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The Tech Museum of Innovation  In early 2002, The Tech Museum and the Electronic Design Automation Consortium (EDAC) identified an exciting opportunity to update The Tech's popular exhibit, "Inventor's Workbench." After a series of brainstorming sessions with creative engineers at Cadence Design Systems, the exhibit evolved into the "Silicon Workshop." Cadence stepped forward to fund the project, and Cadence engineers and other team members continued the collaboration. The fun and engaging exhibit launched in June 2004 and now offers visitors the opportunity to use microchip design strategies to solve real world problems. By facilitating the process of creating something with microchips, The Tech and Cadence will help visitors gain new insights into Silicon Valley's flagship industry.
The Tech Challenge presented by Cadence
The Tech Challenge is an annual event of The Tech Museum of Innovation that engages young minds in the subjects of critical thinking, teamwork and perseverance. The Tech Challenge is based on The Tech Museum's "design challenge" education model, which stresses that the process of design, rather than just ultimate success, is what sparks innovation. The program engages 5th through 12th grade students in solving a current, real-life technological problem. Working with mentors from local businesses and schools, teams of young people design a solution using engineering design processes and the application of science and mathematics. The students employ innovative thinking, brainstorming, team building and problem-solving techniques throughout the months leading up to the final big day of the challenge. Cadence has partnered with the Tech Museum of Innovation as the presenting sponsor for The Tech Challenge. Link to press release: Tech Museum Partnership.
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