Japan backs AI chip startup EdgeCortix in boost to defense tech

EdgeCortix, a Tokyo-based artificial intelligence (AI) chip startup, is riding a wave of interest to foster Japanese semiconductors with defense applications. EdgeCortix, which has won a contract tied to the U.S. Department of Defense, on Wednesday secured government subsidies of 3 billion ( 21 million) to develop energy-efficient AI chiplets for commercialization in 2027. The contract may help revenue more than double this year, founder Sakyasingha Dasgupta said. The products, designed to help robots make real-time decisions and fill the country's labor shortages, target mass production at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s plant in Japan. The subsidies are on top of 4 billion in support the semiconductor designer won in November to make chips for next-generation communication systems.