A pioneering chip startup has recently emerged from its quiet development phase after more than seven years of rethinking computer memory architecture. Based in San Jose, California, Kepler Computing is confident that its innovative approach could help alleviate the current global memory chip shortage, given it can scale up production effectively.
Founded in 2018 by a talented team of physicists and computer scientists, Kepler has introduced a novel architecture for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) that tackles some of the supply chain issues plaguing the semiconductor market today. Traditionally, chip manufacturers have depended on costly extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) to miniaturize transistors and fit more functionality into smaller spaces. However, Kepler's unique “3D stacking” technique, combined with a proprietary material, enables them to increase memory density without the use of EUV, making it compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
The startup has also achieved significant improvements for high-speed cache memory, which is integral to CPUs, GPUs, and XPUs, further streamlining data transfer within chip designs. While HBM consists of stacked DRAM components, Kepler’s focus on enhancing SRAM allows for quicker access to data.
In terms of financial backing, Kepler has secured $468 million in funding from prominent investors, including GlobalFoundries, Intel Capital, AMD Ventures, the UK-based Baillie Gifford, and the Gates Frontier fund established by Bill Gates. Additionally, in July, the U.S. Department of Commerce pledged up to $245 million to support Kepler’s efforts in developing advanced high-performance AI memory technologies in the United States, leveraging innovative 3D and ferroelectric technologies.
