"We're excited that ANSYS simulation products have been added to the tools available through EUROPRACTICE," said Oxford University’s Dr. Peter Leek. "Leading companies around the world use ANSYS solutions to take their products from concept through to production. Giving our students access to ANSYS' products earlier in their careers will make them even more sought after by companies worldwide. The speed, reliability and accuracy of ANSYS is very useful for our research."
The University of Oxford has already started using ANSYS for its research into ion quantum computing, astronomical receiving devices, and superconducting microwave devices. Access to the software for other universities will be made available, at a discounted price, to non-commercial teaching and research.
"Part of ANSYS' core mission is to educate the marketplace about the importance of simulation in the product development process," said Paul Lethbridge, academic product manager at ANSYS. "This agreement will help to bring that message to the next generation of engineers."
The deal was made possible thanks to EUROPRACTICE, a community that looks to expand microelectronic simulation technologies in European countries. However, some countries from the Middle East and Africa are also members. This move will therefore expand the technologies into those regions as well.
"EUROPRACTICE's goal is to enhance European industrial competitiveness in the global marketplace," said Dr. John McLean, division head of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. "By partnering with ANSYS, we'll be able to get more cutting-edge tools into our members' hands."
The old adage ‘hook them when they’re young’ works well in the simulation industry, just as it does in any other. However, in ANSYS’ case, the tactic could help pave the way for more advancements in the field of engineering from the EU. Perhaps it could even snowball a series of events that could help turn around a region in economic downturn?
ANSYS isn’t the first to provide software to schools, however. In fact, many do so for free. The interesting aspect is the sheer size of this agreement. As these students graduate trained in ANSYS, it could certainly sway the simulation software preferences in the EU’s engineering based industries. To combat this, it wouldn’t be surprising if the other simulation companies take note and offer their services as well.
Source and Image courtesy of ANSYS.