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 Dasguptasaid.

The products, designed to help robots make real-time decisions and fill the country’s labor shortages, target mass production at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s plant in Japan. The subsidies are on top of ...