EdgeCortix Joins Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub to Drive AI Innovation
EdgeCortix® Inc., a pioneering fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Japan, has been selected by the Saudi Ministry of Investment to join the Kingdom’s National Semiconductor Hub (NSH) program. This strategic partnership will see EdgeCortix establish a subsidiary in Riyadh, furthering its mission to deliver energy-efficient Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing solutions at the edge. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global leader in technology and innovation.
The NSH, launched in 2024 under the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA), aims to attract 50 fabless chip companies to Saudi Arabia by 2030. In addition to fostering international collaboration, the hub is committed to training and hiring 5,000 engineers in integrated circuit design, attracting over 1 billion SAR in investment capital, recruiting 25 international experts through the Premium Residency Center, and providing access to more than 150 million SAR in support products via the National Technology Development Program (NTDP). From a competitive pool of nearly 70 global applicants, EdgeCortix emerged as one of the select few chosen to participate in this prestigious program starting in early 2025.
As part of the initiative, EdgeCortix will receive financial grants and incentives to establish its Riyadh-based subsidiary, slated to open in the first quarter of 2025. The new office will focus on engineering, product development, and forging business partnerships across the MENA region. By leveraging the Kingdom’s growing tech ecosystem, EdgeCortix aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s status as a hub for semiconductor innovation and advanced AI technologies.
“At EdgeCortix, we see immense potential for innovation, talent, and business growth in Saudi Arabia,” said Dr. Sakyasingha Dasgupta, Founder and CEO of EdgeCortix Inc. “Being selected for the NSH program is a testament to our commitment to advancing AI and semiconductor technologies. We are excited to collaborate with Saudi businesses eager to adopt our cutting-edge edge AI acceleration solutions.
Our SAKURA-II platform, a flexible and power-efficient Generative AI accelerator, has already garnered strong interest across sectors such as Smart Infrastructure, Telecommunications, and Aerospace. Through this partnership, we aim to empower the Kingdom with advanced edge AI capabilities while contributing to sustainable economic growth.”
Dr. Naveed Sherwani, Chairman of the NSH, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We welcome EdgeCortix to the National Semiconductor Hub and are confident in their ability to help us achieve our Vision 2030 goals. Their proven expertise in AI acceleration and dedication to talent development will have a transformative impact on Saudi Arabia’s semiconductor industry, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in AI innovation.”
EdgeCortix’s participation in the NSH program underscores its commitment to fostering technological advancements and nurturing local talent. The company’s SAKURA-II platform, renowned for its flexibility and energy efficiency, is poised to address the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in various industries. By integrating its cutting-edge technology into Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tech landscape, EdgeCortix aims to drive innovation and create opportunities for local engineers and businesses.
Shiran Dias, CEO of SBI Middle East, expressed confidence in EdgeCortix’s potential to contribute to the NSH program. “For over 25 years, SBI and now SBI Middle East has been identifying and supporting leading-edge Japanese and Middle Eastern companies. When it comes to semiconductor innovation, EdgeCortix stands out as a top recommendation,” Dias said. “Their team’s creativity, technical expertise, and vision make them an ideal partner for the National Semiconductor Hub. We believe EdgeCortix will not only bring significant value to the program but also thrive within the broader KSA economy.”
The establishment of EdgeCortix’s Riyadh subsidiary marks a pivotal step in the company’s global expansion strategy. By tapping into Saudi Arabia’s rich pool of talent and resources, EdgeCortix aims to accelerate the development of next-generation AI technologies while contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving technological progress and fostering sustainable growth.
As part of its commitment to the NSH program, EdgeCortix plans to engage in knowledge-sharing initiatives and mentorship programs to nurture local talent. By providing training and hands-on experience in semiconductor design and AI development, the company seeks to empower Saudi engineers and researchers to become leaders in the global tech industry. This focus on capacity building aligns with the NSH’s broader objectives of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
The partnership between EdgeCortix and the National Semiconductor Hub also reflects the Kingdom’s strategic vision to position itself as a global leader in emerging technologies. By attracting world-class companies like EdgeCortix, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for a vibrant tech ecosystem that can compete on the global stage. The collaboration is expected to yield significant benefits for both parties, driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating high-value job opportunities for Saudi citizens.
Looking ahead, EdgeCortix is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of AI and semiconductor technologies in Saudi Arabia. With its advanced SAKURA-II platform and a strong focus on sustainability, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of industries across the MENA region. By leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic location and robust infrastructure, EdgeCortix aims to expand its footprint and deliver impactful solutions that drive progress and prosperity.
In conclusion, EdgeCortix’s selection by the Saudi Ministry of Investment to join the National Semiconductor Hub represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey. By establishing a presence in Riyadh and collaborating with local stakeholders, EdgeCortix is set to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global tech powerhouse. As the Kingdom continues to implement its Vision 2030 agenda, partnerships like this will be instrumental in unlocking new opportunities and driving sustainable growth for years to come.
