Cadence and the Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology Announce First Graduating Class.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 2004

Cadence University Continues to Work Toward Increasing Technical Competencies and Fostering a Community of Engineering Talent in Russia

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CDN), today announced the first graduating class from the Cadence-sponsored Device and System Design program at the Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology (MIET). The program offers a master's degree in analog/mixed signal engineering and includes 25 technical courses and accompanying laboratory projects and practical training. Students also study English and complete internships at prominent IC design companies.

This first graduation marks an important milestone for Cadence and for Russia's IC design industry. It illustrates Cadence's strong commitment to providing increased technical competency worldwide to meet its needs and those of its customers.

The goal of the MIET 3-year program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to hold positions with international technology companies in Russia. By growing a community of engineering talent in Russia, the program not only provides companies with the best and brightest minds, but also supports the strong emerging marketplace in Russia. Cadence is providing design expertise and training, computer equipment and software, and is funding instructor & student scholarships.

"We are extremely proud of the 2004 graduating class and feel that the program has prepared them for successful careers in the electronics industry," said Ray Bingham, president and CEO of Cadence. "The electronics industry in Russia is growing every year, and this program is a step toward ensuring that there is a stable, high-caliber workforce to meet those needs."

A strong supporter of the Device and System Design program at MIET since conception, Alexander Mitaenko, manager of Motorola's Analog/Mixed-Signal Development Center in Russia, said, "Working students have now become graduates and new hires for Motorola, thanks to this innovative program at MIET. We look forward to a continued stream of qualified engineers to work at our growing design center in Russia." Motorola helped define the curriculum and continues to hire students as interns during their studies.

The graduation will take place at MIET in Zelenograd, Russia on Friday, Feb. 20. Lavi Lev, executive vice president and general manager of the Cadence Implementation Division will distribute Cadence University certificates to 19 expected graduates, along with state diplomas. Four additional students are also slated to graduate in June 2004. While their curriculum studies have been completed, they still need to finish their master's thesis. All graduates have received job offers from many of the top companies in Russia, such as Motorola, Angstrem, IDM, and Unique IC. The program's second class is currently completing its first term.

"This partnership between Cadence, Mirantis and MIET has set the standard for how a successful curriculum development program can be quickly and efficiently conceived, then implemented with stellar results," said Professor Yuri Chaplygin, MIET rector and member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "These fine new graduates will make a significant impact on Russia's future."

"It's a great privilege to be a part of MIET's first ever graduation ceremony for the Device and System Design program," said Lavi Lev. "These bright individuals will participate in the future of the electronics industry, and Cadence is proud to sponsor programs that enrich engineering education worldwide."

About Cadence

Cadence is the largest supplier of electronic design technologies, methodology services, and design services. Cadence solutions are used to accelerate and manage the design of semiconductors, computer systems, networking and telecommunications equipment, consumer electronics, and a variety of other electronics-based products. With approximately 4,800 employees and 2003 revenues of approximately $1.1 billion, Cadence has sales offices, design centers, and research facilities around the world. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CDN. More information about the company, its products and services is available at www.cadence.com.

Cadence and the Cadence logo are registered trademarks of Cadence Design Systems, Inc.