AMD Acquires Toronto AI Chip Startup Taalas to Boost Inference Technology

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) has acquired Toronto-based AI chip startup Taalas as it expands its artificial intelligence portfolio beyond graphics processing units (GPUs).

AMD is acquiring Toronto-based AI chip startup Taalas to add specialized AI-inference technology to its computing portfolio. [Photo: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine]

The deal adds AI-inference technology to AMD's roadmap as chipmakers look beyond general-purpose GPUs to address a wider range of AI workloads, Aveek Bhowmik reported for Stocktwits.

AMD shares gained around 0.30% in after-hours trading on Thursday at the time of the report, after closing the regular session 1.5% higher.

AMD said Taalas, founded in 2023, develops technology that optimizes AI-inference data flows, reducing the computing and memory bottlenecks associated with general-purpose architectures and enabling more efficient AI inference.

According to AMD, Taalas' technology will complement its full-stack AI platform, including Helios rack-scale solutions, Instinct GPUs, EPYC CPUs, ROCm software and its broader AI ecosystem. AMD did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition.