SEALSQ and IC’ALPS Join Forces to Advance Post-Quantum Secure ASICs for Automotive Functional Safety
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) announced a strategic collaboration with IC'ALPS to develop post-quantum secure ASICs for automotive functional safety. This partnership follows SEALSQ's February 2025 announcement of exclusive negotiations to acquire 100% of IC'ALPS, pending due diligence and regulatory approvals.
The collaboration combines SEALSQ's post-quantum secure technology with IC'ALPS' expertise in automotive ASIC design, particularly for systems requiring high Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs). The partnership aims to address the growing importance of electronics in modern vehicles, where semiconductor components now represent over 40% of a vehicle's cost, up from 18% in the early 2000s.
The joint venture will focus on developing ASICs that integrate multiple functions into single chips, featuring functional safety compliance, native post-quantum cryptography, enhanced EMI resistance, and real-time responsiveness for autonomous driving systems.
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ha annunciato una collaborazione strategica con IC'ALPS per sviluppare ASIC sicuri post-quantum per la sicurezza funzionale automobilistica. Questa partnership segue l'annuncio di SEALSQ di febbraio 2025 riguardante negoziati esclusivi per acquisire il 100% di IC'ALPS, in attesa di due diligence e approvazioni normative.
La collaborazione combina la tecnologia sicura post-quantum di SEALSQ con l'esperienza di IC'ALPS nella progettazione di ASIC per l'automotive, in particolare per sistemi che richiedono alti livelli di integrità della sicurezza automobilistica (ASIL). L'obiettivo della partnership è affrontare l'importanza crescente dell'elettronica nei veicoli moderni, dove i componenti semiconduttori rappresentano ora oltre il 40% del costo di un veicolo, rispetto al 18% all'inizio degli anni 2000.
La joint venture si concentrerà sullo sviluppo di ASIC che integrano più funzioni in singoli chip, con conformità alla sicurezza funzionale, crittografia post-quantum nativa, resistenza EMI migliorata e reattività in tempo reale per i sistemi di guida autonoma.
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) anunció una colaboración estratégica con IC'ALPS para desarrollar ASICs seguros post-cuánticos para la seguridad funcional automotriz. Esta asociación sigue al anuncio de SEALSQ de febrero de 2025 sobre negociaciones exclusivas para adquirir el 100% de IC'ALPS, a la espera de la debida diligencia y aprobaciones regulatorias.
La colaboración combina la tecnología segura post-cuántica de SEALSQ con la experiencia de IC'ALPS en el diseño de ASICs automotrices, especialmente para sistemas que requieren altos niveles de integridad de seguridad automotriz (ASIL). El objetivo de la asociación es abordar la creciente importancia de la electrónica en los vehículos modernos, donde los componentes semiconductores representan ahora más del 40% del costo de un vehículo, frente al 18% a principios de los años 2000.
La empresa conjunta se centrará en desarrollar ASICs que integren múltiples funciones en chips únicos, con cumplimiento de seguridad funcional, criptografía post-cuántica nativa, resistencia EMI mejorada y capacidad de respuesta en tiempo real para sistemas de conducción autónoma.
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES)는 자동차 기능 안전을 위한 포스트 양자 보안 ASIC을 개발하기 위해 IC'ALPS와 전략적 협력을 발표했습니다. 이 파트너십은 SEALSQ가 2025년 2월에 IC'ALPS의 100% 인수를 위한 독점 협상에 대한 발표를 한 이후 이루어졌으며, 이는 실사 및 규제 승인을 기다리고 있습니다.
이 협력은 SEALSQ의 포스트 양자 보안 기술과 IC'ALPS의 자동차 ASIC 설계 전문성을 결합하며, 특히 높은 자동차 안전 무결성 수준(ASIL)을 요구하는 시스템을 위한 것입니다. 이 파트너십은 현대 차량에서 전자 제품의 중요성이 커지고 있는 점을 해결하는 것을 목표로 하며, 반도체 부품이 현재 차량 비용의 40% 이상을 차지하고 있으며, 이는 2000년대 초반의 18%에서 증가한 수치입니다.
합작 투자에서는 여러 기능을 단일 칩에 통합하는 ASIC 개발에 중점을 두며, 기능 안전 준수, 기본 포스트 양자 암호화, 향상된 EMI 저항성 및 자율 주행 시스템을 위한 실시간 반응성을 특징으로 합니다.
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) a annoncé une collaboration stratégique avec IC'ALPS pour développer des ASICs sécurisés post-quantique pour la sécurité fonctionnelle automobile. Ce partenariat fait suite à l'annonce de SEALSQ en février 2025 concernant des négociations exclusives pour acquérir 100 % d'IC'ALPS, sous réserve de la due diligence et des approbations réglementaires.
