StellarLink Launches "Edge-AI Design Academy (EADA)" to Foster Edge AI Device Designers Supporting Physical AI, Now Accepting Applications

StellarLink Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yasuhiro Maeda) has launched the "Edge-AI Design Academy (EADA)", an advanced human resource development institution specializing in the design of edge AI devices.

The EADA special website has been opened, and applications for the first cohort of students are now being accepted.

This academy aims to train designers of LSIs (Large Scale Integrated Circuits) that function in the edge domain, supporting "Physical AI," which is the most important technology in 2026, and to revive Japan's semiconductor industry.

## **■ Four Features of EADA**

### **1. Cultivating Advanced Design Talent Specialized in Edge AI**

As AI shifts from the cloud to the physical world (edge), the demand for "edge AI devices" that achieve advanced inference with low power consumption on the device side is exploding. EADA offers a curriculum specialized in advanced design technology for analog-digital mixed-signal LSIs, which are indispensable for realizing these next-generation devices. We cultivate highly market-valued engineers who can optimize AI algorithms for hardware.

### **2. "Practice-Oriented" Curriculum by Active LSI Designers**

The educational materials provided are original texts written by active designers who are currently engaged in semiconductor design at the forefront, reflecting the latest trends and on-site challenges. Lectures are also given by professionals with extensive practical experience. Unlike educational institutions that only teach "theory," we directly impart "living know-how," such as how to overcome technical barriers encountered on-site and the key points of design.

### **3. Advanced Practical Training Using Real-World EDA Tools**

The greatest strength of this academy is that students can actually operate and learn with commercially available professional EDA tools (Electronic Design Automation tools), which usually have high introduction costs, through a cloud environment built by CDC Laboratory Co., Ltd. Practical training in a "mass-production chip-level design environment" enables students to acquire skills that can contribute to practical work after completion.

### **4. Student Support System to Develop Next-Generation Design Talent**

This academy welcomes challenges from those without practical experience in LSI design. With a curriculum that teaches from the basics, we support career changes from different industries and skill acquisition for students.

Furthermore, if companies utilize this course for employee reskilling, it may be possible to receive up to 45% of the course fees (expense subsidy) through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Human Resources Development Subsidy," thereby reducing the cost burden upon introduction. *Certain requirements apply for subsidy application.

## **■ First Cohort Course Offering**

This is an intensive course covering everything from the basics of analog circuit design, which forms the foundation of edge devices, to practical simulations.

**Course Name:** Introductory Analog LSI Circuit Designer Training Course

**Target Audience:**

* Engineers involved in semiconductor/LSI design work
* Working professionals and students interested in LSI design (challenges from inexperienced individuals are welcome)

*Applications are accepted from both individuals and corporations. Subsidies may be available for corporate enrollment.

**Application Period:** March 16, 2026 (Mon) - April 10, 2026 (Fri)

**Course Format:** Online (including cloud-based EDA tool practical training)

**Special Website URL:** https://eada.stellarlink.jp/

**[Important: For companies considering applying for subsidies]** The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Human Resources Development Subsidy requires prior submission of a plan notification one month before the start of training. If you are considering utilizing the subsidy for the first cohort (starting May 2026), please contact the secretariat as soon as possible.

## ■ 2026 Academic Year Course Schedule (Planned)

The following schedule is planned for the second cohort and beyond.

**Second Cohort:** June 15 (Mon) - 26 (Fri)

**Third Cohort:** July 6 (Mon) - 17 (Fri)

**Fourth Cohort:** August 17 (Mon) - 28 (Fri)

**Fifth Cohort:** September 7 (Mon) - 18 (Fri)

**Sixth Cohort:** September 28 (Mon) - October 9 (Fri)

*Information regarding applications for the second cohort and beyond will be announced on the special website as soon as it is finalized.

## ■ Utilization of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Human Resources Development Subsidy"

This course may be eligible for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Human Resources Development Subsidy (Human Resources Development Support Course)" when companies enroll employees for the purpose of acquiring job-related specialized knowledge and skills. By utilizing this system, small and medium-sized enterprises may receive up to 45% of the course fees (expense subsidy).

*Certain requirements apply for subsidy application. Please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's website for details.

## **■ EADA Project Operating and Participating Companies**

This project is operated by four specialist companies, each pooling their strengths.

### **[Kyoei Sangyo Co., Ltd.]**

A technical trading company with both trading functions for electronic devices, including semiconductors, and system development and FA (Factory Automation) businesses.

URL: https://www.kyoei.co.jp/

### **[CDC Laboratory Co., Ltd.]**

A company that provides cloud development environments characterized by semiconductor design (LSI design), realizing a "project-responsive design environment" where even small and medium-sized enterprises and sole proprietors can perform advanced design at low cost.

URL: https://www.cdc-lab.com/

### **[Poco a Poco Networks Co., Ltd.]**

A startup company in the edge AI and IoT fields, established by a group of engineers mainly from major semiconductor and electronics companies.

URL: https://poco-apoconw.com/

### **[StellarLink Co., Ltd.]**

Develops DX solutions that integrate hardware and software, such as the material transport robot "SUPPOT," the AI-powered avatar system "AI Avatar STELLA," and digital signage.

URL: https://www.stellarlink.co.jp/

## **■ About StellarLink Co., Ltd.**

Company Name: StellarLink Co., Ltd.

Representative: Yasuhiro Maeda, Representative Director

Location: Kudan Fujikawa Bldg. 3F, 4-3-4 Kudan Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074

Established: July 10, 2012

Capital: 65.5 million yen

Business: System Integration Business, Information Communication Business

## **■ Contact for this matter**

CDC Laboratory Co., Ltd. EADA Secretariat

E-mail: eada@cdc-lab.com