Altair

Altair is an engineering software company headquartered in Troy, Michigan, best known for simulation, optimization, and high-performance computing tools used across mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering. Founded in 1985, Altair develops OptiStruct, the structural solver that introduced commercial topology optimization; Inspire, a generative-design and simulation environment for design engineers; and the broad HyperWorks simulation suite. Altair has built a strong AI-native layer on top: PhysicsAI trains deep-learning models on 3D meshes to predict simulation results up to a thousand times faster than traditional solvers, romAI builds reduced-order machine-learning models from simulation and test data, and Altair AI Studio (the former RapidMiner platform) provides visual data science and machine learning. In 2025 Altair became part of Siemens, joining its Digital Industries Software business. For mechanical engineers, Altair is one of the most AI-forward names in simulation and design optimization.