Multi-Partner Project: Open-Source Design Tools for Co-Development of AI Algorithms and AI Chips: (Initial Stage)

Chip technologies are crucial for the digital transformation of industry and society. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in both our daily lives and in industry. The development of advanced AI chip designs, essential for the successful deployment of AI, is of critical importance for innovation and competitiveness. However, challenges arise from the complexity of hardware development, expensive access to state-of-the-art design tools, and a global shortage of hardware experts. In addition to cost optimization, computational power, and energy consumption, security and trustworthiness are becoming increasingly important. This project aims to address these challenges in AI chip design by enabling efficient hardware development. We are developing a seamless transition between software-based AI model development and optimization, and efficient hardware implementation, while considering security, trustworthiness, and energy efficiency. An open-source approach plays a key role, facilitating access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and expanding the community involved in AI chip design to help mitigate the shortage of skilled professionals.