Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS), a key player in electronic design automation and semiconductor IP, plans a prominent presence at CES 2026. The event runs from January 6 to 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For the first time, the company will occupy a dedicated booth in the West Hall at #6701. There, attendees can explore systems-to-silicon engineering tools tailored for AI-enabled and software-defined vehicles. These solutions address the evolving demands of automotive design, where software increasingly defines vehicle functionality and intelligence.
The booth will feature interactive vehicle displays and live demonstrations. Synopsys aims to highlight recent advancements and partnerships with automotive industry leaders. This setup underscores the company’s shift toward integrated engineering platforms that span from conceptual design to silicon production. Such tools help automakers accelerate development cycles amid rising complexity in electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles.
CEO Fireside Chat Highlights Engineering Shifts
A centerpiece of Synopsys’ CES agenda is a fireside chat featuring CEO Sassine Ghazi. He will discuss the trajectory of automotive engineering alongside Patrick Moorhead, chief analyst and CEO of Moor Insights & Strategy, and Daniel Newman, chief analyst and CEO of Futurum Group. Hosts of the Six Five Podcast, Moorhead and Newman bring deep insights into technology markets and enterprise strategies.
The conversation will examine how AI and digital prototyping reshape vehicle development. Traditional hardware-centric approaches are giving way to software-driven paradigms. AI enables predictive modeling, while digital twins allow virtual testing of entire systems before physical builds. This session promises to unpack these trends and their implications for efficiency and innovation.
Schedule Details
- Date and Time: Wednesday, January 7, 1:00–1:30 PM PT
- Location: Synopsys Booth #6701, West Hall
This live event offers B2B professionals a chance to engage directly with industry executives on practical applications.
Pre-Event Panels on Monday, January 5
Synopsys executives kick off CES activities with two panels on January 5, setting the stage for discussions on emerging technologies.
Blueprint of Innovation
Prith Banerjee, senior vice president of innovation at Synopsys, will participate in “Blueprint of Innovation: The Tech Shaping Tomorrow.” The panel explores core technologies propelling future advancements and the forces behind them. Topics may include AI integration in design workflows and the role of simulation in reducing time-to-market.
Schedule Details
- Time: 2:00–2:40 PM
- Location: LVCC, West Level 2, W232
Banerjee’s expertise in AI and high-performance computing positions him to address how these elements converge in automotive contexts.
All In on AI: Next-Gen Chips
Shankar Krishnamoorthy, chief product development officer, joins “All In on AI: Betting on the Power of Next-Gen Chips.” Participants will analyze the surge in AI chip demand and strategies to sustain momentum. With automotive applications demanding specialized processors for edge AI, this panel will cover supply chain dynamics and innovation hurdles.
Schedule Details
- Time: 4:00–4:40 PM
- Location: LVCC, West Level 2, W219
These sessions reflect broader industry pressures, as chipmakers scale production to support AI workloads in vehicles.
Tuesday Focus: Software-Defined Vehicles
From Vision to Reality
On January 6, Judy Curran, senior chief technologist at Synopsys, presents in “Software Defined Vehicles – From Vision to Reality.” The discussion centers on supply chain challenges and collaborative solutions. It moves beyond legacy commodity models toward integrated ecosystems where software governs vehicle behavior, from infotainment to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Schedule Details
- Time: 11:00–11:40 AM
- Location: LVCC, West Level 2, W219
Curran’s role involves bridging technologists and strategists, making her insights valuable for OEMs navigating software complexity.
Wednesday Panels: AI and Simulation Advances
Wednesday features two panels led by Synopsys leaders, emphasizing AI’s operational impact.
Agentic AI in Automotive
Tom De Schutter, senior vice president of product management, speaks on “How Agentic AI is Shifting the Automotive Experience into High Gear.” Agentic AI refers to autonomous systems that act proactively, enhancing user interactions, system reliability, and loyalty. In vehicles, this drives software-defined operations, from predictive maintenance to personalized driving experiences.
Schedule Details
- Time: 10:30–11:00 AM
- Location: LVCC, West Level 1, Mobility Stage
De Schutter’s perspective highlights how these technologies evolve from research to deployment.
Virtual Materials and Simulation
Later, Judy Curran returns for “Accelerating Product Development with Virtual Materials and Simulation.” The panel details how digital simulations predict material performance with greater accuracy and speed. It offers guidance on implementation, traceability, and measuring returns on investment—critical for automotive engineers optimizing lightweight composites or battery enclosures.
Schedule Details
- Time: 1:30–2:00 PM (immediately following the CEO chat)
- Location: LVCC, West Level 1, CES Mobility Stage
Virtual prototyping reduces physical prototypes, cutting costs and environmental impact.
Thursday Closing Discussions
Synopsys wraps CES with panels on investment and infrastructure.
Vehicle Technology Investment Trends
Judy Curran leads “Vehicle Technology Investment Trends,” examining investor outlooks on mobility. Mergers and acquisitions emerge as tools to close innovation gaps and spur growth. With electric and autonomous vehicles reshaping markets, capital flows toward scalable tech stacks.
Schedule Details
- Time: 10:00–10:40 AM
- Location: LVCC, West Level 2, W219
Smarter Grids for Data Centers
Concurrently, Anthony Matarazzo, director of simulation and AI, discusses “Smarter Grids: Powering Sustainable, Reliable Data Centers.” Though not automotive-exclusive, the topic ties into vehicle tech via AI training needs. It covers technologies, partnerships, and investments for replicable energy solutions.
Schedule Details
- Time: 10:00–10:40 AM
- Location: LVCC, North Level 2, N257
Matarazzo’s work in simulation underscores synergies between automotive AI and data infrastructure.
Broader Context and Engagement Opportunities
Synopsys’ CES 2026 lineup aligns with industry megatrends. Automotive engineering now hinges on software-defined architectures, where over-the-air updates and AI analytics redefine lifecycles. Tools like Synopsys’ enable chip-to-system verification, vital as vehicles integrate millions of lines of code. Partnerships with tier-one suppliers and OEMs amplify these capabilities.
Attendees can visit Booth #6701 for hands-on demos, including AI-optimized silicon flows and virtual vehicle modeling. For deeper dives, the sessions provide forums to probe executives on real-world deployments. Resources are available at Synopsys’ CES page (synopsys.com/events/ces.html). Updates flow through the company’s newsroom, LinkedIn, and X accounts.
About Synopsys
Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS) is the leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI-powered products. We deliver industry-leading silicon design, IP, simulation and analysis solutions, and design services. We partner closely with our customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow. Learn more at www.synopsys.com.
