# I-Corps: Translation Potential of Tools for Simulation and Design Space Exploration For Chip Design and Hardware Acceleration

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GA) · $50,000

## Abstract

This I-Corps project focuses on the development of a fast and accurate simulation and design space exploration platform for chip design and hardware acceleration. Modern chip design workflows rely heavily on simulation tools that are either fast but inaccurate, or accurate but extremely slow, making it difficult for engineers to evaluate and optimize complex designs. These difficulties create a critical bottleneck in the development of high-performance computing systems, leading to increased costs, longer time-to-market, and underutilized hardware. This solution addresses these challenges by enabling engineers to simulate and evaluate chip designs significantly faster while maintaining high accuracy. This advance has the potential to improve productivity for thousands of engineers, shorten development cycles for new technologies, and reduce infrastructure needs. In doing so, the technology supports national efforts to advance semiconductor innovation, enhance energy-efficient computing, and strengthen domestic design capabilities in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with a first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of the technology. This solution is based on the development of an intermediate representation–level simulation framework that provides cycle-level performance estimates without the need for slow and resource-intensive register-transfer level simulation

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2534120
- **Awardee organization:** Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EMW9FC8J3HN4
- **PI:** Cong Hao
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** MATERIALS SYNTHESIS & PROCESSN
- **Estimated total:** $50,000
- **Funds obligated:** $50,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 12/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2534120

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2534120, I-Corps: Translation Potential of Tools for Simulation and Design Space Exploration For Chip Design and Hardware Acceleration. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2534120. Licensed CC0.

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