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Nordic Semiconductor has announced its plans to acquire the intellectual property (IP) portfolio of Atlazo, a US-based artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) company. The strategic acquisition aims to provide Nordic Semiconductor with an in-house AI/ML capability to further develop miniaturized edge-processing ML (tinyML) capabilities within its low-power IoT portfolio.

The undisclosed transaction is subject to regulatory approval and includes Atlazo’s core team of eight engineers. It also encompasses front-end sensor technology for health applications and edge technology for optimizing low-power energy usage, enabling on-device computing at the “lowest possible energy point for a given task”. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, and Atlazo is headquartered in San Diego.

Nordic Semiconductor recognizes the growing importance of edge devices and the increasing demand for more computing power and advanced services at the network edge. By leveraging Atlazo’s hyper-low-power AI/ML processor technology, Nordic aims to enhance its market offerings across various verticals it operates in and improve its technology offerings in the future.

Svenn-Tore Larsen, the CEO of Nordic Semiconductor, considers this acquisition to be strategically significant. He believes that integrating Atlazo’s team of highly experienced engineers and their IP will accelerate the company’s progress towards ultra low-power AI/ML. The initial benefits of this acquisition are expected to be seen within 12-18 months of the transaction’s closure.

Kjetil Holstad, the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Product Management at Nordic Semiconductor, believes that the acquisition will bring new always-on AI/ML capabilities and technologies that will strengthen the company’s core business and expand its market opportunity in line with its growth strategy.

Nordic Semiconductor also expects that Atlazo’s sensor technology will bolster its presence in the healthcare market. The company supplies chips for wearables and diagnostic equipment, including those used for heart monitoring and glucose monitoring. Following the acquisition, Atlazo’s San Diego headquarters will serve as Nordic Semiconductor’s third R&D site in the United States, complementing the company’s existing offices in Seattle and Portland.

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