’s leadership at the intersection of higher education, technology and industry in the heart of Silicon Valley.”