"By applying AI agents, we have reduced the time required for semiconductor design from four weeks to one week."
Liu Weiping, chairman of Hua Da Jiu Tian (Empyrean Technology), a leading company in China's electronic design automation (EDA) sector, announced that the use of AI optimization algorithms and AI agents has significantly accelerated semiconductor design processes, according to a report by the South China Morning Post on September 13.
As China seeks to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, the integration of AI into design software is emerging as a key method to enhance efficiency in semiconductor design.
During a speech at the 2026 International Integrated Circuit Innovation Expo held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on September 9, Liu stated, "AI agents have brought a 'paradigm shift' to semiconductor design," noting a transition from a model where humans directly operate design tools to one where humans instruct AI agents to perform tasks.
He predicted that the use of AI would also transform the business model of semiconductor design software. Traditionally, companies purchased licenses for EDA programs for a set period, but Liu suggested that a pay-per-use model based on AI agent utilization could become more common.
Liu also mentioned that Empyrean is developing an 'agent-based EDA platform' that allows multiple AI agents to collaborate. This platform will enable not only their own AI but also AI agents developed by other companies to work together on semiconductor design tasks.
EDA software is essential for designing circuits and verifying their functionality before semiconductor production. Currently, the global EDA market is dominated by Western companies, including U.S.-based Synopsys and Cadence, as well as Siemens' EDA division in Germany.
In light of ongoing U.S. export restrictions on semiconductor technology to China, the country recognizes the need to secure both semiconductor design software and hardware to achieve technological independence, leading to a strong focus on domestic EDA development.
On September 11, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China announced a special action plan for 'AI + Software,' aiming to promote the deep integration of industrial software, including EDA, with AI. The goal is to significantly enhance the global competitiveness of China's software industry by 2030.
Wang Weiwei, deputy director of the IT Development Department at the Ministry, remarked, "The advancement of AI is changing existing software and development methods," describing it as a historic opportunity to alter competitive dynamics and surpass rival nations.
Not only Chinese companies but also global EDA firms are actively utilizing AI. In June, U.S.-based Cadence unveiled its 'ChipStack AI Super Agent,' capable of autonomously performing complex semiconductor design and verification tasks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Liu Weiping, chairman of Hua Da Jiu Tian (Empyrean Technology), a leading company in China's electronic design automation (EDA) sector, announced that the use of AI optimization algorithms and AI agents has significantly accelerated semiconductor design processes, according to a report by the South China Morning Post on September 13.
As China seeks to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, the integration of AI into design software is emerging as a key method to enhance efficiency in semiconductor design.
During a speech at the 2026 International Integrated Circuit Innovation Expo held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on September 9, Liu stated, "AI agents have brought a 'paradigm shift' to semiconductor design," noting a transition from a model where humans directly operate design tools to one where humans instruct AI agents to perform tasks.
He predicted that the use of AI would also transform the business model of semiconductor design software. Traditionally, companies purchased licenses for EDA programs for a set period, but Liu suggested that a pay-per-use model based on AI agent utilization could become more common.
Liu also mentioned that Empyrean is developing an 'agent-based EDA platform' that allows multiple AI agents to collaborate. This platform will enable not only their own AI but also AI agents developed by other companies to work together on semiconductor design tasks.
EDA software is essential for designing circuits and verifying their functionality before semiconductor production. Currently, the global EDA market is dominated by Western companies, including U.S.-based Synopsys and Cadence, as well as Siemens' EDA division in Germany.
In light of ongoing U.S. export restrictions on semiconductor technology to China, the country recognizes the need to secure both semiconductor design software and hardware to achieve technological independence, leading to a strong focus on domestic EDA development.
On September 11, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China announced a special action plan for 'AI + Software,' aiming to promote the deep integration of industrial software, including EDA, with AI. The goal is to significantly enhance the global competitiveness of China's software industry by 2030.
Wang Weiwei, deputy director of the IT Development Department at the Ministry, remarked, "The advancement of AI is changing existing software and development methods," describing it as a historic opportunity to alter competitive dynamics and surpass rival nations.
Not only Chinese companies but also global EDA firms are actively utilizing AI. In June, U.S.-based Cadence unveiled its 'ChipStack AI Super Agent,' capable of autonomously performing complex semiconductor design and verification tasks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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