La collaboration combine la technologie sécurisée post-quantique de SEALSQ avec l'expertise d'IC'ALPS dans la conception d'ASICs automobiles, en particulier pour les systèmes nécessitant des niveaux élevés d'intégrité de sécurité automobile (ASIL). L'objectif du partenariat est de répondre à l'importance croissante de l'électronique dans les véhicules modernes, où les composants semi-conducteurs représentent désormais plus de 40 % du coût d'un véhicule, contre 18 % au début des années 2000.
La coentreprise se concentrera sur le développement d'ASICs intégrant plusieurs fonctions dans des puces uniques, avec conformité à la sécurité fonctionnelle, cryptographie post-quantique native, résistance EMI améliorée et réactivité en temps réel pour les systèmes de conduite autonome.
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) hat eine strategische Zusammenarbeit mit IC'ALPS angekündigt, um post-quantensichere ASICs für die funktionale Sicherheit im Automobilbereich zu entwickeln. Diese Partnerschaft folgt auf die Ankündigung von SEALSQ im Februar 2025 über exklusive Verhandlungen zum Erwerb von 100% von IC'ALPS, vorbehaltlich der Due Diligence und regulatorischen Genehmigungen.
Die Zusammenarbeit kombiniert die post-quantensichere Technologie von SEALSQ mit der Expertise von IC'ALPS im Design von Automotive-ASICs, insbesondere für Systeme, die hohe Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs) erfordern. Ziel der Partnerschaft ist es, der wachsenden Bedeutung von Elektronik in modernen Fahrzeugen Rechnung zu tragen, in denen Halbleiterkomponenten mittlerweile über 40% der Fahrzeugkosten ausmachen, im Vergleich zu 18% zu Beginn der 2000er Jahre.
Das Joint Venture wird sich auf die Entwicklung von ASICs konzentrieren, die mehrere Funktionen in einzelnen Chips integrieren, mit Konformität zur funktionalen Sicherheit, nativer post-quantensicherer Kryptografie, verbesserter EMI-Resistenz und Echtzeitreaktionsfähigkeit für autonome Fahrsysteme.
- Strategic acquisition opportunity of IC'ALPS to expand automotive semiconductor capabilities
- Integration of multiple functions into single chips reduces component costs and improves system efficiency
- Positioning in growing automotive electronics market where components represent 40% of vehicle costs
- Development of specialized post-quantum secure ASICs for high-growth autonomous vehicle market
- Acquisition subject to regulatory approval and due diligence completion
- Significant R&D investment required for new ASIC development
- Complex integration process of post-quantum technology with automotive safety requirements
Insights
SEALSQ's strategic collaboration with IC'ALPS represents a calculated move to establish a competitive position in the high-value automotive semiconductor space. This partnership, coupled with SEALSQ's ongoing negotiations to acquire 100% of IC'ALPS, demonstrates a clear vertical integration strategy targeting the intersection of automotive functional safety and post-quantum security.
The timing is strategically sound as automotive electronics content continues to accelerate, now constituting over 40% of vehicle costs compared to just 18% in the early 2000s. Modern vehicles contain more than 1,400 semiconductor components, creating substantial market opportunity for specialized solutions.
What makes this partnership particularly valuable is the complementary expertise: SEALSQ contributes post-quantum cryptographic IP while IC'ALPS brings automotive-grade design capabilities with IATF16949-ready methodology and ISO 26262 functional safety expertise. This enables the development of ASICs that consolidate multiple functions into single chips while maintaining both security and safety requirements.
For investors, this represents a meaningful expansion of SEALSQ's addressable market into the automotive supply chain, positioning the company to capture higher-margin opportunities as vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous. While financial terms and immediate revenue impact aren't disclosed, the strategic value is evident in establishing a specialized position at the convergence of two critical technology trends.
Geneva, Switzerland, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, today announces a strategic collaboration with IC’ALPS, a premier ASIC design house specializing in custom integrated circuits ready for IATF16949 standard, mastering Functional Safety for ISO 26262 with solutions tailored to meet the required ASIL levels. Of note, as announced in February 2025, SEALSQ has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire
With proven track records in automotive applications, IC’ALPS brings expertise in power management ICs, quality design, test-fault coverage and FMEDA (Failure Modes, Effects and Diagnostic Analysis) — positioning this partnership to redefine automotive safety and security by introducing a new class of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) tailored for Functional Safety in the age of post-quantum computing.
In an era where modern vehicles can contain more than 1,400 semiconductor components, the role of Functional Safety has become mission critical. Electronics now account for over
Enabling Functional Safety with ASICs Designed for ISO 26262
Through this partnership, SEALSQ’s post-quantum secure technology will be integrated into IC’ALPS’ automotive ASIC designs, providing robust cryptographic resistance against quantum-era threats. IC’ALPS brings extensive experience in designing chips for systems requiring high Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs), including analog (LED drivers, PMICs, DCDC converters, high-precision current sensors among others), and digital (embedded microcontroller, hardware accelerators for data signal processing) functions ensuring resilience against both systematic and random hardware failures.
