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AI chip development is entering a new era of accessibility and cost-efficiency. Experts believe that open-source technology will make building AI processors easier and more affordable than ever before.
AI Processors Are Simpler Than People Think
Jim Keller, a renowned microprocessor engineer with experience at AMD, Apple, and Tesla, shared his views during GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai. Speaking at the event, he said:
“Actually, AI processors are simpler than people think. People would like you to believe you need $100 billion to develop an AI processor… You don’t.”
Keller emphasized that open-source chips can drastically cut costs and lower entry barriers for companies and researchers. His company, Tenstorrent, has already released collaborative AI and general-purpose processors, along with a public AI compiler.
Innovation Through Open-Source
Keller believes the future of AI chip development lies in openness. He explained:
“As long as the hardware chips are really programmable and people can be creative about how they build the new solutions, development will become easier and cheaper.”
He added that current AI models are far from hitting their limits.
“The current models are really good; they’re still getting better. Every day I read an article that something’s hit a limit… We haven’t got close to the limit. The demand for it is really, really big; so, I don’t know, the next five years are going to be really interesting.”
Global Restrictions May Accelerate Local Innovation
Keller also addressed ongoing geopolitical restrictions on chip technology. He argued that such measures are unlikely to work in the long run. He said:
“When you restrict one area, you just force that area to develop it by themselves, and so far what’s happened is that it just means they catch up.”
He highlighted that much of the technology is already open and widely published, which accelerates innovation globally.
A New Development Culture through Open-Source
Keller also spoke about fostering an open and collaborative engineering environment. He said:
“I’d like to create a really open environment where everybody gets to learn, gets to do something… gets to own their destiny.”
