Tenstorrent Partners With Indian Startups To Build Microprocessors

Tenstorrent a firm that creates computers for artificial intelligence is hoping to collaborate with Indian startups to build microprocessors which are open-source-based RISC-V microprocessors. Jim Keller who is a CEO of Tenstorrent, told PTI that he anticipates real India projects from the nation’s startups such as the RISC V services of whole data centres construction.

“Tenstorrent will make some investments in startups. Although we are not an investment firm, we are highly interested. Let’s say that because of our collaboration and our intention to share certain technology, there has been development with some” he said.

Among Keller’s most well-known achievements are the AMD K7 CPU, the first computer chipset to achieve 1 gigahertz processing speed, the AMD K8 processors, the Apple A4 and A5 chipsets, and later his position as the head of the main design team at AMD.

Keller said that he has worked with Indian engineers over the years & realized that they are “uncommonly hopeful”.

At the time of the excess supply of chipsets, the question was raised to him on India’s semiconductor mission. Keller answered that the chip industry is cyclical in nature and that it takes a few decades to develop the sector.

Now is as good a day as any to invest if India wants to have indigenous production.

“If they decline, then everyone holds their investment & when have excess funds, they are waiting until there is a shortage before introducing it. All you need is a very long-term financial plan” Keller remarked.

He asserts that the upturn in the semiconductor industry has consistently been stronger than the amplitude of the cycle before it.

“You can achieve good results when you are ready to take intelligent decisions and supports localization, & demand for regional businesses. I’ve enjoyed and had success working with India teams for a long time. I’m a realist. Over the next ten years, a lot of amazing things will happen. There is a tremendous chance” Keller made a comment.

According to him, Indians are seriously considering the potential in the semiconductor industry.

The Semicon India program’s total investment of Rs. 76,000 crores was approved by the government.  It develops the nation’s ecosystem for the manufacture of semiconductors and displays, but it was later modified to offer fiscal support equal to the creation of semiconductor and display fabrication facilities, 50% of the project’s cost will be allocated on a pari-passu basis. 

“The Indian government announced the support of RISC-V on a national level. At that time, I really quite interested in it. It’s incredibly intriguing because it provides a foundation for innovation on a variety of levels” Keller remarked.

He stated that a few Indian companies will work with Tenstorrent design centres in Bangalore to make “interesting PCs” that were essentially made in India.