SYNOPSYS DENMARK APS

Their core work

Synopsys Denmark is the atomistic simulation arm of global EDA giant Synopsys, specializing in computational materials modeling for semiconductor and electronics applications. They develop and apply tools like density functional theory (DFT) and non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) methods to simulate material properties, device behavior, and electronic transport at the atomic scale. In H2020 projects, they contribute simulation expertise to consortia studying spintronics, molecular electronics, and III-V semiconductor nanostructures — bridging the gap between fundamental physics and industrial device design.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 involvement (2016-2017) centered on materials modelling community-building (EMMC-CSA) and fundamental spintronics research (SPICE, COSMICS), reflecting an academic-leaning simulation focus. By 2020, their participation shifted decisively toward industrial semiconductor applications with DESIGN-EID, an industrial doctorate program on III-V device simulation — signaling a move from pure physics toward applied semiconductor engineering. This trajectory mirrors the broader industry trend of bringing atomistic simulation into practical chip and optoelectronics design workflows.

Moving from fundamental physics simulation toward industrially relevant semiconductor device modelling, particularly for III-V compound materials used in optoelectronics and next-generation electronics.

How they like to work

Synopsys Denmark participates exclusively as a partner, never leading consortia — consistent with a large company contributing specialist tools and expertise to research-driven projects. With 28 unique partners across 12 countries from just 4 projects, they engage in broad, diverse consortia rather than repeating partnerships. Their role is that of an industrial simulation provider embedded in academic research networks, offering commercial-grade modelling capabilities that universities typically lack.

Connected to 28 distinct partners across 12 countries through 4 projects, indicating broad European reach despite modest project count. Their network spans academic institutions and research labs working on advanced materials and semiconductor physics.

What sets them apart

As the atomistic simulation division of a global EDA leader, Synopsys Denmark brings industrial-grade computational tools to academic research consortia — a rare combination of commercial software maturity with deep physics expertise. Few organizations can offer both the theoretical depth (DFT, NEGF formalism, magnetic anisotropy calculations) and the engineering pragmatism to connect simulation results to real device design. For consortium builders, they are the partner that turns physics research into something a semiconductor fab can actually use.

Highlights from their portfolio

• COSMICS
  Largest single project (EUR 548K) — an MSCA training network in molecular spintronics, showing Synopsys investing in next-generation talent for computational spin physics
• DESIGN-EID
  European Industrial Doctorate focused on III-V semiconductor simulation, representing their clearest move toward applied semiconductor device engineering
• EMMC-CSA
  Participation in the European Materials Modelling Council positions them within the governance of Europe's materials simulation community