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ISOLDE Project Demonstrates Advancements in European Open-Source RISC-V for Automotive, Space, and IoT

2025/12/01

November 2025 – Advancing its mission to transform Europe's technological landscape, the ISOLDE project is delivering major advancements in high-performance embedded computing, safety, and security through open-source RISC-V processor technology. Bringing together a consortium of 37 partners and 2 associated partners from leading European research institutions and industries, ISOLDE is laying the groundwork for digital sovereignty and semiconductor independence. Funded under the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) within Horizon Europe, the project is accelerating digital transformation while supporting Europe’s transition toward a green, climate-neutral, and digitally autonomous future.

Driving Innovation in European High-Performance Computing, Safety and Security

The ISOLDE project (High Performance, Safe, Secure, Open-Source Leveraged RISC-V Domain-Specific Ecosystems) is advancing European-designed high-performance RISC-V-based CPUs and IP blocks, including accelerators, to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 by project completion. These open-source processor architectures and accelerators will be showcased by demonstrators for key European industries such as automotive, space, and IoT. About two years after completion, first ISOLDE high-performance components are expected to be integrated into industrial-grade products.

To ensure sustainability and accessibility, ISOLDE is initiating an industrial-grade open-source support ecosystem for development, verification, and maintenance. In addition, customizable IPs will be distributed through secure, industrial-grade repositories, ensuring long-term availability and reinforcing the European Union’s commitment to digital sovereignty.

Key Achievements Over Two Years

Over the past two years, ISOLDE has reached important milestones in advancing RISC-V-based high-performance computing, safety, and security. These achievements pave the way for Europe’s leadership in open-source semiconductor technology and digital sovereignty. Highlights include:

  • Development of methodologies that enable seamless integration of open-source and proprietary IPs, ensuring effective interoperability. This approach allows organisations to benefit from open collaboration while protecting proprietary innovations.
  • Definition and first implementation of demonstrators across critical sectors such as space, automotive, Smart Home, and cellular IoT. These will showcase RISC-V-based architectures by integrating IPs from multiple partners and running a complete software stack.
  • Consolidated documentation of requirements and specifications for both the IPs under development and the demonstrators to be integrated. This material, publicly available, promotes transparency and invites the broader community to contribute, review, or adopt project results. By making documentation accessible, ISOLDE supports future developments within the open-source ecosystem, fostering interoperability and consistency across systems and tools.
  • Joint initiatives with the TRISTAN project, strengthening the RISC-V ecosystem, including participation in the RISC-V Summit Europe, joint publications, and the creation of a shared repository for IP distribution.

A Breakthrough in European Semiconductor Independence

By strengthening the European RISC-V ecosystem, ISOLDE is making a decisive contribution to unifying and advancing an industry-backed, homegrown open-source architecture for high-performance embedded computing.

As ISOLDE enters its final phase, efforts will focus on tapeout-ready designs, FPGA-based prototypes, expanded industrial collaborations, and preparing the deployment of its solutions. The project’s progress shows that Europe is not only capable of competing in the global semiconductor industry but is also taking a leadership role in open computing innovation.

 

For more information about ISOLDE and its achievements, visit www.isolde-project.eu.