Cognichip Launches out of Stealth with $33M in Seed Funding to Deliver Artificial Chip Intelligence – ACI®
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cognichip, the company pioneering Artificial Chip Intelligence (ACI®) to power the future of semiconductor design, today announced its launch out of stealth with $33 million in seed funding. Led by Lux Capital and Mayfield, with support from FPV and Candou Ventures, Cognichip is pioneering the first physics-informed foundational model (PIFM) for semiconductors, designed to drastically accelerate development timelines, reduce costs, and enable the next wave of AI innovation.
Not Just Faster, Cheaper, Better: The New Industry Scaling Factor
Founded by experts from Amazon, Google, Apple, Synopsys, Aquantia, and KLA, Cognichip is tackling two major challenges in semiconductor development: high cost and inaccessibility. Chip design today is time-consuming and expensive, often taking 3-5 years and over $100M before reaching production. Traditional approaches, which rely on throwing more money, compute power, and people at the problem, are no longer sustainable. This is especially concerning given the projected shortage of 1 million skilled workers by 2030 – a workforce gap that threatens to constrain the industry's estimated growth in sales to its projected $1 trillion potential [ Deloitte ]. Cognichip is building ACI® to address these issues, making chip design faster, easier, and more accessible.
'Our vision is to fundamentally reshape the economics of semiconductor design,' said Faraj Aalaei, CEO and Founder of Cognichip. 'As a founder who has successfully taken two semiconductor companies public, and as a venture capitalist, I have seen firsthand how semiconductor startups are often deemed 'unfundable' due to high costs and long timelines. With the rise of Generative AI, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how chips are designed. I founded Cognichip to disrupt the outdated chip design process and to make semiconductor innovation scalable, secure, and accessible to aspiring future pioneers of our industry. To tackle this massive task, we have assembled a pioneer-minded team stacked with AI scientists with world-class credentials, brilliant chip design veterans, and the best-of-breed enterprise software developers.'
Introducing Artificial Chip Intelligence – ACI®
Cognichip's ACI® introduces a breakthrough, physics-informed AI foundation model, purposely built for semiconductor design. ACI® fundamentally rethinks 40 years of traditional, serial chip development with a modern, AI-first, conversational design approach, leveraging large-scale, secure, accelerated compute infrastructures.
From individuals to enterprises, ACI® allows engineering teams to work more efficiently and cost-effectively, elevating artificial intelligence as the new scaling factor for the semiconductor industry.
Key benefits of ACI® include:
50% faster design cycles: Reduces time from concept to production through concurrent local and global optimization
75% reduction in development costs: Dramatically reduces the effort and expertise required to develop and test chips
Improved power, performance, and efficiency: Eliminates unnecessary bloating by bringing products closer to requirements and continuously optimizing for area and power
Enhanced flexibility: Adapts easily to changes in market demands and product variations, minimizing costly redesigns
Simplified scalability: Enables rapid creation of new product variants to meet market demands for flexible portfolio management
Beyond efficiency, ACI® brings much-needed flexibility to the supply chain. Traditionally, switching chip manufacturers or modifying production processes requires extensive redesign efforts. Cognichip's interoperable ACI® solution eliminates this friction, enabling seamless scaling, reducing supply chain risks, and allowing companies to plan for future growth with greater agility.
'The semiconductor industry is at a critical inflection point, with traditional design methods becoming increasingly unsustainable amid escalating costs and a looming talent shortage. What excites us is how Cognichip is fundamentally transforming the economics and speed of semiconductor design through their Artificial Chip Intelligence,' said Navin Chaddha, Managing Partner at Mayfield. "We are excited to partner with Faraj Aalaei and the Cognichip team as they democratize access to semiconductor innovation and build something truly revolutionary that will power tomorrow's AI infrastructure.'
'Cognichip is introducing a new scaling factor for semiconductors: intelligence. By embedding AI deep into the physics of chip design, they are accelerating innovation in a way that traditional scaling could never achieve, said Shahin Farshchi, Partner at Lux Capita l. 'We believe Cognichip's approach will reshape the foundation of the semiconductor industry for decades to come."
'Collapsing the traditional barriers of chip design is not only a turning point for the semiconductor industry; it stands to benefit the entire global technology economy,' said Pegah Ebrahimi Co-Founder and Managing Partner at FPV Ventures. 'Silicon Valley was put on the map because of the semi companies that were born here, and I'm thrilled to back a team of exceptional veterans reshaping yet again the future of semiconductor design by making advanced compute solutions more accessible to any player. Cognichip will accelerate breakthroughs across AI, energy, healthcare, and every industry where progress depends on smarter, cheaper, more efficient hardware.'
