KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES FRANCE S.A.S.

Their core work

Formerly ESI Group (acquired by Keysight Technologies), this French company specializes in simulation-based engineering, virtual prototyping, and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. They develop multi-physics simulation tools used across automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries — enabling companies to test products virtually before physical prototyping. In H2020 projects, they contribute simulation expertise, reduced-order modelling, HPC-enabled solvers, and increasingly AI/ML-enhanced CAE workflows to large industrial R&D consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), the organization focused heavily on composites manufacturing, multi-material joining, and traditional process simulation — keywords like laser processing, hot-forming, thermoplastics, and multi-scale modelling dominated. From 2019 onward, there was a decisive shift toward AI/ML-enhanced simulation, additive manufacturing, digital twins, and exascale HPC, reflecting the broader digitalization of engineering. The trajectory shows a company moving from being a simulation software provider to becoming an AI-augmented virtual engineering platform.

Moving toward AI-driven, exascale-capable simulation platforms — future partners should expect deep expertise in merging machine learning with physics-based modelling at industrial scale.

How they like to work

Overwhelmingly a participant rather than a leader — coordinated only 1 of 27 projects (exaFOAM). They operate as a specialist technology provider embedded in large consortia, contributing simulation and CAE capabilities to projects led by others. With 366 unique partners across 28 countries, they are a well-connected hub organization that works with a wide variety of partners rather than a tight recurring group, making them easy to integrate into new consortia.

Exceptionally broad network of 366 unique consortium partners spanning 28 countries, reflecting their role as a go-to simulation partner across European R&D. Their connections span aerospace OEMs, automotive manufacturers, universities, and research centres across Western and Southern Europe.

What sets them apart

As a dedicated simulation and virtual prototyping software company (formerly ESI Group), they occupy a rare niche — they are not a university doing academic research nor a manufacturer needing solutions, but the tool-maker whose software enables the entire virtual engineering chain. Their combination of CAE expertise, HPC capability, and growing AI integration means they can bridge the gap between academic physics models and industrial deployment. For consortium builders, they bring production-grade simulation software that can be customized and validated within the project, not just research prototypes.

Highlights from their portfolio

• exaFOAM
  Their only coordinated project — leading the effort to bring open-source CFD (OpenFOAM) to exascale HPC, signalling strategic commitment to HPC leadership.
• IoTwins
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 959K) — digital twin platform for industrial SMEs, representing their push into Industry 4.0 territory.
• UPSCALE
  Flagship project combining AI, ML, and HPC with CAE for electric vehicle development — captures their full technology convergence in one project.