DeepX closes in on mass production of DX-M1 processor with Samsung Electronics

DeepX is nearing mass production of its DX-M1 processor in partnership with Samsung Electronics.

DeepX CEO Kim Lo-kwon, front right, and Gaonchips CEO Jung Kyu-dong, front left, pose for a photo. [DEEPX]

Korean AI chip designer DeepX is close to mass-producing its DX-M1 processor in a partnership with Samsung Electronics, aiming to begin shipments to clients in the first half of next year.

DeepX announced Thursday that it signed a deal with Gaonchips, a Korean chip design house that optimizes design for mass production for Samsung Electronics' clients.

The DX-M1 will be manufactured on Samsung Electronics' five-nanometer nodes.

DX-M1 is an on-device AI neural processing unit (NPU) that DeepX has been testing with Samsung's contract-manufacturing team since June. Samples made last year have been improved upon with upgrades in inference function and electricity consumption, the company said.

DeepX said some 20 global companies are currently developing products utilizing its processor.

The Korean AI chip startup founded by former Apple engineer Kim Lo-kwon specializes in on-device AI processors. The company recently raised $80 million in Series C funding despite unfavorable market conditions, bringing its valuation to $529 million.

The company is expecting to secure up to 20 clients by next year, making foray into United States, Europe and Japan.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]