Experts from the Faculty of Information Technology at Brno University of Technology (FIT) focus on translating algorithms into digital circuits using modern design methods. The resulting designs for FPGAs (reprogrammable chips) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) find application where high performance, low power consumption, or specific functionality are key. Jana Franchi from university magazine News at BUT spoke with Jan Kořenek from the Department of Computer Systems not only about this area.
The Faculty of Information Technology is primarily known as a school focused on computer science and software. How did semiconductors and digital circuit design come to be part of this field?
You’re right that computer science is usually associated primarily with software, but if you want a truly powerful and efficient solution, you have to move from software solutions to hardware design. At FIT, we focus on translating algorithms directly into digital circuits. This is especially crucial for computationally intensive applications where a standard processor isn’t enough, whether due to performance, power consumption, or latency.
What does that mean specifically?
For example, if we have an algorithm for image processing or network traffic, we can convert it into a digital circuit instead of a traditional program. We then implement it, for instance, in an FPGA chip or even in a custom chip (ASIC). This specialization delivers dramatic speedups and energy savings, which is crucial today, especially for the development of AI—not only in networks and data centers but also in embedded and mobile devices.
FIT has a long tradition in the field of network technologies. Can you mention some of your achievements?
The Accelerated Network Technologies research group has been active at the faculty for over twenty years. We started with 1 Gb/s; today we are developing solutions for 400 to 800 Gb/s. For example, in 2004, together with CESNET, we developed the first Czech 10Gb accelerator card, followed in 2015 by the first 100Gb card, which was used by Netcope Technologies. Three years ago, we introduced the first 400Gb accelerator, which is now also used by DynaNIC Semiconductors, one of the spin-offs from Brno University of Technology.
DynaNIC won the Disrupt Awards last year, is that correct?
Yes, and it’s a huge success for us. In May 2024, we introduced our own 400Gb SmartNIC solution; in the fall, they secured investment from Tensor Ventures; and in June 2025, they won the Disrupt Awards. This only confirms that even in Central Europe, it is possible to build cutting-edge deep-tech companies in the hardware sector.
You mention spin-offs. Is FIT active in this area?
Very much so. In addition to DynaNIC, we were also involved in the founding of Netcope Technologies and Magmio, and a number of other successful companies have emerged from faculty research—such as Codasip, Flowmon Networks, and Phonexia. FIT systematically strives to support the entire innovation ecosystem—from working with students to collaborating with companies to founding new businesses. That is also why the Czech Semiconductor Center was established in Brno. It is not just about working with students, but also about creating opportunities for starting companies, sharing know-how, consulting, and training. We pass on the knowledge we have—to students, research teams, and companies.
Let’s get back to teaching. How does the connection between research and students work?
We strive to show students that they can get involved in research projects right from the start of their studies and tackle current technical challenges. They collaborate with us on projects as early as their bachelor’s or master’s studies. They have specific research tasks, receive individual support from experienced researchers and designers, and learn to solve complex problems independently as well as work effectively in a team. By linking education to real-world applications and current research, they gain skills that most technical school graduates lack.
However, research at FIT isn’t limited to network technologies and accelerators. What other groups are active at the faculty?
Digital circuit design is addressed across several research groups. For example, Pavel Zemčík’s team focuses on hardware acceleration of image and video processing using FPGAs. They primarily develop smart cameras for transportation applications and algorithms for object detection. The hardware is designed for environments with limited computational and energy resources, which is applicable in embedded systems, computer vision, and industrial automation.
Another prominent group is Lukáš Sekanina’s team, which focuses on AI and circuit design. What are they currently working on?
They focus on designing specialized accelerators for neural networks—for example, for mobile devices where computations need to be optimized due to limited battery life and space. They are exploring how to generate these networks automatically while simultaneously designing hardware that will speed up the computations. They have published their results not only in prestigious journals but also as an open-source library, thereby making a significant contribution to the community and supporting further research.
What does the future hold for semiconductor research at FIT?
We have excellent facilities in Brno—thanks to the long-term development of expertise, collaboration with industry, and motivated students. FIT aims to continue establishing itself in the field of designing specialized hardware architectures for AI, networks, or data centers, as well as in the field of tools for digital system design. If we succeed in effectively linking research, teaching, and startup support, a strong innovation ecosystem with global ambitions and impact can emerge here.
Written by Jana Franchi (News at BUT magazine)
Photo by Václav Koníček
