Siemens Provides Largest Software Grant Ever to University of Maryland

Siemens Corporation and the University of Maryland (UMD) announced the largest in-kind software grant from Siemens PLM Software at a value of over $750 million. Siemens' product lifecycle management (PLM) software provides Maryland students and researchers valued design and simulation tools for course work, projects, competitions and research.

“As product complexity continues to grow, students with PLM software experience are expected to be highly recruited. Global manufacturers need highly trained graduates to help them make smarter decisions that result in better products. This software grant enables UMD to integrate world-class PLM technology into its curriculum. The result enables students to be better prepared graduates to work in science, technology, engineering or math fields,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software.



Companies around the world use the same technology daily to develop and manufacture innovative products in industries such as biotechnology, high-tech electronics, machinery, shipbuilding, aerospace and automotive. The students of UMD will use the software in courses and research in relation to robotics design, systems life cycle analysis, space systems, bioengineering, and manufacturing.

“Our students will benefit tremendously from using Siemens PLM software for course work, special projects, and international competitions, and their experience with the software will help them succeed in the workplace as graduates,” said Dean of UMD’s A. James Clark School of Engineering and Farvardin Professor of Aerospace Engineering Darryll Pines.

Groups in the college will participate in groups and competitions with this new software like:
- Terps Racing Formula SAE
- Baja
- NASA's X-Hab
- Lunar Wheel Design

"A modern economy requires modern investments. In Maryland, we’ve made the better choices to invest in a highly skilled workforce, world-class research facilities, high tech industries, innovative ideas and a growing community of entrepreneurs,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “This partnership between Siemens and the state’s flagship university highlights our continued goal to equip our students of today for our jobs of tomorrow."

The University of Maryland and Siemens partnership will combine:
- Student recruitment
- Collaborative activities in:
    - energy

    - transportation
    - neuroimaging
    - biomedical devices
    - fire safety

“Maryland is improving the climate for advanced manufacturing, as seen in the uptick in Maryland manufacturing jobs,” said Maryland Secretary of Business and Economic Development Dominick Murray. “This partnership between a major corporation and the state’s flagship university bodes well for continued job growth and advances in research.”

“At Siemens, we believe our success is determined by our ability to anticipate and engineer the future,” said Eric Spiegel, president and CEO, Siemens Corp. “This partnership provides us access to the next generation of innovators and inventors and establishes a framework for the mutually beneficial exchange of technologies, research and ideas.”