With the support of Ucom, the 21st International Microelectronics Olympiad concluded in Yerevan, bringing together 931 participants from 17 countries this year. The company served as the Olympiad’s main sponsor.
The final round of the Olympiad, held from November 1 to 4, took place on November 2 at Synopsys Armenia. Of the 17 international finalists, 14 traveled to Armenia to compete in person. The winners were recognized during the Award Ceremony held on November 3 as part of the Silicon Mountains Tech Summit 2026.
The winners of the 21st Olympiad were: 1st place – Liana Khachatryan (Armenia); 2nd place – Assane Ndiaye (France); and 3rd place – Nathalie Jouljian (Lebanon), Artur Saribekyan (Armenia), and Anton Glinin (Russia). The special award for “Best Engineering Solution,” established in memory of Arman Chagharyan, who lost his life in the 44-day war, was presented to Haykush Petrosyan (Armenia).
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“Armenia’s technological development begins with education and the opportunities created for young people. It is important to us that they have the opportunity to test their skills, learn from one another, and see how they can apply their knowledge to the creation of new technologies. Ucom supports this Olympiad to encourage the professional growth of young people and contribute to the development of the technology sector in Armenia. I am confident that the experience gained and the connections made here will help them take bolder steps along their professional paths,” noted Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom.
The Olympiad fosters interest among young people in microelectronics and semiconductor technologies, enabling them to assess their own knowledge and professional capabilities, exchange experiences, and build connections with peers from various countries. The initiative also contributes to the modernization of educational programs and enhances Armenia’s international visibility.
The competition topics cover the design and test of digital, analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits, semiconductor devices and technologies, as well as the mathematical and algorithmic foundations for the automated design of integrated circuits.
This year, the Olympiad brought together participants from Armenia, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Estonia, France, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Peru, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Vietnam. Estonia and Rwanda participated in the Olympiad for the first time. Over its 21-year history, the Olympiad has united thousands of students and young professionals from 42 countries, establishing itself as a unique international platform for identifying talent, advancing educational excellence, and encouraging innovation in microelectronics.
“The International Microelectronics Olympiad has become a valuable international platform for identifying talented students, promoting educational excellence, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Over the past 21 years, the Olympiad has attracted participants from 42 countries, creating opportunities for young talents to challenge themselves, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional connections. We are proud that the Olympiad continues to spark interest in microelectronics, promote technical excellence, and help cultivate a global community of future innovators who will shape the technologies of tomorrow,” said Prof. Vazgen Melikyan, Chairman of the Olympiad Program Committee and Director of the Synopsys Armenia Educational Department.
The International Microelectronics Olympiad was established in 2006, initiated by Synopsys Armenia and held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. It is organized in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Test Technology Technical Council (IEEE TTTC).
