Hi manny,
Given that the Akida circuitry IP is set in stone, well silicon, I think most of the engineering support would be in creating and fine tuning the models, and integrating customer data into the models. So time to market will depend on whether they are using the limitd number of Akida 1 or 1500 chips already made, or whether they need to have a new chip production run. Of course, developing a SoC with Akida IP and 3rd party processor would also involve engineering assistance.
We know that Frontgrade has an IP licence to integrate Akida IP into radhard processor chips:
https://brainchip.com/frontgrade-gaisler-licenses-brainchips-akida-ip-to-deploy-ai-chips-into-space/
â
This collaboration with Frontgrade Gaisler to license Akida IP for implementation into space SoCs represents an important step in satisfying the market demand for space-based AI deployments, turning into reality what once was considered unattainable,â said Sean Hehir, CEO of BrainChip. âWe are pleased to expand on our trusted relationship with Frontgrade as they push the boundaries of space computing.â
https://www.gaisler.com/news-events...icient-neuromorphic-ai-for-space-applications
Gothenburg, Sweden (April 2, 2025) â
The Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA) has awarded Frontgrade Gaisler, a leading provider of radiation-hardened microprocessors for space missions, a contract to commercialize the first neuromorphic System on Chip (SoC) device for space applications. Already in development at Frontgrade Gaisler, the device is part of the companyâs new GRAIN (Gaisler Research Artificial Intelligence NOEL-V) product line.
The first GRAIN device that Frontgrade Gaisler will premier â the GR801 SoC â integrates AkidaTM neuromorphic technology from BrainChip, the worldâs first commercial producer of ultra-low power, fully digital, event-based, neuromorphic AI. The GR801 combines Gaislerâs NOEL-V RISC-V processor and the Akida⢠neuromorphic AI processor into a single integrated circuit to enable energy-efficient AI applications in the space environment. Swedenâs Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) is contributing to this development by designing a demonstration application that uses a neuromorphic sensor directly connected to Gaislerâs new GR801 device.
Whether they intend to incorporate the (taped-out?) Akida 2 is not stated, but I would expect that the additional accuracy of INT8 would be attractive.
Numberwise, the space market is limited, but radhard is also needed in defence and some commercial applications in harsh environments. Given their robustness, they may also be attractive for safety-critical applications.
Chelpis-Mirle are buying Akida 1000 chips for qualification and deployment:
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif.--(
BUSINESS WIRE)--
BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN, OTCQX: BRCHF, ADR: BCHPY),
the worldâs first commercial producer of ultra-low power, fully digital, event-based, neuromorphic AI, today announced that Chelpis Quantum Corp. has selected its Akida AKD1000 chips to serve as the processor for built-in post-quantum cryptographic security.
Chelpis, a chip company leading the Quantum Safe Migration ecosystem in Taiwan, is developing an M.2 card using the AKD1000 that can be inserted into targeted products to support their cryptographic security solutions. The M.2 card is based on a design from BrainChip along with an agreement to purchase a significant number of AKD1000 chips for qualification and deployment. Upon completion of this phase, Chelpis is planning to increase its commitment with additional orders for the AKD1000.
There is also mention of integration into a RISC-V SoC in robot applications with both security and AI computing capabilities:
T
his agreement is the first step in a collaboration that is exploring the development of an AI-PQC robotic chip designed to fulfill both next-generation security and AI computing requirements. This project is a joint development effort with Chelpis partner company Mirle (2464.TW) and has been formally submitted for consideration under Taiwanâs chip innovation program. The funding aims to promote a new system-on-chip (SoC) integrating RISC-V, PQC, and NPU technologies.
Again, it may be that Akida 2 is chosen for the RISC-V SoC.
While we don't know what stage these projects are at, the Akida 1 projects are oven-ready, and would be candidates for the engineering support mentioned in the 4C.