BrainChip has launched its AKD2500 silicon development project, advancing its Akida™ 2.0 neuromorphic AI platform with a $2.5 million investment and prototype expected by Q3 2026.
- Initiation of AKD2500 silicon project using TSMC 12nm process
- US$2.5 million total budget covering design, fabrication, and testing
- Multi-project wafer pilot development with prototype due Q3 2026
- Partnership with ASICLAND for ASIC design and fabrication services
- No guaranteed production volumes or commercial orders at this stage
Strategic Leap in Neuromorphic AI Silicon
BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX, BRN) has formally kicked off its AKD2500 silicon development project, marking a significant step in the evolution of its Akida™ 2.0 neuromorphic AI platform. The project, backed by a US$2.5 million budget, aims to translate BrainChip’s advanced AI intellectual property into a tangible silicon product fabricated on TSMC’s industry-standard 12 nanometre process node.
This move underscores BrainChip’s commitment to delivering next-generation edge AI solutions that mimic human brain processing with low power consumption. By leveraging TSMC’s proven manufacturing technology, BrainChip ensures its customers can evaluate the new chip’s performance in real-world conditions relevant to modern AI applications at the edge.
Pilot Development and Industry Collaboration
The initial phase involves a multi-project wafer (MPW) pilot development, a cost-effective approach allowing BrainChip to validate the chip’s functionality and manufacturability before scaling to risk or volume production. Prototype silicon is anticipated by the third quarter of 2026, setting a clear timeline for technical milestones.
BrainChip has engaged ASICLAND Co. Ltd, a respected ASIC design and turnkey service provider and TSMC Value Chain Alliance partner, to support the project. ASICLAND’s expertise in low-power edge AI design complements BrainChip’s neuromorphic IP, creating a strategic partnership aimed at redefining next-generation AI hardware.
Financial and Strategic Implications
The US$2.5 million budget covers all aspects of development, including design services, fabrication coordination, packaging, testing, and licensing of third-party IP essential for the advanced silicon implementation. Notably, a substantial portion is allocated to IP licensing fees, reflecting the complexity and innovation embedded in the Akida™ 2.0 architecture.
While the project currently carries no guaranteed production volumes or customer orders, it represents a strategic investment to strengthen BrainChip’s foothold in high-growth verticals such as defense, industrial automation, consumer electronics, and intelligent sensing. The ability for customers to test and validate the chip in their own applications is expected to accelerate commercial engagement and future IP licensing opportunities.
Looking Ahead
CEO Sean Hehir emphasised the disciplined and strategic nature of this capital deployment, highlighting the importance of delivering a silicon platform that tangibly demonstrates the advantages of BrainChip’s neuromorphic technology. The AKD2500 project is positioned as a critical enabler for future product cycles and partnerships, reinforcing BrainChip’s leadership in edge AI innovation.
As the project progresses through its milestones, the market will be watching closely for prototype performance and subsequent commercial developments that could validate BrainChip’s vision of bringing AI closer to the sensor and real-time processing.
Bottom Line?
BrainChip’s AKD2500 project sets the stage for tangible neuromorphic AI silicon, but commercial success hinges on upcoming milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the AKD2500 prototype perform in real-world edge AI applications?
- What are the potential timelines and conditions for scaling to volume production?
- How will BrainChip’s IP licensing strategy evolve following silicon validation?