Tenstorrent Secures $50M Deal to Train Japanese Chip Engineers

Japan chose U.S.-based artificial intelligence (AI) chip startup Tenstorrent to enhance its semiconductor industry by training a new generation of engineers. 

Under a $50 million contract, up to 200 Japanese chip designers will work at Tenstorrent’s U.S. offices over the next five years, starting in April 2025. This initiative is part of Japan’s strategy to revitalize its semiconductor sector, which has declined from controlling half of the global market in the 1980s to less than a tenth today.

The collaboration aims to develop AI chips using open RISC-V technology, with Japanese engineers gaining hands-on experience alongside Tenstorrent’s experts. 

Upon returning to Japan, these engineers are expected to apply their knowledge to advance the country’s chip design capabilities. This effort aligns with Japan’s broader goal to reestablish itself as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

For more information, read the full article on Reuters.