Microsoft develops its own AI chip Athena, challenging Google and Amazon

Microsoft is developing its own AI chip to train large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and GPT-4, according to a report by The Information1. The chip, code-named Athena, has been in the works since 2019 and is expected to be manufactured on TSMC’s 5nm process2.

Microsoft aims to reduce the cost and time of training LLMs, which are widely used for natural language processing tasks such as chatbots, text generation and translation. Microsoft has not officially confirmed the existence of Athena, but sources familiar with the project said that the chip could be ready for testing by the end of 2023.

Microsoft’s move to develop its own AI chip follows the footsteps of other tech giants such as Google, Amazon and Facebook, which have also built their own custom chips for various AI applications. By creating their own hardware solutions, these companies hope to gain more control over their AI performance, efficiency and innovation.