Europe Bets Big on RISC-V for Digital Independence
Barcelona, Saturday, 8 March 2025.
The European Union is investing €240 million into the DARE project. This project aims to develop high-performance and AI CPUs using RISC-V architecture. 38 companies and research institutes will collaborate. The goal is to create a European hardware and software infrastructure for HPC and AI. Currently, Europe relies on the US for AI computing power. This initiative could reshape the competitive landscape, challenging industry giants. The project plans three RISC-V chiplets: a vector accelerator, an AI processor, and an HPC-optimized general-purpose processor.
DARE’s Strategic Objectives
The DARE project, short for ‘Digital Autonomy with RISC-V in Europe’, seeks to establish digital independence in Europe through RISC-V architecture [1][5]. The initiative focuses on creating industry-standard chiplets designed and developed within the EU [5]. These chiplets will form the basis for HPC and AI systems, complete with fully developed software stacks [5]. This approach aims to foster innovation and reduce reliance on non-European technologies, potentially boosting the competitiveness of European tech companies in the global market [1].
Financial Backing and Key Participants
The EuroHPC JU (European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking) is funding the DARE project [1][5]. Axelera AI, a Dutch company, will receive €61.6 million to develop an AI processor named Titania [3][5]. Codasip (Czech Republic) and Openchip (Catalonia) will develop a general-purpose processor and a vector accelerator, respectively [1][3]. The substantial investment highlights the EU’s commitment to fostering indigenous chip development and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers [1]. This financial commitment signals a strong potential for growth and innovation in the European semiconductor industry.
Market Impact and Investment Opportunities
The DARE project could significantly impact companies like ASML and TSMC by fostering competition and potentially shifting market dynamics [1]. While these companies are not directly involved, the success of DARE could lead to increased demand for European-designed chips, affecting their market share [alert! ‘this is an inference’]. Investors should monitor the progress of Axelera AI, Codasip, and Openchip, as their success could drive significant returns [3][5]. The focus on RISC-V architecture, known for its open-source nature, may also spur further innovation and attract additional investment in the European semiconductor sector [7].
Broader Implications for European Tech
Europe’s current reliance on the US for AI computing power underscores the strategic importance of the DARE project [1]. By developing its own HPC and AI infrastructure, Europe aims to secure its digital autonomy and reduce vulnerabilities [1][5]. This initiative aligns with a broader trend of governments worldwide seeking to bolster domestic semiconductor industries and reduce dependence on global supply chains [alert! ‘this is an inference’]. The success of DARE could serve as a model for other regions looking to enhance their technological sovereignty, potentially leading to new investment opportunities in European tech companies.