What IC'ALPS does

IC'ALPS SASU is a French fabless ASIC design house, founded in 2018 in Meylan, operating design centers in Grenoble, Toulouse and Aix-en-Provence. The company provides end-to-end custom integrated circuit services — covering architecture specification, analog/mixed-signal and digital design, physical implementation, tape-out, test, qualification and supply-chain management — across process nodes from 0.35 µm down to 5 nm on CMOS, BiCMOS, Bulk, SOI, FDSOI, HVCMOS and BCD processes at foundries including TSMC, GlobalFoundries, Intel Foundry, DB HiTek, X-FAB, SkyWater, Tower Semiconductor and STMicroelectronics. Its technical differentiation rests on a proprietary reusable IP block library (standard cells, I/O, power management, PLL/DLL, ADC/DAC, memory and MCU), DFMEA/FMEDA-driven functional-safety flows aligned with ISO 26262 ASIL-A through ASIL-D, a Common Criteria EAL5+/EAL6 certified secure design room in Grenoble, and — following the 2025 SEALSQ acquisition — integration of NIST-selected post-quantum cryptographic IP into automotive and industrial ASIC designs.

The company serves five regulated verticals: healthcare and medical devices (ISO 13485:2016 certified, including active implantable devices), automotive (IATF 16949-ready), industrial automation, IoT and consumer, and aeronautics, space and defense (EN 9100:2018). It sells through a project-by-project engagement model with three revenue streams: turnkey ASIC design and supply (prime-contractor NRE plus per-unit chip supply), modular à-la-carte IC design services billed per phase, and ASIC industrialization services for customers moving prototypes into volume. Distribution is direct enterprise sales supplemented by foundry-ecosystem co-marketing (TSMC DCA, GlobalFoundries GlobalSolutions, Intel Foundry Accelerator VCA/DSA). French customers can offset up to 30% of design costs via the CIR research tax credit accredited to IC'ALPS.

Since August 4, 2025, IC'ALPS has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES), serving as SEALSQ's European ASIC design and post-quantum silicon engineering center. The acquisition has broadened IC'ALPS' mandate into quantum-ready ASICs via the November 2025 SEALSQ Quantum Corridor Grenoble Node, post-quantum secure automotive SoCs, secure microcontrollers for IoT and satellite systems, and ASICs for AI-enabled semiconductors. Standalone revenue is not disclosed; reported metrics indicate over 1.5 million units produced on GlobalFoundries' 22FDX platform, combined SEALSQ/IC'Alps headcount of approximately 200 with a target of ~250 by end-2026, and a parent-disclosed commercial pipeline exceeding USD 200 million spanning 2026–2029.

Name

IC'ALPS

Legal name

IC'Alps SASU

Website

https://www.icalps.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

IC'ALPS is a French fabless ASIC design house providing custom analog, mixed-signal, low-power and security integrated circuit services from architecture to silicon supply for healthcare, automotive, industrial, IoT and mil/aero customers, operating as a subsidiary of SEALSQ Corp since August 2025.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom ASIC Design Services

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Custom & Application-Specific ASIC Design Services (HDAHABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Analog Front-End (AFE) ICs (Sensor/Medical/Industrial AFE) (HDAHAIAJ), Design Services & ASIC/SoC Implementation (EDA-Adjacent) (HDAHAFAL), Isolation & Signal Conditioning ICs (Digital Isolators/Instrumentation) (HDAHAIAI), Power Management & Power ICs (HDAHAAAE)

Keywords

• Custom ASIC design
• Mixed-signal integrated circuits
• Low-power chip design
• Security ASIC solutions
• Turnkey semiconductor services

