50 years of engineering impact: Technology leader Amit Gupta named 2027 C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished Lecturer

This January, the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan will celebrate its 50th year of the C.J. Mackenzie Gala. As the college’s flagship event, the evening honors one alumnus who has made a defining impact within their industry, community and the engineering profession.  

From improving breast cancer detection and bringing safe drinking water to communities around the world to advancing forensic engineering, preventing airplane crashes and leading Canada’s energy industry, C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished Lecturers have made an impact locally and globally. Their ranks include a president of the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club, pioneers in communication technologies and leaders that have transformed industries. Over the past five decades, the C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished alumni have demonstrated the impact of USask engineers. 

The 50th anniversary of the C.J. Mackenzie Gala will celebrate the achievements of Amit Gupta (BE’99 electrical engineering, BSc’99 computer science), a serial entrepreneur and executive whose innovations have shaped the global technology landscape and demonstrated the impact that can be made from right here in Saskatchewan.  

Over a nearly three-decade career, Gupta has helped establish Saskatchewan as a centre for AI-powered semiconductor design technology, building companies with global reach, creating hundreds of technology jobs and building the province’s largest technology company.  

Gupta began his entrepreneurial career in 1999, founding Analog Design Automation from his USask engineering capstone design project. The company was acquired by Synopsys in 2004. In 2005, he founded Solido Design Automation, growing it into a leading provider of AI-powered semiconductor design software before its acquisition by Siemens in 2017.  

He then spent nearly nine years at Siemens EDA, leading the Solido Custom IC Division and AI team and helping advance AI technologies used in semiconductor chip design worldwide. His entrepreneurial achievements have earned recognition from EY and Deloitte.  

In August 2026, Gupta joined Synopsys Inc. as senior vice-president of the AI Excellence Group, where he is leading efforts to advance AI across the company’s products and engineering workflows. He also serves as an advisory board member with the National Research Council of Canada and has supported technology companies through board service, advising and mentorship. He holds degrees in electrical engineering and computer science, with Great Distinction, from the University of Saskatchewan, which recognized his achievements with an Outstanding Alumni Award. 

On January 26, 2027, Gupta will be recognized and give a keynote lecture at the 50th C.J. Mackenzie Gala at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, SK. The gala brings together over 600 students, alumni, faculty and industry leaders to celebrate the profession of engineering and the achievements of USask Engineering alumni who have left a lasting impact on society. 

The C.J. Mackenzie Gala has celebrated USask Engineering alumni whose careers have embodied what it means to be an engineer the world needs. Named in honor of Chalmers Jack (C.J.) Mackenzie, the college’s first dean, the gala carries forward the legacy of a leader who helped shape engineering in Saskatchewan and advanced science and technology across Canada.  

Corporate tables and individual tickets are available at https://CJM2027.eventbrite.ca.  

For organizations interested in being a presenting sponsor of the 50th C.J. Mackenzie Gala can reach out to Ashley Drozda, Director of Advancement at ashley.drozda@usask.ca