Centre aims to boost Scots electronics design industry

The Altium Drop-In Centre is a partnership between Premier EDA Solutions and the Institute for Product Design & Manufacture (IPDM) at Edinburgh Napier University. The centre has been created to enable Scottish electronics designers to access Altium's design software free of charge for a limited period. Based at IPDM's premises at the Alba Business Park in Livingston, the new centre will also supply additional Altium software licences for start ups who are in the process of securing first round funding. The new lab is accessible to Scottish SMEs and individuals who have an idea for a new technological product or are developing an existing product. The Institute for Product Design & Manufacture's director Professor Ian Hunt, said: "By providing access to the necessary design tools and expertise to support new product development, our aim is to positively stimulate and increase electronics product design in Scotland, and ultimately increase the number of new products to reach the market." Phil Mayo, managing director of Premier EDA Solutions, added: "We have been a long admirer of the IPDM's work and recognise the frustrations associated with moving from concept to prototype, especially without access to proficient electronic design automation tools. Therefore, the provision of Altium Designer licences for the Altium drop-in centre is an ideal opportunity for us to assist in this area."