Semiconductor design firm Tenstorrent is ramping up its footprint in Japan as it prepares to begin accepting contracts for advanced chip design. Originally founded in Canada, Tenstorrent is now headquartered in the United States with offices in Austin and Silicon Valley, and a global presence in Toronto, Belgrade, Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangalore. The company plans to increase its Japan-based engineering team from 15 to over 100 by the end of 2025, with support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
This expansion aligns with Japan’s broader push to revitalize its domestic semiconductor industry and position itself as a leader in next-generation chip development. Tenstorrent is collaborating closely with Japanese chipmaker Rapidus, which is aiming to mass-produce 2-nanometer semiconductors at its new facility in Hokkaido. Tenstorrent may also outsource future chip production to Rapidus as part of the collaboration.
At a press conference in Tokyo, Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller confirmed that the company will scale its Japanese engineering force in preparation for Rapidus’ prototype production, targeted for July or August 2025. Keller also announced plans to send engineers to Rapidus’ Hokkaido plant to support early-stage development and integration. “We’re expanding in Japan to support the country’s long-term vision in semiconductors,” Keller said. “We’re building a team that will be ready to deliver cutting-edge chip designs aligned with Japan’s national goals.”
Founded in 2016, Tenstorrent specializes in RISC-V-based and AI-focused chip architecture and design. The company is known for its open, scalable solutions that provide an alternative to proprietary processor technologies. Under Keller’s leadership—an industry veteran with past roles at Apple, AMD, and Tesla—Tenstorrent has grown rapidly into a global player in semiconductor innovation.
In December 2023, Tenstorrent secured $693 million in funding, including investment from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The injection of capital has accelerated the company’s international expansion and deepened its strategic partnerships across the semiconductor value chain.
Tenstorrent’s growing role in Japan underscores the country’s ambition to become a global semiconductor hub. Backed by multi-billion-dollar public and private investment, Japan is rapidly rebuilding its chip design and manufacturing capabilities. Tenstorrent’s decision to anchor more engineering operations in Tokyo reflects confidence in Japan’s semiconductor ecosystem and a long-term commitment to supporting its industrial and innovation goals.