To learn more about Cognichip or to join their mission, visit www.cognichip.ai.
About Cognichip
Cognichip is developing the world's first Artificial Chip Intelligence (ACI®) to reimagine chip design. Founded by experts from Amazon, Google, Apple, Aquantia, Synopsys, and KLA, the company tackles high cost and inaccessibility in chip development, enabling hardware to evolve as quickly as software innovation.
Backed by $33 million in seed funding from Mayfield, Lux Capital, FPV, and Candou Ventures, Cognichip's ACI® reduces design cycles by 50%, cuts development costs by 75%, and optimizes power, performance, and efficiency. ACI® accelerates innovation and broadens access to semiconductor technology by making it easier, more affordable, and accessible to a broader range of innovators. Learn more at www.cognichip.ai.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
an hour ago
- Business Upturn
CEOs of The LYCRA Company and Qore® Join Global Fashion Summit Lineup
Wilmington, Del., United States: The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing sustainable fibers and solutions for the apparel industry, announced today that its CEO, Gary Smith, is a speaker at the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025. He will be joined on stage by Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore®, the maker of QIRA®, a next-generation BDO and a key ingredient in bio-derived LYCRA® fiber, which is launching later this year. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: LYCRA® brand and QIRA® are principal sponsors of the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025. The brands are exhibiting at the event, where they will promote bio-derived LYCRA® fiber made with QIRA®, derived from field corn, to help make fashion more sustainable. Smith and Veldhouse will discuss the development of this sustainable fiber made from annually renewable field corn during their Fireside Chat: From Farm to Fashion. Their session takes place on Wednesday, June 4, at 3:35 CEST in the DR Concert Hall. The discussion will be moderated by Amy Nguyen, a researcher, writer, and founder of Sustainable & Social. This is the first time both companies are participating in the Global Fashion Summit, a premier platform focused on sustainability in the fashion industry. The companies have a prominent exhibit space for attendees to learn more about bio-derived LYCRA® fiber made with QIRA®. Here, visitors can be transported to the Qore® site and cornfields in Iowa through a virtual reality experience. Bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber will be the world's first large-scale, commercially available renewable elastane. It delivers equivalent performance to the original LYCRA® fiber and serves as a one-to-one replacement with no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns required. The product contains 70 percent renewable content and can potentially reduce the carbon footprint of LYCRA® fiber by up to 44 percent*. The LYCRA Company holds patents related to this renewable fiber in several regions including Europe. 'We're proud to join the Global Fashion Summit for the first time and showcase how collaboration can accelerate a more sustainable future for fashion,' said Gary Smith, CEO of The LYCRA Company. 'Partnering with Qore® has enabled us to scale innovation that is renewable and ready to meet the demands of global fashion brands striving to meet their sustainability goals.' The newly constructed Qore® site in Eddyville, Iowa, began operating last month and has started producing QIRA®. The company will host a grand opening celebration in July. 'Starting production at our new state-of-the-art facility marks a major step forward—not just for Qore®, but for the entire industry,' said Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore®. 'With QIRA® now being made in Iowa from annually renewable field corn, we're turning sustainable innovation into reality and helping our partners bring next-generation materials to market.' Learn more about this renewable offering by visiting *Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA® fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, prepared by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc. About The LYCRA Company The LYCRA Company is a leading global fiber and technology solutions provider to the apparel and personal care industries committed to offering sustainable products using renewable, pre-, and post-consumer recycled ingredients that reduce waste and help set the stage for circularity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, it owns the LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX® and TACTEL® brands. The LYCRA Company adds value to its customers' products by offering unique innovations that meet the consumer's need for comfort and lasting performance. Learn more at About Qore® LLC Formed through a joint venture by Cargill and HELM AG, Qore® helps leading brands replace fossil-based chemistries with bio-derived intermediates. At the heart of the joint venture is the production of QIRA®, the next-generation bio-derived 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Made biologically through the fermentation of plant-based sugars, QIRA® can save up to 86% of greenhouse gas emissions when replacing today's widely used chemical intermediates made from traditional fossil sources. Bio-derived QIRA® can be used the same way as its fossil counterpart but with significantly better environmental performance. For more information and inquiries, visit About The Global Fashion Summit Global Fashion Summit is a leading international forum for sustainability in fashion, presented by Global Fashion Agenda (GFA). Convening major decision makers from across the world, the forum was first launched in 2009 and has become a nexus for agenda-setting discussions and presentations on the most critical environmental, social and ethical issues facing our industry and planet, all intended to spark urgent action and accelerate impact in the industry. Learn more at LYCRA® is a trademark of The LYCRA Company. QIRA® is a trademark of Qore®. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
