In Santa Clara, California, a groundbreaking event occurred as Cerebras, a Silicon Valley startup, revealed its latest creation: an AI supercomputer powered by massive, dinner-plate-sized computer chips. These specialized chips are designed to drive artificial intelligence products and offer unparalleled computing power, with each Cerebras chip equating to hundreds of traditional chips. The supercomputer, operational for just a month, was built for G42, an AI company based in Abu Dhabi. It aims to harness its potential in creating and powering AI products for the Middle East. 6.5 feet tall machines made up the new supercomputer.
The growing demand for AI chips
In light of the worldwide AI boom, demand for computing power and specialized chips has skyrocketed. Tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Google, alongside numerous startups, have been racing to release AI products after the massive success of the AI-powered ChatGPT chatbot. This unprecedented demand has led to a fierce hunt for more advanced technologies, prompting companies to develop their own alternatives to meet the growing need.
Cerebras’ unique approach
Cerebras, founded in 2016 by Andrew Feldman and four other engineers, sought to accelerate AI development through innovative hardware. With over $740 million in funding, including support from Sam Altman of OpenAI and venture capital firms like Benchmark, Cerebras’ value stands at an impressive $4.1 billion. The company made headlines in 2019 when it unveiled its colossal computer chip, far larger than any previously built. According to Feldman, Cerebras’ chips can train AI systems between 100 and 1,000 times faster than existing hardware.
Partnership with G42 for AI supercomputers
G42, the Abu Dhabi-based AI company, partnered with Cerebras in 2021, utilizing a Cerebras system to train an Arabic version of ChatGPT. Impressed with the technology, G42 asked Cerebras to build a network of supercomputers in different locations worldwide. Recognizing the challenges in obtaining enough GPUs due to high demand, Cerebras’ chips emerged as a cost-effective and readily available solution. In just 10 days, Cerebras used its chips to construct the supercomputer for G42, significantly reducing the project’s timeline.
Chips are predicted to play a pivotal role in the AI landscape, potentially reshaping the balance of power among tech companies and even nations. The Biden administration has considered restrictions on AI chip sales to China, citing concerns about the country’s AI capabilities posing a national security threat. Startups, like Cerebras, and others such as Graphcore, Groq, and SambaNova, have entered the race, aiming to compete with Nvidia, the dominant force in the market.
Cerebras’ ambitious plans
Despite the challenges startups may face in competing with Nvidia’s established software ecosystem, Cerebras remains optimistic. Many AI businesses are looking for alternatives to avoid being locked into a single vendor, opening opportunities for global demand in powerful chips like those offered by Cerebras. G42 is planning to expand its collaboration with Cerebras, with two more supercomputers slated for construction in Texas and North Carolina, followed by an additional six deployed across the globe, forming the “Condor Galaxy” network.
Cerebras’ AI supercomputer represents a significant milestone in AI technology, boasting its specialized chips that outshine traditional counterparts by many folds. As AI continues to permeate various industries, the demand for computing power and AI chips surges, leading to fierce competition among tech companies. Cerebras’ partnership with G42 in constructing the supercomputer showcases the potential for further advancements in AI technologies and brings hope for a more diverse and competitive AI chip market. The future holds exciting possibilities as the world of AI progresses, driven by innovations from startups like Cerebras and others, determined to shape the AI landscape.
