Siemens Acquisition Expand PCB Design-to-Manufacturing Flow
Siemens Digital Industries Software completed the acquisition of DownStream Technologies, a leading provider of manufacturing data preparation solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) design.
DownStream Technologies is a leading provider of manufacturing solutions for manufacturing data analysis and processing, and documenting PCB designs. Its widely adopted CAM350 suite of tools enables customers to visualize, verify and automatically prepare PCB design data for fabrication and its patented BluePrint-PCB tool is widely recognized as a best-in-class documentation solution enabling customers of all sizes to automate the creation of highly detailed manufacturing documents.
Siemens officials said the deal strengthens their PCB design portfolio and expands its footprint in the electronics small and medium-sized business (SMB) market, as the integration of BluePrint-PCB with Siemens’ PCB design solutions aims to provide customers with a seamless workflow, improving digital continuity and manufacturing readiness.
“The acquisition is a significant step for Siemens EDA in the mid-sized PCB market, offering DownStream’s customers improved time to market, quality, and cost efficiency,” said Mike Ellow, CEO, Siemens EDA, Siemens Digital Industries Software in a statement. “Integrating DownStream Technologies enables Siemens EDA to provide the most comprehensive and advanced manufacturing data preparation solution, helping to ensure a smooth transition from design to production within a fully digitalized and scalable electronic systems design process.”
Venture Builder Disrupt.com to Invest $100M in UAE AI Startups
UAE-based venture builder Disrupt.com plans to invest $100 million to build and back artificial intelligence (AI)-first technology ventures globally.
The firm’s commitment will target five strategic sectors: artificial intelligence as a cross-cutting theme, plus cybersecurity, Web3.0, automotive technology, and retail innovation. Disrupt.com primarily targets pre-seed to Series A stage startups that demonstrate strong organic growth potential and clear paths to profitability, rather than pursuing growth at all costs.
Having already deployed over $40 million across their portfolio, this new commitment represents an expansion of their venture building activities. With a dedicated team of over 650 professionals, the company provides the technical and operational expertise startups need to scale.
“Now is the time to be doubling down on our experience, financial investment and commitment required to help build the next wave of startups that will shape the future of the world as we know it,” said co-founder Umair Gadit in a statement announcing the commitment. “With Web 3.0 in its infancy and AI storming into our lives, the opportunity to problem solve and create businesses that will fit the needs of how people live and work is up for the taking. Our region can not only keep up, but lead the way. We are excited to see where this journey will take us,”
The company direct its financial commitment toward ventures with strong product-market fit, well-researched idea-market alignment, and robust unit economics pointing toward profitability.
Semtech Strengthens 5G Leadership with Expanded Module Portfolio
Semtech Corporation, a high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and cloud connectivity service provider, unveiled a new addition to its 5G broadband module portfolio.
The expansion includes the EM9492 module, the first 5G broadband module powered by the Qualcomm X85 Modem-RF latest generation platform, and the EM9295 module, a cost optimized 5G solution powered by Qualcomm X61 5G Modem-RF System. These innovations address diverse performance and cost optimization needs.
The EM9492 module is Semtech’s third-generation 5G broadband solution and brings to market the first 5G module based on the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF. The new platform is based on 3GPP Release 18, supporting 5G Advanced, the next step in the global evolution of 5G technology. It is designed to enable next-generation 5G applications for routers, gateways and video surveillance systems, with features such as dual SIM dual active (DSDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on-chip processing to enhance edge-based AI applications and 6CC carrier aggregation for faster speeds and efficient sub-6GHz band utilization.
“Our customers are architecting the future of a smarter, more connected planet – and we are strengthening our commitment to their success,” said Hong Hou, president and chief executive officer at Semtech, in a statement. “By advancing our high-performance semiconductors, IoT systems and Cloud connectivity services, we are working shoulder-to-shoulder with industry partners to transform their boldest ideas into reality.”
The EM9295 module, powered by Qualcomm X61, delivers connectivity designed for broader 5G adoption. Supporting 3GPP Release 16, the module delivers download speeds of up to 2.5Gbps over sub-6GHz bands. This solution is designed for use cases requiring an optimized balance of cost, performance and functionality, making 5G technology accessible for value-focused applications.
“We are excited to collaborate with Semtech on their new 5G broadband modules through integrating our Qualcomm X85 and X61 in their EM9492 and EM9295,” said Gautam Sheoran, vice president and general manager, Wireless Broadband and Communications at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Semtech is delivering cutting-edge 5G capabilities and cost-effective solutions contributing to the acceleration of deployment of advanced 5G solutions across various industries.”