Japan-based Secafy Adopts Siemens’ EDA Tools for Cutting-Edge Hardware Security Development

Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Secafy, a Japanese startup specializing in hardware security, has adopted its full suite of electronic design automation (EDA) tools to develop next-generation hardware security large-scale integration (LSI) devices. Secafy, which was founded in 2023 based on the research of graduate students from Kobe University, focuses on the commercialization of hardware security technologies, combining semiconductor security with cryptographic technologies. The startup specializes in hardware noise evaluation and hardware security analysis.

Secafy’s selection of Siemens’ comprehensive portfolio, which includes Aprisa software for digital IC physical-aware synthesis and place-and-route implementations, marks a significant step in the development of its security-focused LSI designs. Siemens’ EDA tools provide Secafy with the necessary tools to design LSI devices using process nodes ranging from 180nm to 16nm.

Secafy is utilizing various Siemens tools to build its innovative hardware security solutions. In addition to Aprisa, Secafy employs a suite of tools including Calibre® for verification, Solido™ Simulation Suite for advanced statistical design, Solido™ Design Environment for design optimization, and Custom IC Design software for analog and mixed-signal design. These tools are crucial for Secafy’s mission to solve security challenges and contribute to a safer information society by leveraging their “hardware noise evaluation technology” and circuit design and implementation technology for hardware security.

Kazuki Monta, co-founder and CEO of Secafy, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Siemens’ comprehensive EDA portfolio gives us the tools we need to advance our innovative hardware security research. We are confident that their solutions will help us take our technology to the next level and address the increasing demand for hardware-based security solutions.”

Yukio Tsuchida, Vice President for Japan, Electronic Design Automation at Siemens Digital Industries Software, also commented on the collaboration, saying, “Secafy’s adoption of our complete IC design flow is a significant milestone and highlights Siemens’ leadership in providing cutting-edge EDA solutions for innovators in Japan. Our tools are designed to offer superior performance and capabilities for the design of security-focused LSI devices, which is an emerging and critical area of semiconductor development.”

This strategic partnership between Secafy and Siemens further strengthens Japan’s role as a leader in hardware security and semiconductor innovation. By adopting Siemens’ EDA solutions, Secafy is positioned to drive the future of secure chip design, addressing the critical need for robust and secure hardware in an increasingly connected world.