Micro Electronics Research Lab
Introduction
MERL, housed at UIT University, stands at the forefront of chip-design education, merging academic rigour with real-world innovation. Since a key MoU in December 2018, MERL has pioneered open-source microprocessor design in Pakistan, enabling undergraduates to design and tape-out real chips.
We believe that empowering students to design hardware, not just software, is crucial to building a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.
What We Offer
What We Offer
Our offerings focus on student empowerment, research involvement and industry alignment.
Training
Hands-on IC & SoC Design Training using open-source RISC-V and commercial EDA tools.
Collaboration
Global Research Collaborations & Memberships: MERL is member of RISC‑V Foundation, Chips Alliance, Linux Foundation, and hosts contributions to the Google Summer of Code.
Tools
Access to Professional Tools & Facilities: Licensed Cadence and open-source flows, FPGA development boards and SoC tape-out infrastructure.
Scholarship
Scholarship & Publication Support: More than 30 paid international scholarships (GSoC & Linux Foundation) awarded to undergraduates.
Facilities & Tools
MERL is equipped with industry-grade infrastructure:
- Licensed Cadence/Synopsys EDA suites and open-source flows
- FPGA & SoC tape-out boards, high-performance workstations
- Research space and labs for undergraduates and graduates alike.




Facilities & Tools
MERL is equipped with industry-grade infrastructure:
- Licensed Cadence/Synopsys EDA suites and open-source flows
- FPGA & SoC tape-out boards, high-performance workstations
- Research space and labs for undergraduates and graduates alike.




Facilities & Tools
MERL is equipped with industry-grade infrastructure:
Facilities & Tools
MERL is equipped with industry-grade infrastructure:
- Licensed Cadence/Synopsys EDA suites and open-source flows
- FPGA & SoC tape-out boards, high-performance workstations
- Research space and labs for undergraduates and graduates alike.




Join MERL
Ready to build Pakistan’s semiconductor future?
Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate or industry partner—MERL opens the door.