Intel announced Tuesday that it is acquiring deep learning startup Nervana Systems in a move that looks to bolster the role of AI solutions within the company. Financial terms haven’t been disclosed yet, but a source familiar with the deal told Recode it’s worth more than $350 million.
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Founded two years ago in Southern California, Nervana has specialized in combining hardware and software to help machines think in ways similar to human brains, according to the companies. Today, Intel is trying to get a leg up in the game by purchasing Nervana Systems, a deep-learning hardware and software provider, for an undisclosed sum.
Artificial intelligence can solve arcane computing problems or for practical applications like determining which kind of shampoo an online shopper is most likely to buy. “Nervana’s Engine and silicon expertise will advance Intel’s AI portfolio and enhance the deep learning performance and TCO of our Intel Xeon and Intel Xeon Phi processors”.
Whereas many machine learning rigs have repurposed GPUs for their parallel processing capabilities, Nervana says its engine can dump unnecessary features – like caches required for graphics processing but not for deep learning – and use the saved space to fit more compute into the same size of chip.
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“With this acquisition, Intel is formally committing to pushing the forefront of AI (artificial intelligence) technologies”, Nervana co-founder and chief executive Naveen Rao said in a blog post. “We will continue to operate out of our San Diego Headquarters and will retain our talent, brand, and start-up mentality”, said the Nervana CEO, adding that work is underway on a “revolutionary new architecture” for deep learning.