Northern Trust Appointed Custodian for Dutch Pension Fund BPF Beton
AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) announced today that it has been appointed by Dutch pension fund BPF Beton to provide global custody, regulatory reporting, valuation and accounting, and performance analytics. BPF Beton is the industry pension fund for people working in the concrete products industry in the Netherlands with approximately EUR 1.2 billion (approximately US$1.2 billion) in assets as at 31 December 2024. Herman Prummel, country head, Netherlands, Northern Trust, said: 'We are pleased to be supporting BPF Beton. Northern Trust has been servicing Dutch pension clients for four decades and is a long-term strategic partner to the pensions industry. With our deep local market expertise, global scale, data and technology platform, Northern Trust is committed to the Dutch pensions industry and its evolving needs. This mandate showcases our regional commitment and expertise in ensuring a seamless, efficient transition to the new reporting standards. We look forward to working with BPF Beton and continuing to serve the needs of the Dutch pension fund industry.' The pension system in the Netherlands is migrating to a defined contribution system, known as the Future of Pensions Act or 'Wet Toekomst Pensioenen'. BPF Beton sought an asset servicing partner that could help them through the changes brought on by the new legislation. Govert van der Peijl, president and chairman of BPF Beton, said: 'This transition is complex and large scale. We sought a strategic service provider who understands the requirements under the new legislation and who can support us navigate this new landscape. Northern Trust impressed us with their rapid response to the new legislation and their dedication to the Dutch pension fund industry. We are pleased to collaborate with Northern Trust and look forward to their support as our scheme embarks on the next chapter of its journey to deliver the best possible outcomes for our members.' About BPF Beton BPF Beton is the sectoral pension scheme for employees active in the manufacturing industry for concrete products. Based in Amsterdam, they represent over 25,000 members as at 31 December 2024. About Northern Trust Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals. Founded in Chicago in 1889, Northern Trust has a global presence with offices in 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and across 22 locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of March 31, 2025, Northern Trust had assets under custody/administration of US$16.9 trillion, and assets under management of US$1.6 trillion. For more than 135 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader for exceptional service, financial expertise, integrity and innovation. Visit us on Follow us on Instagram @northerntrustcompany or Northern Trust on LinkedIn. Northern Trust Corporation, Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 U.S.A., incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Global legal and regulatory information can be found at
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
3D Investment Partners Sends Open Letter to the Board of NS Solutions
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. ('3D' or 'we'), an independent investment management firm providing discretionary investment services to a fund that is the largest minority shareholder of NS Solutions Corporation ('NSSOL' or the 'Company,' TSE Code: 2327.T), is committed to Japan-focused value investing with an investment philosophy centered on mid- to long-term value creation through compound capital growth. Today, we have sent an open letter to NSSOL, and we would like to share an overview of its contents. In the open letter, we disclosed the results of a survey of market participants (the 'Survey') conducted by an independent third-party research firm. The Survey revealed that a significant number of respondents share the following views: 1 64% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's corporate value and the interests of minority shareholders are being impaired by its parent company, Nippon Steel?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's outside directors are adequately fulfilling their role as representatives and advocates of shareholders?' 90% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's current Board of Directors maintains sufficient independence from Nippon Steel?' 72% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's new medium-term management plan sufficiently addresses the issue of value erosion caused by Nippon Steel?' These results suggest that many market participants share the same concerns that we have long held with respect to NSSOL. We have consistently pointed out that NSSOL's corporate value is being impaired due to its lack of full independence from its parent company, Nippon Steel. This includes various concerns identified in the Survey, such as economically irrational value erosion from transactions with Nippon Steel—such as low-interest deposits—as well as fundamental issues with the current Board of Directors and the inadequacies of the new medium-term plan. Based on the results of the Survey, we have reiterated our request that NSSOL's Board of Directors establish a special committee composed solely of independent outside directors to conduct a comprehensive and fundamental review, including a reassessment of NSSOL's relationship with Nippon Steel, with the aim of maximizing corporate value. In the open letter, we also presented more concrete proposals directed at NSSOL. We encourage all shareholders to share with us any views or feedback they may have. We would also be grateful if shareholders would refer to the materials provided as they consider how to exercise their voting rights at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, and as they engage in future dialogue with NSSOL. We remain firmly committed to pursuing constructive engagement with NSSOL to enhance corporate value—grounded in the candid perspectives of shareholders. 