TLDRs;
- Mercedes-Benz spun off its Silicon Valley chip team into a new company called Athos Silicon.
- Athos will design energy-efficient chips for EVs and self-driving cars using modular “chiplet” technology.
- The chips are expected to use 10–20x less power than conventional automotive processors.
- Athos aims to stay independent, work with multiple carmakers, and attract venture funding beyond Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has officially spun off a team of Silicon Valley engineers into a new company called Athos Silicon, marking a significant move into the semiconductor space for next-generation vehicles.
The startup, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, will focus on creating energy-efficient chips tailored for electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving systems.
Backed with IP and investment
The engineers forming Athos Silicon had previously worked for five years at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, where they specialized in advanced chip design.
As part of the spinout, the new company inherits intellectual property rights from Mercedes-Benz, along with a yet-undisclosed investment. Although the German automaker will remain a minority shareholder, Athos Silicon is structured to operate independently, giving it room to attract additional funding and partnerships with other carmakers.
Charnjiv Bangar, the newly appointed CEO of Athos Silicon, emphasized that independence is a key part of the company’s long-term vision.
“We need to be neutral so that we can collaborate with multiple automakers, even those who compete directly with Mercedes,” Bangar explained.
Chiplets for lower power consumption
One of the firm’s primary innovations lies in its use of chiplets, tiny, modular sections of chips that can be combined into a single package.
Unlike traditional chips, which often require multiple separate units communicating across circuit boards, chiplets achieve redundancy and safety within a compact setup. This approach allows vehicles to maintain reliability while dramatically lowering energy use.
Bangar noted that Athos Silicon’s technology could cut power requirements by 10 to 20 times compared to conventional chip architectures. For electric cars, this is especially critical since computing power must compete with the drivetrain for limited battery capacity.
“For an electric future, electricity is the new currency,” Bangar remarked, underscoring the importance of balancing vehicle intelligence with energy efficiency.
Expanding beyond Mercedes-Benz
While Mercedes-Benz remains a key backer, Athos Silicon’s ambitions extend far beyond its parent company. The startup plans to pitch its chip solutions to a wide range of automakers, positioning itself as a neutral technology provider for the global EV and self-driving markets.
The decision to allow Athos to operate independently reflects the broader industry’s push to secure advanced, customized chips. With demand for computing power in cars skyrocketing, manufacturers are increasingly investing in in-house or partnered semiconductor solutions to reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Athos will also seek venture capital from investors, signaling its intention to scale quickly. The company’s Santa Clara location positions it close to both Silicon Valley’s deep pool of semiconductor expertise and potential funding sources.
A step in the EV and autonomy race
Athos Silicon enters the market at a time when both EVs and autonomous vehicles are driving unprecedented demand for specialized chips.
These systems require extreme reliability, as safety-critical functions often rely on backup processors. Athos claims its chiplet-based design can meet that reliability standard while dramatically improving efficiency.
By focusing on neutrality, power savings, and scalability, Athos Silicon is positioning itself as more than just another corporate spinoff, it aims to be a key player in the race to supply the brains of the cars of tomorrow.
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