Exploring AI in Global Markets
Rapidus Teams Up with Esperanto for AI Chip Development
On May 16, 2024, David Manners reported that Rapidus, a startup supported by the Japanese government and focused on 2nm process technology, is partnering with Esperanto Technologies, a company specializing in RISC-V, to develop AI chips.
Esperanto is known for creating chip designs for AI and machine learning based on RISC-V architecture. The company is led by Dave Ditzel, who previously founded and served as CEO of the x86 clone startup, Transmeta. Rapidus also has a similar agreement with Tenstorrent for developing RISC-V-based chips.
In September, Rapidus started building the IIM (Innovative Integration for Manufacturing) facility in Chitose City, Hokkaido. This facility will be Japan’s first to produce 2nm integrated circuits (ICs). The company aims to launch a pilot production line at IIM-1 by April 2025 and begin mass production in 2027.
Additionally, Rapidus has been sending researchers to the Albany Nanotech Complex in New York to collaborate with IBM on creating technologies for 2nm logic semiconductors.
“As we move into the era of advanced AI, it’s crucial to design and manufacture semiconductors that excel in energy efficiency. We believe this partnership with Esperanto is a critical step toward achieving that goal,” stated Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike.
