Philippe Notton (SiPearl)
Overview
Philippe Notton is a prominent figure in the European semiconductor industry, known for founding SiPearl, a company specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient microprocessors for supercomputing and artificial intelligence applications. Having built a remarkable career across various major tech companies such as Thomson, Canal+, and STMicroelectronics, Notton carved a niche in semiconductor development. SiPearl, established in 2019 as part of the European Processor Initiative (EPI), aims to bolster Europe’s technological sovereignty in the realm of high-performance computing. The company’s first notable project, the Rhea1 processor, is set to power Europe's first exascale supercomputer, highlighting Notton's vision and leadership in advancing European technologies in critical fields like artificial intelligence and medical research.
Recent Developments
- January 2025: Philippe Notton represented SiPearl at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, sharing insights into their progress on high-performance computing processors.
- June 2025: SiPearl made a significant impact at the VivaTech conference, showcasing the Seine Reference Server, which highlights the Rhea1 processor's capabilities in modular computing for supercomputing infrastructures.
- July 2025: SiPearl successfully closed a €130 million Series A financing round, marking a significant milestone in advancing their Rhea processor series. The funding aims to foster further developments in Europe's high-performance computing sector, with a focus on technological autonomy in critical domains.
- July 2025: The tape-out of SiPearl’s flagship Rhea1 processor was completed. This processor will be an integral component of the EuroHPC's initiatives, underscoring Notton's contribution to developing Europe's first exascale supercomputer – Jupiter.
- July 2025: SiPearl announced collaborations with Taiwanese firms, exemplifying a strategic move to leverage global partnerships while maintaining their European-centric operations, showcasing the global strategy in semiconductor development.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Philippe Notton |
| Born | France |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | CEO & Founder of SiPearl |
| Known For | Innovating high-performance energy-efficient processors in Europe |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Executive MBA from ESSEC & Mannheim, Engineering degree from Supélec |
Early Life and Education
Philippe Notton was born in France, where his early environment fostered a keen interest in technology and engineering. He attended CentraleSupélec, one of France's prestigious engineering schools, where he specialized in signal processing. Driven by a passion for technological challenges, he pursued an Executive MBA at ESSEC Business School and Mannheim Business School, enhancing his acumen in both engineering and business management. This combination of technical expertise and business strategy provided Notton with the foundation to innovate and lead in various high-profile technical roles across international companies.
Career and Notable Achievements
Philippe Notton's career journey is marked by significant milestones:
- Thomson/Canal+: Early career roles included strategic positions where Notton honed his skills in multimedia technologies.
- MStar Semiconductor: A key player in semiconductor solutions, where Notton led divisions that contributed to the company's growth, culminating in its sale to MediaTek for $4 billion.
- STMicroelectronics: Notton managed a division with over 2,400 engineers, which led to the conceptualization of what would become SiPearl.
- Atos: Contributed to founding the European Processor Initiative, pivotal in placing Europe on the map for high-performance microprocessor design.
- SiPearl: Founded in 2019 as a spin-off from the EPI, focused on developing processors that support both supercomputing and AI, with the Rhea1 processor being its flagship product.
Current Work and Impact
Philippe Notton continues to drive SiPearl's mission to enhance Europe’s capabilities in high-performance computing. His leadership has steered the successful development of the Rhea series processors, pivotal to Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, Jupiter. Under Notton’s guidance, SiPearl has become synonymous with Europe’s strategic ambitions to achieve semiconductor independence, especially critical amidst growing global technological competition. The company’s active engagement in collaborative European projects emphasizes its role in fortifying technological sovereignty and advancing scientific progress.
Conclusion
Philippe Notton’s pioneering spirit in the semiconductor field has been instrumental in redefining Europe's trajectory in high-performance computing. By founding SiPearl, Notton not only addresses technological sovereignty challenges but also paves the way for future advancements in AI and computational technologies. His vision of integrating high-performance and energy-efficient processors positions Europe as a formidable contender in the global tech economy. As SiPearl's innovations reach implementation phases in global projects, Notton’s legacy will undoubtedly resonate in Europe’s long-term strategy for technological independence and innovative growth.