【Letter to the Board of Directors】 June 2, 2025 〒105-6417 Toranomon Hills Business Tower 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6417, Japan NS Solutions Corporation To: Representative Director Kazuhiko Tamaoki Board of Directors 1 Temasek Avenue #20-02A, Millenia Tower, Singapore 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. Dear Members of the Board, We commissioned an independent third-party research firm to conduct a perception survey (the 'Survey') of market participants regarding NS Solutions Corporation ('NSSOL' or the 'Company') between April and May 2025. We were not involved in the interviews, feedback analysis, report preparation or summarization of key findings, all of which were conducted exclusively by the independent research firm. Accordingly, we had no influence on the Survey results. The Survey targeted a broad range of buy-side and sell-side analysts, both domestic and international, and we are highly confident in the objectivity of its findings. The results of the Survey are summarized in Appendix 1. The findings indicate that many market participants share the following views regarding NSSOL: The corporate value of NSSOL and the interests of its minority shareholders are being impaired by its parent company, Nippon Steel. NSSOL's outside directors are not fulfilling their role of representing and advocating for minority shareholders. The current Board of Directors of NSSOL lacks sufficient independence from NSSOL's parent company. NSSOL's new medium-term management plan does not adequately address the issue of exploitation by the parent company. These results demonstrate that many market participants share our concerns regarding NSSOL. We have long pointed out that NSSOL's corporate value is being impaired due to the lack of full independence from its parent company, Nippon Steel. The issues we have identified include economically irrational value erosion from transactions with Nippon Steel—such as low-interest deposits—as well as the lack of independence of the current Board of Directors (the 'Board') and the insufficiency of the new medium-term plan, all of which are reflected in the Survey findings. In its new medium-term management plan, NSSOL has announced that outside directors will comprise a majority of the Board following the June 2025 Annual General Meeting. However, the results of the Survey indicate that a significant majority of market participants believe that the outside directors are not fulfilling their role of representing and advocating for minority shareholders. This clearly demonstrates that simply establishing a formal majority of outside directors is insufficient to assure market participants that the Board has developed a robust supervisory function over management. In light of the concerns identified through the Survey, we hereby reiterate our request that NSSOL establish a special committee composed solely of independent outside directors to conduct a comprehensive review aimed at maximizing corporate value, including a reassessment of the Company's relationship with Nippon Steel. If this review is led by independent outside directors, it would ensure independence from the Nippon Steel and enable a fundamental review of the relationship with the parent company. This, in turn, would allow for a resolution of the current situation in which NSSOL's value is being impaired and the interests of minority shareholders undermined. In addition, conducting the review with objectivity and transparency, under the oversight of independent outside directors, would allow NSSOL to restore confidence in market participants of the Board's independence. To achieve the intended outcomes, the special committee must meet the following criteria: It must be a committee under the direct authority of the Board, composed exclusively of independent outside directors, to ensure independence from Nippon Steel. The scope of the review must include at minimum: (i) Quantitative assessment of the value erosion resulting from the current relationship with Nippon Steel and consideration of concrete remedies. (ii) Quantitative assessment of the growth potential currently constrained by the relationship with Nippon Steel and consideration of how to realize that potential. (iii) Quantitative assessment and consideration of other areas for value enhancement that remain unrealized due to the lack of independence from Nippon Steel and the absence of a KPI-driven management approach focused on maximizing corporate and shareholder value. To ensure the committee's effectiveness, a working group should be formed to support its operation, and a financial advisor with a proven track record in enhancing corporate value should be appointed. In line with discussions in the 'Study Group on Minority Shareholder Protection in Subsidiary Listings' and the Tokyo Stock Exchange's December 26, 2023 guidelines on 'Enhancing Disclosure on Minority Shareholder Protection and Group Governance,' the committee should produce results within a reasonable period and disclose both the review process and its findings with sufficient transparency. The above constitutes our current request to the Board. We respectfully ask that you inform us by June 30, 2025, whether you are willing to establish such a special committee. [Appendix 1] Survey Results 1. On the relationship with Nippon Steel 64% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's corporate value and the interests of its minority shareholders are being impaired by its parent company, Nippon Steel?' 62% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that Nippon Steel's influence and control hinder NSSOL's management from maximizing corporate and shareholder value?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL provides adequate explanations to shareholders regarding transactions with Nippon Steel that may impair corporate value or minority shareholder interests?' 