Empowering parallel computing with field programmable gate arrays

After more than 30 years, reconfigurable computing has grown from a concept to a mature field of science and technology. The cornerstone of this evolution is the field programmable gate array, a building block enabling the configuration of a custom hardware architecture. The departure from static von Neumannlike architectures opens the way to eliminate the instruction overhead and to optimize the execution speed and power consumption. FPGAs now live in a growing ecosystem of development tools, enabling software programmers to map algorithms directly onto hardware. Applications abound in many directions, including data centers, IoT, AI, image processing and space exploration. The increasing success of FPGAs is largely due to an improved toolchain with solid high-level synthesis support as well as a better integration with processor and memory systems. On the other hand, long compile times and complex design exploration remain areas for improvement. In this paper we address the evolution of FPGAs towards advanced multi-functional accelerators, discuss different programming models and their HLS language implementations, as well as high-performance tuning of FPGAs integrated into a heterogeneous platform. We pinpoint fallacies and pitfalls, and identify opportunities for language enhancements and architectural refinements

The role of interactive networks in the creation and growth of accelerator-startups

The business accelerator has been a rising organizational model from the last two decades onward. As a subcategory of business incubators, these organizations assist startup potentials in the actualization, creation, and development of business ideas by providing access to mentors, seed funding, technical support, among others. They facilitate the young company in achieving greater economies of scale and higher likelihoods of survival than should the new firm attempt to rise on its own. However, the long-term benefits of accelerator presence are uncertain. There are many aspects of accelerators, which may affect the startup outcome. The purpose of this research is then to analyze the possible influence of interactive networks on startup success. Studies in this regard have been somewhat scarce. The research commences by assessing the formation of the networked incubator, the entry of the accelerator and program process, the composition of social architecture and social network structures, startup development, and network influences on the startup. Additionally, there is a focus on the means through which information and resources spread via knowledge sources. The theoretical goals established in attaining the purpose are to evaluate the growing importance of accelerators in the current business setting regarding startups, the possibility of institutionalizing a socially interactive network as a component of the business accelerator program (BAP), and the advantages of participating in a BAP from the new venture point of view. Of the empirical goals, social network elements, such as the actors (mentors, investors, former startups, international accelerator members), frequency of meetings between these actors and startups, events, and international quality are measured against startup outcome. A quantitative analysis was performed, and data were collected via an online survey filled and returned by accelerator representatives. The study was limited to accelerators located in the regions of North America, Europe, and North Africa and the Middle East (MENA). A total of 35 samples was generated: 13 North American, 18 European, and 4 MENA accelerator responses. A regression model was utilized, and possible direct and indirect effects of accelerator network actors, the involvement of these individuals with startup teams, accelerator events, and international connections on startup development were assessed. The results demonstrate that events linking startups to support members as well as the frequency of meetings between former startup members and current startup members exhibit the most significance of the network features tested. This turnout then presents some implications for accelerator management in the future.fi=Opinnäytetyö kokotekstinä PDF-muodossa.|en=Thesis fulltext in PDF format.|sv=Lärdomsprov tillgängligt som fulltext i PDF-format

International Opportunities through Accelerator Networks: A Study of Startups Becoming Embedded in Edtech Context

This thesis examines edtech startups in the Finnish context. It focusses on the role of accelerator networks as embedding mechanisms for internationalising startups. The topic is pertinent because the role of accelerators in the internationalisation of startups has been understudied, despite growing interest in them. The characteristics of startups are decisive for this study, as startup ventures differ from other small and new ventures and continue to adjust and iterate to develop a scalable business model while internationalising. This study is positioned at the intersection of entrepreneurship, international entrepreneurship, and innovation. Conceptually, this study draws on the concepts of network embeddedness and on international opportunities defined as non-linear, iterative, and interactive development. This research was conducted as a single case study within the emerging edtech sector in the Finnish context and it adopts abductive approach. The extensive data consists of 46 interviews, observations, and documents, and the analysis is based on the method of constant comparison. The research identifies accelerator networks, which are relevant for international opportunity development, and thus, it enriches the literature on accelerators. The analysis demonstrates the mechanisms of international opportunity development through networks, resources, and collaboration. A typology is applied to classify internationalising startups in terms of accelerator networks, international opportunities, and product development. Finally, all findings are synthesised in a conceptual model. This study contributes to the emerging academic literature on accelerators by explaining the role of accelerator networks during the parallel process of venture creation and international opportunity development. Propositions are developed to advance future accelerator studies. Researching the community of internationally mixed startups in various locations and embedded in various environments challenges to reconsider the geographical location as an operationalisation of spatial dimension. Thus, this research joins the discussion on contextual dimensions in entrepreneurship studies

Reflections on practice-centred curricula in teaching entrepreneurship in Malaysia

This paper discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship education in a regional Malaysian context and provides the design details of entrepreneurship modules providing a practical experience. It is argued that an active, experience-centred module delivery helps to revitalise student curiosity in entrepreneurial activities. The paper utilises the phenomenological approach to explore the contemporary challenges of entrepreneurship education and to gain a deeper insight into its contemporary complexity. The material for the phenomenological analysis is obtained by means of focus groups which are contrasted with the students’ written reflections and staff observations on teaching and learning activities in entrepreneurship modules. The findings indicate that two months timescale for studying entrepreneurship is too short because of competing priorities within the programme of study and an eclectic essence of entrepreneurship. It was also found that students believe that being supported by tutors having practical experience is motivating and reassures them about further learning. The concerns about the applicability of Western concepts of entrepreneurship education to the Malaysian context were not corroborated. It has been argued that practice-centred learning opportunities are often associated with off-campus education and take place in the ‘real world’. The suggested design for standalone entrepreneurship modules evidently ensures a rich experience for students and provides an effective springboard for developing entrepreneurial aspirations