Insightful Seminar on “FPGA Accelerators in the Cloud” by Prof. Viktor Prasanna of University of Southern California(USC).

On 30th July 2025, the department had the opportunity to host Professor Viktor Prasanna from the University of Southern California (USC) for a seminar on FPGA Accelerators in the Cloud at ENTC1. His talk explored one of the most dynamic areas in high-performance computing, offering valuable insights into this fast-growing field.

Professor Prasanna explained the complex yet crucial role of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in revolutionizing cloud-based applications. He highlighted current industry trends and cutting-edge research, explaining how FPGAs are being deployed to accelerate demanding workloads such as machine learning, real time data analysis, and complex scientific simulations. The session provided a clear vision of the future, where reconfigurable hardware is becoming essential for achieving next-level performance and efficiency in the cloud.

The talk was far more than a one way lecture; it evolved into a dynamic and interactive session. The presentation sparked a stimulating discussion, with both students and staff members posing intriguing questions. Professor Prasanna concluded the discussion by encouraging all students interested in the field to apply for graduate studies and internships at his lab at USC.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Professor Prasanna for sharing his profound expertise and for engaging so generously with our community. The insights shared will undoubtedly inspire further research and academic pursuits among our attendees. A special thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the vibrant discussion.