MoS Chandrasekhar Hails Innovation Decade: Synopsys Opens New Chip Design Centre in Noida

Minister of State for Electrics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated Synopsys’ Chip Design Centre at DLF Tech Park in Noida on January 23, in a sign of India’s growing influence and capabilities in the global semiconductor industry.

Chandrasekhar expressed confidence in India’s innovation and growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Later he said: “It is absolutely thrilling to witness where India is heading in the semiconductor space. The coming decade will see innovation-driven performance in our devices, products, and systems.”

Furthermore, the minister highlighted how the pace and velocity of innovation at companies like Synopsys will be instrumental in shaping the future of technology, aligning with India’s vision for technological excellence and growth.

In his conversation with Dr Aart de Geus, the founder of Synopsys, the Minister discussed the Indian government’s strategy for the semiconductor sector, highlighting its dual emphasis on research and production. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing skills and expressed confidence in India’s innate talent for electronics and semiconductors, saying the country wants to lead in chips, devices and product architecture.

“In semiconductor manufacturing, we are making significant progress. On the design and startup ecosystem fronts, we have made a lot of progress. Having spent some time in the semiconductor ecosystem myself, what I have witnessed in the last 10 years is very different from before, and it is truly inspiring. From a government perspective, we believe we have a promising runway for growth in terms of talent, investment, and capabilities. Therefore, we view such partnerships as the glue and building blocks of our ambitions,” he noted.

WHY IT MATTERS

As the world recognizes that 20% of the world’s combined pool of VLSI engineers and chip designers are from India, the establishment of Synopsys’ Chip Design Centre in Noida reinforces the nation’s position in fostering a robust ecosystem for fabless chip design and innovation.

California-based Synopsys, a key player in the electronic design automation (EDA) sector, contributes significantly to the industry with a diverse portfolio spanning from silicon to software, amassing a remarkable $5.9 billion in revenue. Renowned for its expertise in EDA tools and Interface, Foundation, & Physical IPs, Synopsys holds a formidable position in the global semiconductor landscape.

It is important to note that companies like Synopsys play a crucial role in the chip design process, acting as the behind-the-scenes heroes that equip chipmakers with the tools and technology needed to bring their designs to life.

The company commenced its offshore Research and Development (R&D) centre in Bangalore in 1995 and later expanded its presence by incorporating a field organization in later years. Currently, including Noida, the company maintains its presence in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

As per the US company, Synopsys actively engages in research, design, and development activities, contributing to the creation of pivotal technologies and products that empower a smart, secure-everything approach in the global electronics market.

During the event, Geus said: “In the remarkable journey of India’s technological advancement, Synopsys has played a significant role, aligning seamlessly with the nation’s ambitions. In many ways, our growth has run parallel with India’s progress. With a third of our workforce based in India, we have invested significantly, exemplified by the Noida center—a beacon of excellence that required substantial investments and the acquisition of eight startups.”

“This facility, a true Center of Excellence, serves as a cohesive hub. As we reflect on this partnership, it’s not merely a collaboration; it’s a shared home where ambitions and innovations thrive. India, now in its exciting phase of semiconductors and electronics, finds a perfect ally in Synopsys, marking the beginning of an even more promising chapter in technology and growth,” he added.

However, the success of the new Noida centre — hosting 1650 engineers — can inspire other companies to set up similar facilities in India, further propelling the talent pool. Additionally, the presence of such centres further strengthens India’s position in the global semiconductor value chain.