Cadence Recognized Among Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech 2026

Fast Company has named Cadence to its 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards list, particularly recognizing it as one of the 6 Next Big Things in Computing, Chips, and Foundational Technology. This recognition is an acknowledgment of the work we do every day to help advance the technologies behind modern computing, chips, and intelligent systems.

Now in its sixth year, Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech Awards highlight emerging products, services, features, research, and other technology efforts with the potential to define the future of the industries they serve. For the 2026 program, Fast Company assessed more than 1,000 applications and selected 145 honorees across 31 categories, and it's a proud moment to know that we made it to the list!

Engineering the Foundations of Modern Computing

Recognition in the Computing, Chips, and Foundational Technology category is especially meaningful because Cadence operates at the core of the technologies shaping modern computing. As demand grows for advanced chips, AI infrastructure, and more efficient semiconductor design, Cadence solutions help companies develop silicon, systems, and intelligent technologies that enable broader innovation across industries.

Innovation at Cadence is amplified through our Design for AI and AI for Design strategy—a virtuous cycle in which customers and partners use Cadence technology to build the AI infrastructure powering the next generation of AI, while Cadence applies that AI within our design platforms to accelerate the creation of more intelligent infrastructure.

From Silicon to Systems: Cadence's Broader Impact

Cadence supports companies across the semiconductor and systems ecosystem, spanning AI infrastructure, hyperscale computing, mobile communications, automotive, aerospace and defense, industrial applications, life sciences, and robotics.

The company is also advancing how engineering teams approach increasingly complex workflows by embedding AI throughout the development process. Technologies such as Agentic AI Super Agents bring Level 5 autonomous agentic AI to chip-to-system development, enabling the automation of complex, multi-step tasks across design and verification. These capabilities help engineers increase productivity, accelerate verification, and optimize power, performance, and area (PPA) while building on established EDA methodologies.

Together, these advances demonstrate Cadence's role in shaping technologies, driving the next era of computing. Let us continue building solutions that help make meaningful innovation possible!

Learn how Cadence is powering the AI supercycle.