Bangalore: Axiom Design Automation, a U.S. based semiconductor design solution company, today opened its second research and development (R&D) center in Bangalore. Axiom, founded by Vivek Bhat and Badru Agarwala, has is its first center in Mangalore. The company solely concentrates in the development of IP products.

Dr. Prabhu Goel, a veteran in EDA and founder of Verilog language, inaugurated the new facility. Dr.Goel is also a partner of Axiom. Dasaratha R Gude, Vice President and Managing Director, AMD India was the special guest at the inauguration ceremony.

"Developing correctly designed consumer oriented products with a minimum budget and delivering it with out delay are the challenges faced by the EDA industry," said Dr. Goel at the ceremony.

"Axiom is growing rapidly and is focused on building a complete verification flow to customers and is expanding its portfolio constantly for performance, productivity and verification closure," said Badru Agarwala, President and CEO, Axiom.

"Significant investments in R&D become a natural evolution as India continues to have a major impact in our overall business and the company heads to a 100 percent growth this year," he added.

"Verification challenges are increasing exponentially with linear increase in design complexity. Talent engagement thus becomes critical to adopt new tools and methodologies for on time delivery. The new facility in Bangalore and Mangalore enhance our ability to attract an increasing number of the talented engineers in India who will play a key role in ensuring customers success," said Avatar Saini, Chairman, Axom.

"The silicon design ecosystem is witnessing great progress in India and we need to expand the talent pool further in Vertical domains. With strong presence in tools, methodologies and high end design service space, we are in a unique position to address our customers challenges in verification," said Ravishankar, MD, Axiom India.

"We acquired Syschips a Bangalore based verification tools and services company in 2007. With this acquisition the company not only develops products but also provides total solution to the customers," said Ravishankar.

Currently the head count of the company in India is about 55 and is planning to increase the headcount to 150 by the end of the year 2008. We are planning to tap talented engineers through different projects and internship programs, which we offer, he added.

The company has recorded a profit of 150 percent this year said Agarwala but he denied to disclose the amount. The company plans to invest about $3 million in India this year.