- The new downtown Toronto office will anchor engineering, research, and business development.
- Cognichip expands partnerships with the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo to grow the next generation of chip design engineers.
- This builds on rapid momentum since launching out of stealth in May with $33M in seed funding, adding world-class advisors.
San Francisco, CA – October 9, 2025 — Today, Cognichip, the company pioneering Artificial Chip Intelligence (ACI®) for semiconductor design, announces the opening of its new office in downtown Toronto. The new location will serve as a hub for engineering and research excellence, strengthening Cognichip’s global footprint and supporting its mission to transform how semiconductors are designed.
Toronto was selected for its deep experienced talent pool, world-class AI research, and strong tech landscape. With leading universities and research institutions at the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo nearby, the city offers Cognichip access to top-tier engineering and AI talent.
Cognichip’s Toronto office will house engineering, research, and business development teams as the company continues to grow rapidly.
“As our presence continues to grow, we need a location that could match our pace of innovation and scale,” said Faraj Aalaei, CEO and Founder of Cognichip. “Toronto stood out for its exceptional ecosystem — from the brilliant students at the University of Toronto and University of Waterloo to the city’s vibrant research community with decades of notable contributions to science and technology. Our new office allows us to tap into international talent, build lasting partnerships, and accelerate both our technology and mission.”
The Toronto expansion reflects growing international recognition of the region's technical capabilities and business environment for AI-driven hardware companies.
“We’re proud to welcome Cognichip to Toronto, where its investment will create high-quality jobs, strengthen Toronto’s global position as a leader in AI and advanced compute, and help fuel long-term economic growth for our city,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
That vision is strengthened by Cognichip’s decision to base its new office within MaRS Discovery District, North America’s largest urban innovation hub and a cornerstone of Toronto’s tech community.
“Welcoming Cognichip into the MaRS community is exactly the kind of collaboration we aim to foster,” said Ian Spence, Business Development Manager at MaRS Discovery District. “By locating within our innovation hub across from the University of Toronto, Cognichip is joining a thriving network of researchers, entrepreneurs, and partners committed to advancing science and technology at scale."
Through the University of Waterloo’s renowned co-op program, Cognichip hired several top-tier students for the September–December semester and plans to hire additional students in early 2026. In parallel, the company is collaborating with researchers and faculty at the University of Toronto while continuing to recruit experienced engineers and AI experts. Together, these efforts expand Cognichip’s pipeline of talent and reinforce its commitment to combining fresh perspectives with seasoned expertise to shape the future of chip design.
Since launching in May 2025 with $33M in seed funding, Cognichip has quickly built momentum, from growing its team and advisors to deepening partnerships with leading universities. That collaboration is already being recognized by faculty leaders:
The University of Waterloo’s co-op program is designed to connect bright and skilled talent with industry leaders for their needs now and in the future,” said Shabnam Ivković, Director, Industry Relations, University of Waterloo. “Cognichip’s commitment to hiring and mentoring our students strengthens the Toronto-Waterloo innovation corridor."
We’re excited to welcome Cognichip into the metropolitan Toronto area and give our students and faculty another avenue in AI innovation,” said Peyman Mohajerin Esfahani, Associate Professor, University of Toronto, and Scientific Advisor at Cognichip. “Cognichip’s approach to AI and semiconductors is exactly the kind of opportunity that helps our students, faculty, and graduates thrive."
Toronto Global, the organization that proactively attracts international companies to expand into the Greater Toronto Area, is a strategic partner in Cognichip’s Toronto expansion:
“When a top venture-backed semiconductor AI company makes Toronto its first international office, that signals something important about our competitive position in AI and deep tech,” said Stephen Lund, CEO of Toronto Global. "Cognichip isn't just setting up a satellite office—they're making a substantial investment in engineering and research here because they see our talent ecosystem as a strategic advantage. This move validates and showcases the Toronto Region as a place where the world’s most innovative companies can scale.”
About Cognichip
Cognichip is developing the world’s first Artificial Chip Intelligence (ACI®) to reimagine chip design. Founded by experts from Amazon, Google, Apple, Aquantia, Synopsys, and KLA, the company tackles high cost and inaccessibility in chip development, enabling hardware to evolve as quickly as software innovation.
Backed by $33 million in seed funding from Mayfield, Lux Capital, FPV, and Candou Ventures, Cognichip’s ACI® reduces design cycles by 50%, cuts development costs by 75%, and optimizes power, performance, and efficiency. ACI® accelerates innovation and broadens access to semiconductor technology by making it easier, more affordable, and accessible to a broader range of innovators. Learn more at www.cognichip.ai.
Media Contact
Rick Liebling
Vice President
VSC on behalf of Cognichip
cognichip@vsc.co
