Synopsys has created a digital twin of a F1 racetrack using NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, aiming to inspire the next generation of engineers. 

This new experience was revealed at the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals in Singapore. As the exclusive global CFD simulation partner for STEM Racing, Synopsys provides complimentary access to its advanced simulation software for over 400,000 students around the world.

The STEM Racing programme involves teams of middle and high school students from 65 countries who compete to design and race miniature F1 cars.

This new F1 initiative connects their race car designs, refined in Synopsys’ Discovery software, with a digital twin of the racetrack and Omniverse libraries. These are the same tools used by professional Formula 1 teams. The partnership also includes educational resources and technical support for the students.

Using Discovery, the teams can explore advanced aerodynamics concepts and learn to interpret computational fluid dynamics behaviour. They can then import this data into Omniverse to visualise the air flow in real time. This process is designed to provide a deeper understanding of complex science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics.

At the STEM Racing World Finals, students can engage with a simplified version of the workflow. They are able to modify key features of their car, such as swapping pre-made parts to test different spoiler designs. This hands-on approach allows them to see how design decisions affect performance, encouraging creativity and innovation through direct experimentation.

Ahead of each major race in the 2025–2026 STEM Racing season, demonstration days will give students access to the more advanced workflow. Teams will be able to upload their custom F1 car designs to the Omniverse-powered digital twin and use Discovery for CFD analysis. This will provide them with predictive insights into the physical performance of their designs, allowing them to refine their virtual models before manufacturing.

Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman of STEM Racing, commented: “Synopsys’ specialised simulation and analysis tools have already transformed the way our student teams approach STEM learning. And this new virtual STEM Racing track will enhance that experience even more.

“Enabling students to explore complex concepts such as aerodynamic drag and iterative design in an immersive and engaging environment will strengthen their practical engineering skills—not only will this deliver real performance gains on the physical racetrack, but it will also prepare them for success in advanced degree programs and future STEM careers.”

A physics-accurate digital twin of a F1 racing environment allows teams to optimise their cars for the unique characteristics of each racetrack and achieve the minimum possible lap times.

Tim Costa, GM for Industrial and Computational Engineering at NVIDIA, explained: “By connecting NVIDIA Omniverse libraries with Discovery, alongside Synopsys’ advanced design and AI-driven capabilities, the digital twin racetrack delivers a physically accurate environment where students can experiment with different vehicle designs and optimise for real-world performance through simulation alone.”

Research indicates that 82 percent of STEM professionals developed an interest in their field before high school. The introduction of advanced tools like Discovery and Omniverse at the K-12 level gives students practical experience in computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, and simulation. These are skills that can translate to degrees in engineering, design, computer science, and other related fields.

Antonio Varas, Chief Strategy Officer at Synopsys, commented: “The collaboration between Synopsys and STEM Racing proves that STEM is about creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem solving. In fact, research shows that grade-level students exposed to hands-on STEM experiences are more likely to pursue STEM careers.

“This initiative reflects Synopsys’ deep commitment to childhood STEM education, helping students build confidence with complex topics and encouraging lifelong learning, while igniting excitement for a potential career in STEM.”

This F1 digital twin announcement follows a recent agreement between NVIDIA and Synopsys. Under the agreement, Synopsys will licence, sell, and support Omniverse libraries embedded in its simulation and analysis solutions.

See also: FIA expands Siemens digital twin partnership for safer motorsport

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