Headquarters

HQ city

Meylan

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Turnkey ASIC Design & Supply: IC'Alps acts as prime contractor providing end-to-end ASIC solutions from system concept to delivery of fully tested custom integrated chips. Revenue is generated through design fees and per-unit chip production charges. The company manages the complete supply chain from silicon manufacture through test and lifecycle management, with customers gaining full chip ownership and independence in technology choice.
2. Custom IC Design Services (A-la-carte): Modular design services where IC'Alps complements customer teams on specific phases of the IC design process—architecture definition, digital partition, analog design, RTL design, mixed-signal verification, physical implementation, and validation. Billed per project or phase.
3. ASIC Industrialization: Support for customers who have already developed ASIC prototypes, providing services to transition them into volume manufacturing including final mask sets, industrial test solution development, ASIC qualification, manufacturability assessment, and pre-series delivery.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IC'ALPS provides end-to-end custom Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design and supply services, spanning architecture specification, circuit design, silicon production, test, and supply chain management. The company specializes in mixed-signal, low-power, custom sensor interfacing, and security ASICs, serving demanding applications in healthcare, automotive, industrial, IoT, and aerospace/defense sectors with technology nodes from 0.35 µm down to 5 nm.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Turnkey ASIC Design & Supply End-to-end ASIC design and supply service where IC'ALPS acts as prime contractor, providing custom integrated circuits from architecture specification through circuit design, silicon production, test, and full supply chain management. Customers gain full chip ownership and technology independence. For enterprise customers in healthcare, automotive, industrial, IoT, and aerospace/defense sectors.
• Custom IC Design Services Modular a-la-carte design services where IC'ALPS complements customer teams on specific phases of the IC design process including architecture definition, digital partition, analog design, RTL design, mixed-signal verification, physical implementation, and validation. Billed per project or per phase. For engineering teams needing specialized ASIC design expertise.
• ASIC Industrialization Services supporting customers who have already developed ASIC prototypes to transition them into volume manufacturing, including final mask sets, industrial test solution development, ASIC qualification, manufacturability assessment, and pre-series delivery. For companies with existing prototypes ready for production ramp-up.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1.5 million units manufactured under GlobalFoundries' 22FDX platform
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core, supporting and minor.

• DB HiTekkeyTechnology or Integration · 29 April 2026IC'Alps and DB HiTek strengthened their collaboration focused on advanced development programs leveraging DB HiTek's 180nm and 130nm technology platforms. The partnership combines IC'Alps' ASIC design expertise with DB HiTek's manufacturing capabilities to support demanding industrial, automotive, and IoT development projects with close technical alignment.
• GlobalFoundriescoreTechnology or Integration · 11 July 2025IC'Alps joined GlobalFoundries' GlobalSolutions ecosystem, securing direct access to GF's global manufacturing resources. The partnership strengthens a long-standing relationship demonstrated by over 1.5M units manufactured under GF's 22FDX platform. The collaboration aims to streamline ASIC development and accelerate time-to-market for advanced semiconductor solutions targeting GF's CMOS technologies.
• Intel FoundrycoreTechnology or Integration · 30 April 2025IC'Alps joined Intel Foundry Accelerator Alliance program as both Design Services Alliance (DSA) and Value Chain Alliance (VCA) partner. The DSA validates IC'Alps' expertise in managing ASIC architecture, front-end design, back-end physical implementation through GDSII, and test management. The VCA enables IC'Alps to offer full turnkey services from specification to customer order management. Validated through a thorough audit of processes, methods, and design flows.
• SEALSQ CorpcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2025SEALSQ and IC'Alps joined forces to advance post-quantum secure ASICs for automotive functional safety. SEALSQ's post-quantum cryptographic technology is integrated into IC'Alps' automotive ASIC designs, combining IC'Alps' IATF 16949-ready methodology, ISO 26262 ASIL design expertise, and FMEDA capabilities with SEALSQ's cryptographic IP for quantum-era threat protection. The collaboration targets the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles.
• TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company)coreTechnology or Integration · 4 October 2023IC'Alps was selected as a TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA) member, providing streamlined access to TSMC IP libraries and ecosystem, simplified paperwork, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities. The partnership enables mutual customers to accelerate ASIC design using TSMC's industry-leading technologies, leveraging IC'Alps' extensive IC design expertise and experience with European markets.
• ams OSRAMsupportingTechnology or IntegrationIC'Alps became ams OSRAM's Preferred Foundry Service Partner, pursuing commitment to building a strong European semiconductor ecosystem and offering design expertise in custom digital, analog, and mixed-signal ICs.
• X-FABsupportingTechnology or IntegrationIC'Alps joined X-FAB's partner program as a specialty foundry partner, enabling X-FAB's customers to leverage IC'Alps' expertise in mixed-signal IC design and supply chain management.
• Tiempo SecurekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Tiempo Secure for silicon implementation of Common Criteria EAL5+ Secure Element IP. IC'Alps deployed a Common Criteria certified secure infrastructure including isolated network, dedicated servers, and secured access to support security-sensitive projects. The partnership enables joint customers to achieve EAL5+/EAL6 product certifications.
• SkyWater TechnologysupportingTechnology or IntegrationIC'Alps worked with SkyWater on a 130nm process demo chip, demonstrating expertise in physical implementation from RTL-to-GDS to tape-out with fully functional silicon meeting schedule and quality targets.
• Weebit NanosupportingTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration with Weebit Nano for demo chip development on SkyWater's 130nm process, validating IC'Alps' capabilities in embedded NVM module ASIC design and physical implementation.
• ENSTA Bretagne (Labsticc)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative eFPGA technology development project supported by IC'Alps, enabling ENSTA Bretagne's embedded FPGA (eFPGA) generator for reconfigurable devices targeting cyberdefense applications. IC'Alps contributed to first functional silicon demonstrator in TSMC 55nm ULP process.
• TIMC (Techniques de l'Ingénierie Médicale et de la Complexité)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with TIMC laboratory for medical device research and development, supporting IC'Alps' healthcare and medical ASIC applications.
• Acsiel (Alliance pour l'Industrie Électronique)minorOthersMembership in Acsiel, the French alliance for the electronics industry, supporting IC'Alps' engagement in the European semiconductor ecosystem.
• STMicroelectronicssupportingTechnology or IntegrationPartnership reference listed on IC'Alps' website, indicating a working relationship for semiconductor design and supply services leveraging STMicroelectronics' technologies.
• MedicalPSsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with MedicalPS cluster, a medical technology innovation network supporting IC'Alps' healthcare and medical device ASIC applications.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Synopsys: Global leader in EDA tools and IP, with a significant ASIC design services and implementation arm. Comparable because Synopsys competes for the same turnkey ASIC design engagements and offers complementary IP, much larger design teams, and deep relationships with the same foundries (TSMC, Samsung, Intel).
• Cadence Design Systems: Major EDA vendor that also provides ASIC and full-custom IC design services, IP, and packaging. Comparable because Cadence offers end-to-end mixed-signal and digital design flows and competes for the same custom-chip engagements in automotive, medical, and industrial markets.
• Marvell Technology: US-based fabless semiconductor company with a custom ASIC and SoC business serving automotive, networking, and storage. Comparable because Marvell competes for custom-silicon engagements, including automotive and industrial, and uses similar foundry relationships (TSMC).

