IISc, CADFEM, and Synopsys Forge Strategic Partnership to Establish Advanced Simulation Center of Excellence
In a landmark move aimed at bolstering India's technological sovereignty, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has entered into a strategic tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with CADFEM India Pvt. Ltd. and Synopsys. This collaboration will establish an advanced Center of Excellence (CoE) for Simulation and Digital Engineering at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) in Bengaluru.
Accelerating Semiconductor and Electronic System Development
The newly formed CoE is designed to integrate high-fidelity simulation, electronic design automation (EDA), and digital engineering workflows within CeNSE. This initiative seeks to significantly accelerate the development of semiconductor and electronic systems in India, addressing critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, advanced healthcare, robotics, autonomous mobility, and high-performance computing.
Semiconductor innovation, a cornerstone of Industry 4.0, is intrinsically linked with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). However, while AI evolves at a breakneck pace, semiconductor development remains a complex, multi-year process. To bridge this gap, the CoE will leverage physics-based multiphysics simulation, enabling engineers to predict device behavior, optimize designs, and expedite the journey from concept to silicon.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Training Programs
The Center of Excellence will be equipped with cutting-edge multiphysics simulation tools, robust computational infrastructure, and specialized training programs. These resources will support groundbreaking research across key technology domains, including:
- Photonics and optics
- Electronics and semiconductor devices
- Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)
- Nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS)
- Quantum technologies and next-generation semiconductor systems
Dr. Shankar Kumar Selvaraja, Associate Professor and Associate Chair at CeNSE, IISc, emphasized the transformative potential of this integration. "Integrating advanced simulation capabilities into our research ecosystem will enable our teams to evaluate complex device behavior much earlier in the design cycle. In domains such as photonics, semiconductor devices, and nanoscale systems, the ability to digitally validate concepts prior to fabrication will significantly accelerate research progress while strengthening design confidence and technical rigor," he stated.
Collaborative Support and Capability Development
Under this partnership, CADFEM India and Synopsys will provide comprehensive support, including:
- Deployment of advanced simulation software and hardware infrastructure
- Technical support and expert consulting services
- Structured training programs and access to online learning resources
- Certification platforms to validate expertise
Dr.-Ing Madhukar Chatiri, CEO of CADFEM APAC, highlighted the strategic importance of simulation. "Simulation today is no longer merely a design tool; it has become a strategic enabler of innovation. When high-fidelity multiphysics simulation is embedded within research environments such as CeNSE, it establishes a powerful digital engineering capability that enables scientists and engineers to explore a broader design space, validate ideas at much earlier stages, and significantly accelerate the pace of technology development," he explained.
Murali Pullela, Country Head (S&A) at Synopsys, underscored the collaboration's role in strengthening India's deep-tech ecosystem. "Semiconductor innovation is today at the intersection of advanced design, simulation, and system-level thinking. Synopsys' collaboration with the IISc and CADFEM is a reflection of our commitment to strengthen India's deep-tech ecosystem by allowing access to world-class electronic design automation and simulation capabilities. We believe that this will empower researchers to move from concept to validated design much faster and also help in building critical capabilities in areas such as nanoscale devices, photonics and next-generation electronic systems. This CoE launch is a key step toward developing India's future semiconductor ambitions," he remarked.
Fostering a Connected Digital Engineering Ecosystem
The collaboration will also prioritize capability development through thematic workshops, joint training programs, and structured learning initiatives. These efforts are designed to strengthen simulation expertise across CeNSE's research community and create stronger linkages between academic discovery and engineering practice.
Dr. Chatiri further elaborated on the vision behind this initiative. "Our goal is to help build a connected digital engineering ecosystem in which academia and industry collaborate more closely. By combining IISc's research excellence with Synopsys' multiphysics technologies and CADFEM's implementation expertise, we aim to create an environment where innovation can move from concept to validated design far more efficiently and with greater technical confidence," he noted.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of advanced digital capabilities, positioning the nation at the forefront of semiconductor innovation and technological self-reliance.
