Siemens acquires computational chemistry software company Culgi to enhance Xcelerator simulation capabilities

Siemens has signed an acquisition agreement for computational chemistry software company Culgi. Culgi previously focused on multi-scale simulation for process industries. After joining Siemens Digital Industry Software, Culgi's solutions will further enhance the simulation capabilities of Siemens Xcelerator™, and its quantum and molecular chemistry models will be seamlessly connected with the continuous approach of Simcenter™ STAR-CCM+™ software. This unique engineering workflow can help the materials and process industries significantly reduce costs, accelerate innovation, and thus increase the potential for product and process changes.

“Innovation in soft materials engineering starts at the quantum and molecular levels, and with Culgi’s technology in the Simcenter portfolio, process engineers will have access to a complete digital twin that combines micro-, meso- and macro-scale models, enabling advanced material design for product performance through tightly integrated workflows,” said Jan Leuridan, senior vice president of Simulation and Test Solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “We welcome the Culgi team to the Siemens family.”

This follows Siemens’ acquisition of MultiMechanics in November 2019, which added effective prediction capabilities for solid material properties and behavior to Simcenter™. With the integration of Culgi’s soft material simulation capabilities, Simcenter can now provide a unique CAE integrated solution for performance-driven optimization of advanced materials.

“We are excited to join Siemens and shape the future of simulation software together,” said Johannes Fraaije, Professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands and CEO of Culgi. “Virtual screening of new materials at an early stage in the development process is a key enabler for the digital transformation of the chemical industry. By integrating Culgi’s molecular simulation software and services into the Simcenter portfolio, engineers will be able to further increase efficiency in designing materials to ensure the required properties throughout the value chain, from process development to logistics to market analysis.”

Johannes Fraaije, Professor at Leiden University, Netherlands, CEO of Culgi

Founded in Leiden, the Netherlands in 1999, Culgi is committed to providing multi-scale chemical simulation technology and software solutions, covering all aspects from quantum chemistry to analytical dynamics. Its products are widely used in the design and analysis of new materials, covering multiple industries such as specialty chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

The acquisition is scheduled to close in 2020. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.