Nvidia(US:NVDA) 半导体行业观察·2025-09-05 01:07Core Viewpoint - A Japanese startup, EdgeCortix, is developing cost-effective AI chips to compete with Nvidia, aiming for significant sales growth next year and preparing for an IPO by 2028 [2][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - EdgeCortix is headquartered in Tokyo and focuses on efficient AI chips that can process workloads directly on devices like satellites and smartphones, reducing reliance on expensive data centers [2]. - The company has raised nearly $100 million through equity and government funding, with investments from Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Renesas Electronics and SBI Holdings [5]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - The CEO, Sakyasingha Dasgupta, believes that the edge market is open for competition, stating that Nvidia does not dominate this space [2]. - EdgeCortix has signed a prototype contract with the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit, marking a significant entry into the defense sector [3]. Group 3: Product Development - The first mass-produced AI chip, Sakura-II, boasts four times the energy efficiency of Nvidia's flagship H100 while focusing on specific AI deployment processes [5]. - The design of Sakura chips minimizes memory access during data processing, addressing energy consumption and performance issues associated with traditional AI chips [6]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The company anticipates business expansion starting in 2026, particularly in robotics and aerospace applications, which have previously seen limited chip demand [4]. - Plans for an IPO in the U.S. are being considered due to better liquidity compared to Japan, although specific details have not been disclosed [5].