Cadence to Acquire Secure-IC: Strengthening Embedded Security for the Future of Silicon Design
Cadence Design Systems (Nasdaq: CDNS) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Secure-IC, a global leader in embedded security IP, solutions, and evaluation tools. This strategic move underscores Cadence’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for robust cybersecurity in an increasingly interconnected world. By integrating Secure-IC’s proven portfolio of embedded security technologies with its existing silicon-proven IP offerings—such as interface, memory, AI/ML, and DSP solutions—Cadence is poised to deliver comprehensive system-level solutions that empower customers to navigate the complexities of modern semiconductor design.
The Growing Importance of Embedded Security
In today’s hyper-connected ecosystem, security is no longer optional—it’s foundational. Whether for consumer electronics, data centers, automotive systems, drones, robotics, or aerospace and defense applications, every semiconductor, chiplet, and electronic system requires embedded security to protect sensitive data and ensure system integrity.
“Every semiconductor, chiplet, and electronic system will require embedded security,” said Boyd Phelps, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Silicon Solutions Group at Cadence. “We continue to invest in our comprehensive IP and design services portfolio to provide more complete system solutions for our customers. The anticipated addition of Secure-IC’s proven embedded security IP and solutions is yet another example of our commitment to being our customers’ SoC design partner and delivering optimal value as they navigate the complexities of bringing AI-enabled SoCs and disaggregated designs to market faster and with greater impact.”
This acquisition positions Cadence as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of embedded cybersecurity, enabling the company to address the challenges posed by connected systems while supporting the development of next-generation silicon solutions.
Secure-IC’s Mission and Vision
Secure-IC has spent the past 15 years safeguarding the digital future with cutting-edge technologies that comply with global cybersecurity regulations. Their solutions protect assets from manufacturing phases to mission mode, ensuring data protection at rest, in transmission, and during computation.
“Over the past 15 years, Secure-IC has been dedicated to safeguarding the digital future with cutting-edge technologies, multi-certified and compliant to worldwide cybersecurity regulations,” said Hassan Triqui, co-founder and CEO of Secure-IC. “By joining Cadence, we will secure the sustainability and operational strength necessary to continue our mission while creating a powerful synergy that accelerates innovation. Together, we are poised to scale globally, deliver enhanced value to our customers, and pioneer the next generation of embedded cybersecurity solutions for complex silicon systems and chiplets following the closing of the transaction.”
Secure-IC’s expertise spans industries such as automotive, data center, mobile, aerospace and defense, networking, IoT, and consumer electronics. Its customer base includes top-tier companies like SK Hynix Memory Solutions America, Synaptics, Silicon Labs, and Faraday Technology, offering significant synergistic opportunities for Cadence’s existing IP portfolio.
Strategic Synergies Between Cadence and Secure-IC
The integration of Secure-IC’s solutions into Cadence’s portfolio will create a powerful combination of expertise and capabilities. Secure-IC’s flagship offerings—including Securyzr™, Laboryzr™, and Expertyzr™—will enhance Cadence’s ability to deliver end-to-end integrated security solutions that are easily deployable and adaptable to diverse customer use cases.
These solutions will be particularly impactful in the context of chiplet systems and complex silicon designs, building on the companies’ proven success in recent flagship projects. For example, Secure-IC’s contributions to Cadence’s chiplet initiatives demonstrate the potential for collaboration to drive innovation in advanced semiconductor architectures.
Headquartered in Rennes, France, Secure-IC operates eight additional offices and research centers worldwide, providing a strong global presence that complements Cadence’s extensive reach. Upon closing the transaction, expected in the first half of 2025, Secure-IC’s customers will benefit from enhanced global support, accelerated roadmap execution, and long-term stability.
Addressing the Complexities of Embedded Cybersecurity
As the demand for secure, AI-enabled SoCs grows, so does the complexity of designing systems that meet stringent security requirements. Cadence’s decades of expertise in IP and subsystem design, combined with Secure-IC’s leadership in embedded cybersecurity, position the company to address these challenges head-on.
Secure-IC has successfully completed over 500 projects worldwide, delivering comprehensive security solutions to partners and customers across industries. By leveraging this experience, Cadence will be better equipped to meet the needs of its customers in the evolving landscape of SoC design.
A Foundation for Future Innovation
The acquisition of Secure-IC represents a significant step forward in Cadence’s mission to provide customers with complete, innovative solutions for semiconductor design. By combining Secure-IC’s embedded security expertise with Cadence’s existing IP portfolio, the company is well-positioned to lead the industry in developing secure, scalable, and efficient silicon systems.
For Secure-IC’s customers, this alignment offers expanded access to Cadence’s global resources and strengthens the company’s ability to deliver cutting-edge security solutions. Meanwhile, Cadence’s customers will benefit from the integration of Secure-IC’s technologies, which provide robust, end-to-end security for a wide range of applications.
