BrainChip secures 25m for edge AI push

BrainChip, a leading provider of neuromorphic edge AI technology, has recently secured $25 million in funding to expedite the development and commercialization of its innovative products. This funding boost comes just in time for the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and will be instrumental in scaling new chip and module offerings based on the Akida platform. With a strong emphasis on on-device GenAI and ultra-low power operation, BrainChip aims to address key challenges in industrial IoT, robotics, and smart devices.

The infusion of capital signifies a significant step towards the faster availability of neuromorphic silicon and modules that promise to reduce power consumption, latency, and reliance on cloud services. These advancements are crucial in meeting the evolving demands of various industries seeking efficient and intelligent edge computing solutions.

Funding fuels Akida roadmap

BrainChip, headquartered in California, has outlined its plans to utilize the raised capital to drive the development of the Akida 2 chip and Akida GenAI models. Additionally, the company intends to expand its product range beyond individual chips to encompass modules tailored for real-world applications. By positioning itself to capture a portion of the burgeoning neuromorphic computing market, BrainChip is poised to capitalize on the projected growth in the sector, estimated to reach $20.27 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20%.

CEO Sean Hehir expressed his enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “Our capital raise positions BrainChip to further solidify its leadership in edge AI and neuromorphic computing. This support from investors enables us to push forward with the development of Akida 2 chip and Akida GenAI models, as well as expand into new commercial opportunities through chip and module products that offer real-time, on-device AI capabilities with ultra-low power consumption and no reliance on cloud services.”

CES demos highlight edge GenAI

As BrainChip gears up for CES, the company is preparing to showcase how the recent funding will translate into tangible products and partnerships. One of the focal points will be the AKD1500, an ultra-compact edge AI chip designed for sensors, medical devices, and wearables, where cost-effectiveness and minimal power consumption are paramount. Leveraging its TENNs architecture, the chip supports on-device large language models, enabling real-time and private GenAI without the need to transmit data to the cloud.

The Akida 2 platform complements these devices by offering low-power on-device learning capabilities, catering to applications that require adaptive intelligence at the edge rather than fixed inference models.

BrainChip will also be demonstrating partner collaborations at CES, such as HaiLa Technologies integrating ultra-low power Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with the AKD1500 for wearable visual classification. Deep Perception will showcase a complete visual compute pipeline using the AKD1000 for drones and mobile devices, while Quantum Ventura will run its Neuro RT cybersecurity model on the Akida Edge AI Box to safeguard small office networks.

Throughout CES, BrainChip will be hosting demonstrations and meetings at its suite in the Venetian Tower, underscoring its commitment to translating increased investor support into tangible commercial success in the realm of edge AI hardware and software.