Cadence
Scores out of 100 · Ranks within the 50-company cohort
Target date 2026-09-18
Target date 2027-09-18
Target date 2030-09-18
Our power thesis
We expect design and simulation environments to gain power as AI moves into engineering and physical systems. Energy-efficient design does not grant ownership of electricity.
Four Forces breakdown
Each force uses the same fixed 0–100 scale. The strongest force and breadth of control determine the Power Score.
| Force | 2026 | 2027 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compute | 75 | 80 | 85 |
| Interface | 55 | 65 | 70 |
| Alignment | 25 | 30 | 40 |
| Energy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Our forecast
Across our 2026–2030 view, the Power Score rises from 56.9 to 66.9; the rank moves from #44 to #34.
Compute 75 → 85; Interface 55 → 70; Alignment 25 → 40.
The thesis above explains our call. Rank can fall even when power grows if other companies gain faster.
What would change our mind
Agent capabilities commoditize design interfaces faster than simulation platforms gain influence.
Research behind the judgment
Cadence’s April NVIDIA partnership covers engineering agents, simulation, and digital twins.
- Cadence–NVIDIA engineering partnership2026-04-15 · Accessed 2026-09-18
Sources inform the factual premises. Force scores, ranks, and forecasts are exmxc’s judgments as of this edition.