Japan Backs AI Chip Startup EdgeCortix in Boost to Defense Tech

EdgeCortix Inc., a Tokyo-based 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 US 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.