Cutting-edge collaboration between Rapidus and Tenstorrent to advance AI Edge Device Domain.

Rapidus Corporation and Tenstorrent Inc. have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop semiconductor IP for AI edge devices, leveraging the power of 2 nm logic semiconductors and Tenstorrent's world-leading RISC-V CPU IP.

Rapidus and Tenstorrent have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop semiconductor intellectual property (IP) for AI edge devices.
Rapidus is constructing the Innovative Integration for Manufacturing (IIM) facility in Chitose City, Hokkaido, Japan's first production site for advanced logic semiconductors at 2-nanometers (nm) and beyond.
Rapidus plans to acquire EUV lithography technology, a vital component for cutting-edge semiconductor production, from imec.

Rapidus Corporation, a prominent player in the realm of advanced logic semiconductors, has announced a strategic partnership with Tenstorrent Inc., a pioneering company in next-generation computing for AI. The collaboration aims to jointly develop semiconductor intellectual property (IP) for AI edge devices, leveraging the power of 2 nm logic semiconductors.

Tenstorrent, known for its cutting-edge AI processors and servers, has also made waves with its ownership of the world’s most high-performing RISC-V CPU IP. The company licenses this technology to customers worldwide. By teaming up with Rapidus, Tenstorrent aims to expedite the development of state-of-the-art devices that cater to the ever-evolving digital society.

Atsuyoshi Koike, President and CEO of Rapidus Inc., expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “I am very pleased to be working with Tenstorrent. As unique startup companies, I am confident that our partnership will pave the way for significant innovations driven by AI.”

David Bennett, Chief Customer Officer of Tenstorrent, highlighted the importance of Japan to their company and himself personally. He commended Japan’s strides in capitalizing on its semiconductor technology legacy and exceptional engineering talent base. Bennett also expressed pride in discussing their endeavors in Japan and the momentum they have built with customers in the Asia Pacific region.

Rapidus has already embarked on the construction of the Innovative Integration for Manufacturing (IIM) facility in Chitose City, Hokkaido. This groundbreaking facility will be Japan’s first production site for advanced logic semiconductors at 2-nanometers (nm) and beyond. Concurrently, Rapidus has been deploying researchers to the Albany Nanotech Complex in New York, a leading semiconductor research center, to collaborate with IBM on developing technologies for 2 nm logic semiconductor production. Additionally, Rapidus plans to acquire EUV lithography technology, a vital component for cutting-edge semiconductor production, from imec. Leveraging these technologies, the company aims to commence pilot production at IIM-1 in April 2025 and initiate mass production in 2027.

Rapidus envisions contributing to Japan’s industrial strength by establishing a state-of-the-art LSI Foundry. To achieve this, the company plans to foster cooperative frameworks with domestic and international materials and equipment industries, while forging alliances with partners like IBM and imec. Additionally, Rapidus aims to actively pursue collaboration in the realm of intellectual property (IP).

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Background Information

About IBM: IBM, or International Business Machines Corporation, is a globally renowned American multinational technology company with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1911. Over the decades, IBM has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the field of information technology. The company is known for its pioneering work in computer hardware, software, and services, with breakthroughs like the IBM System/360 and the invention of the relational database.

Technology Explained

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

EUV: Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV or EUVL) is an advanced semiconductor manufacturing technique that employs extremely short wavelengths of light in the extreme ultraviolet spectrum to create intricate patterns on silicon wafers. Utilizing a wavelength around 13.5 nanometers, significantly shorter than traditional lithography methods, EUVL enables the production of smaller and more densely packed integrated circuits, enhancing the performance and efficiency of modern microprocessors and memory chips.

Foundry: A foundry is a dedicated manufacturing facility focused on producing semiconductor components like integrated circuits (ICs) for external clients. These foundries are pivotal in the semiconductor industry, providing diverse manufacturing processes and technologies to create chips based on designs from fabless semiconductor firms or other customers. This setup empowers companies to concentrate on innovative design without needing substantial investments in manufacturing infrastructure. Some well-known foundries include TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), Samsung Foundry, GlobalFoundries, and UMC (United Microelectronics Corporation).