Global EDA leader contributing semiconductor process, device, and interconnect simulation tools to European microelectronics research consortia.
Synopsys is a global leader in electronic design automation (EDA), providing simulation and modelling tools used to design semiconductor chips and integrated circuits. Their H2020 participation centres on advancing process, device, and interconnect simulation for next-generation semiconductor nodes below 7nm. They contribute commercial-grade simulation platforms and deep expertise in compact modelling, circuit simulation, and process variability analysis to European research consortia pushing the boundaries of microelectronics.
Core contributor in SUPERAID7 (process variability, device/interconnect simulation beyond 7nm), WAYTOGO FAST (advanced substrate technology), CONNECT (carbon nanotube interconnects), and REMINDER (embedded memory).
CONNECT focused on carbon nanotube interconnects and SUPERAID7 on interconnect simulation for sub-7nm nodes.
SUPERAID7 explicitly addressed systematic and stochastic process variations, compact models, and physical models for advanced CMOS and nanowires.
RAINBOW applied simulation expertise to biomechanics for personalised clinical design; GeoRes involved geomaterial modelling, suggesting broadening of simulation applications.
Synopsys's H2020 engagement (2015–2018 start dates) was concentrated in a short window, with all projects launched within three years. The early projects (WAYTOGO FAST, CONNECT, REMINDER) focused on specific component technologies — advanced substrates, nanotube interconnects, and embedded memory. The later projects (SUPERAID7, RAINBOW, GeoRes) show a shift toward simulation methodology itself: process variability modelling, physical models for sub-7nm nodes, and applying simulation capabilities to non-semiconductor domains like biomechanics and geomaterials.
Synopsys is expanding its simulation expertise beyond pure semiconductor design into adjacent domains like biomedical and materials engineering, signalling openness to cross-sector simulation partnerships.
Synopsys participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator — consistent with a large technology company contributing specialist tools and expertise to research-led projects. With 73 unique partners across 24 countries from just 6 projects, they engage in large, diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This makes them an accessible partner: they are accustomed to multi-partner environments and bring industrial-grade tools without seeking project leadership.
Despite only 6 projects, Synopsys has collaborated with 73 unique partners across 24 countries, reflecting participation in large ECSEL and RIA consortia typical of the European microelectronics ecosystem. Their network spans the full EU semiconductor research landscape.
Synopsys is one of the world's top three EDA companies, making them a rare industry heavyweight in H2020 consortia. They bring commercially validated simulation platforms — not academic prototypes — which means research outputs can be tested against real design flows used by chip manufacturers worldwide. For consortium builders, having Synopsys as a partner adds immediate industrial credibility and a direct path to technology adoption.