Direct peers

• Faraday Technology: Taiwan-headquartered fabless ASIC and IP company providing turnkey ASIC design, IP licensing, and SoC services. Comparable because Faraday offers a nearly identical turnkey ASIC model, foundry partnerships (UMC, Samsung, SMIC), and serves comparable verticals like industrial, automotive, and IoT.
• VeriSilicon: Shanghai and Santa Clara-based ASIC design services and semiconductor IP provider. Comparable because VeriSilicon provides turnkey ASIC/SoC design, mixed-signal and RF IP, and works with leading foundries (TSMC, Samsung, SMIC, GlobalFoundries) to serve IoT, automotive, and AI markets.
• S3 Semiconductors: Ireland-headquartered ASIC design services company (acquired by Microchip Technology). Comparable because S3 Semi offers custom mixed-signal and digital ASIC design, foundry-agnostic flow, and serves communications, industrial, and aerospace customers from a European base.
• Open-Silicon (Achronix/Silicon Arts): ASIC design services and IP provider focused on custom silicon for networking, AI, and IoT. Comparable because Open-Silicon offers a similar turnkey ASIC engagement model, foundry-agnostic design flow, and works with the same major foundries for customer projects.

Emerging players

• Adveos: Greek fabless ASIC design house specializing in mixed-signal, RF, and low-power ICs. Comparable because Adveos targets similar niche customer engagements and complements IC'Alps' European footprint, though at smaller scale and narrower technology focus.
• Chipus Microelectronics: Brazilian fabless mixed-signal ASIC and IP design house. Comparable because Chipus offers custom analog/mixed-signal ASIC design for consumer, industrial, and medical applications — a similar boutique fabless model with foundry-agnostic execution.

Others

• GlobalFoundries: Top global foundry and IC'Alps partner under the GlobalSolutions ecosystem. Comparable as a partial peer/partner because GlobalFoundries offers in-house ASIC enablement services that may overlap with IC'Alps' offerings for GF-customer design engagements.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ic-alps
• Xx.com/IC_Alps

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IC'ALPS