2. On Outside Directors 84% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors engage in sufficient dialogue and interaction with shareholders?' 67% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors appropriately supervise conflicts of interest between Nippon Steel and minority shareholders?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors adequately fulfill their role in representing and advocating for shareholders?' 3. On the Board of Directors 90% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's current Board of Directors maintains sufficient independence from Nippon Steel?' 4. On the New Medium-Term Management Plan 72% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's new medium-term management plan sufficiently addresses exploitation by the parent company, Nippon Steel?' Note: The above percentages have been calculated by excluding responses marked 'No opinion' and rounding to the nearest whole number. About 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. is an independent Singapore-based Japan focused value investing fund manager founded in 2015. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. focuses on partnering with managements who share its investment philosophy of medium- to long-term value creation through compound capital growth and a common objective of achieving long-term returns. Disclaimer This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell any security or investment product, nor does it constitute professional or investment advice. This press release should not be relied on by any person for any purpose and is not, and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, tax or other advice. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. and its affiliates and their related persons ('3DIP') believe that current market price of NSSOL does not reflect its instinct value. 3DIP acquired beneficially and/or economic interest based on its own idea that NSSOL securities have been undervalued and provides attractive investment opportunity and may in the future beneficially own and/or have an economic interest in, NSSOL securities. 3DIP intends to review its investments in the NSSOL on a continuing basis and, depending upon various factors including, without limitation, the NSSOL's financial position and strategic direction, the outcome of any discussions with NSSOL, overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to 3DIP, and the availability of NSSOL securities at prices that would make the purchase or sale of NSSOL securities desirable, 3DIP may, from time to time (in the open market or in private transactions), buy, sell, cover, hedge, or otherwise change the form or substance of any of its investments (including the investment in NSSOL securities) to any degree in any manner permitted by any applicable law, and expressly disclaims any obligation to notify others of any such changes. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein, nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets, or developments referred to herein. 3DIP expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for any loss howsoever arising from any use of, or reliance on, this press release or its contents as a whole or in part by any person, or otherwise howsoever arising in connection with this press release. 3DIP hereby expressly disclaims any obligation to update or provide additional information regarding the contents of this press release or to correct any inaccuracies in the information contained in this press release. 3DIP disclaims any intention or agreement to be treated as a joint holder (kyodo hoyu sha) under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan, a closely related party (missetsu kankei sha) under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act with other shareholders, or receiving any power or permission to represent other shareholders in relation to the exercise of their voting rights, and has no intention to solicit, encourage, induce or require any person to represent such voting rights. 3DIP does not have the intention to make a proposal, directly or through other shareholders of NSSOL, to transfer or abolish the business or asset of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies at the general shareholders meeting of NSSOL. 3DIP does not have the intention and purpose to engage in any conduct which constricts the continuing and stable implementation of business of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies. This press release may include content or quotes from news coverage or other third party public sources ('Third Party Materials'). Permission to quote from Third Party Materials in this press release may neither have been sought nor obtained. The content of the Third Party Materials has not been independently verified by 3DIP and does not necessarily represent the views of 3DIP. The authors and/or publishers of the Third Party Materials are independent of, and may have different views to 3DIP. The quoting Third Party Materials on this press release does not imply that 3DIP endorses or concurs with any part of the content of the Third Party Materials or that any of the authors or publishers of the Third Party Materials endorses or concurs with any views which have been expressed by 3DIP on the relevant subject matter. The Third Party Materials may not be representative of all relevant news coverage or views expressed by other third parties on the stated issues. In respect of information that has been prepared by 3DIP (and not otherwise attributed to any other party) and which appear in the English language version of this press release, in the event of any inconsistency between the English language version and the Japanese language version of this press release, the meaning of the Japanese language version shall prevail unless otherwise expressly indicated. Expand 1 Percentages have been calculated by excluding respondents who answered 'No opinion,' and have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