ASICs allow system integrators to consolidate multiple functions into a single chip, reducing component count, improving reliability, and enhancing system efficiency. With IC’ALPS’ IATF16949-ready design methodology and rigorous test fault coverage for quality assurance, combined with SEALSQ’s cryptographic IP, automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers will benefit from ultra-secure, deterministic, and highly customized semiconductor solutions.
Benefits of Post-Quantum ASICs in Automotive Applications
- Functional Safety Compliance: Designed with technical safety requirements (TSRs) mapped from high-level safety goals to ensure ISO 26262 certification.
- Integrated Security: Native post-quantum cryptography with embedded secure elements and fail-safe mechanisms.
- Miniaturization & Performance: Reduced system complexity through the integration of digital, analog, RF, and power management functions.
- Electromagnetic Immunity: Enhanced EMI resistance and EMC validation to ensure robust operation within complex automotive environments.
- Real-time Responsiveness: Deterministic behavior and low-latency performance essential for safety-critical decisions in autonomous driving systems.
- Comprehensive Support: Backed by IC’ALPS’ customer support, including product training, layout guidelines, and system-level simulation models.
Addressing the Challenges of Functional Safety Design
ASIC development in automotive contexts requires close collaboration between IC designers and system architects to accurately translate ASIL requirements into chip-level safety mechanisms. IC’ALPS and SEALSQ are co-developing methodologies to ensure safety goals are traceable and measurable—from FMEDA analyses to integrated diagnostics and self-monitoring circuits, supported by IC’ALPS’ expertise in application-level validation, debug with design teams, and mature knowledge of functional safety ASIC design methodology.
Beyond compliance, the collaboration prioritizes optimization—ensuring that safety features do not unnecessarily inflate development cycles or costs, while leveraging IC’ALPS’ project support to streamline integration for OEMs, preserving the competitive edge for automotive clients.
A Vision for Secure and Safe Mobility
This partnership marks a decisive step forward in shaping the future of automotive security. By embedding post-quantum cryptography and functional safety mechanisms directly into automotive ASICs, SEALSQ and IC’ALPS are empowering the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles to be not only smarter—but safer and future-proof with best-in-class expertise driving innovation.
About IC’ALPS:
IC’ALPS is your one-stop-shop ASIC partner. Based in France (HQ in Grenoble, two design centers in Grenoble and Toulouse), the company provides customers with a complete offering for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Systems on Chip (SoC) development from circuit specification, mastering design in-house, up to the qualification, and the management of the entire production supply chain. Its 100+ engineers’ areas of expertise include analogic, digital and mixed-signal circuits (sensor/MEMS interfaces, ultra-low power consumption, power management, high-resolution converters, high voltage, signal processing, ARM and RISC-V based multiprocessors architectures, hardware accelerators) on technologies from 0.18 µm down to 1.8 nm, and from multiple foundries (TSMC, Global Foundries, Tower Semiconductor, X-FAB, STMicroelectronics, etc.). The company is active worldwide in medical, industrial, automotive, IoT, AI, mil-aero and digital identity & security sectors. IC’ALPS is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, EN 9100:2018, Common Criteria certified, IATF16949-ready, member of TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA), ams Osram Preferred Partner, X-FAB’s partner network and Intel Foundry Accelerator Design Service Alliance (DSA).
More information on www.icalps.com and follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/ic-alps
About SEALSQ:
SEALSQ focuses on selling integrated solutions based on Semiconductors, PKI and Provisioning services, while developing Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products. Our solutions can be used in a variety of applications, from Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Smart Home Appliances, Medical and Healthcare and IT Network Infrastructure, to Automotive, Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic methods that are secure against an attack by a quantum computer. As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to break many of the cryptographic methods that are currently used to protect sensitive information, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). PQC aims to develop new cryptographic methods that are secure against quantum attacks. For more information, please visit www.sealsq.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipates will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include SEALSQ’s ability to implement its growth strategies; SEALSQ’s ability to successfully launch post-quantum semiconductor technology; SEALSQ’s ability to capture a share of the quantum semiconductor market; the growth of the quantum computing market; SEALSQ’s ability to expand its U.S. operations; SEALSQ’s ability to enhance its production facilities in the U.S. and France; SEALSQ’s ability to make additional investments towards the development of a new generation of quantum-ready semiconductors; the success of SEALCOIN; SEALSQ’s ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; the growth of the quantum computing market; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ’s filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC.
SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Press and Investor Contacts
| SEALSQ Corp. Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@sealsq.com | SEALSQ Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com Katie Murphy Tel: +212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com |
FAQ
What is the strategic partnership between SEALSQ (LAES) and IC'ALPS announced in March 2025?
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