Seattle Startup TriMagnetix Secures $1M for Energy-Efficient Chips

Seattle-based TriMagnetix, a two-person startup, has secured $1 million in funding and commitments to advance its novel semiconductor chip technology. The company’s innovation aims to significantly reduce energy consumption and heat generation in chips, making them suitable for demanding applications, including those in space.

The startup’s technology utilizes nanomagnetic principles, requiring only electrical pulses instead of the continuous power stream found in traditional chips. Initial laboratory tests suggest these chips could consume 800 times less energy to process the same amount of data. TriMagnetix also claims the design offers inherent resistance to radiation, a critical feature for space-based electronics.

Lucas Hahn, co-founder, president, and chief strategic officer, highlighted the growing demand for sustainable chip solutions. “Earthbound data centers struggling to curb energy use and heat output are seeking more sustainable chips,” Hahn stated. The company is particularly focused on satellite applications, noting the Pacific Northwest’s prominence as a hub for satellite companies.

Hahn explained that satellite companies are actively seeking energy-efficient semiconductors that can withstand space radiation. He believes TriMagnetix’s technology is a clear solution for these needs. The company was founded in 2023 by Madison Hanberry, who is transitioning from chief of research and development to CEO. Aspen White is also a co-founder.

The chips developed by TriMagnetix are not intended to replace high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) used for AI or central processing units (CPUs). Instead, they target specific, low-level compute functions within devices. “It’s replacing specific compute in certain devices at a very low level,” Hahn said. “So not quite CPU yet, but it is at the core level doing similar things.”

TriMagnetix has partnered with the Washington Nanofabrication Facility at the University of Washington for fabrication equipment. The company anticipates having a product ready for commercial sales within the next year. This development comes after TriMagnetix received a $200,000 investment from climate venture fund SNØCAP last year.

The recent funding round was led by Acequia Capital, with contributions from Athenaeum Ventures and Actuate Ventures. In addition to the funding, TriMagnetix has joined the Plug and Play Semiconductor Accelerator and was accepted into the Nvidia Inception program. The latter provides access to technical experts, client introductions, and marketing support.

The startup is also engaged in its first paid pilot program in collaboration with WaveWorks Technologies. This progress aligns with the broader trend of innovation in semiconductor technology, with companies like Soitec investing heavily in research for advanced chips.

Hahn expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory. “Satellite companies have told him they want semiconductors that are energy efficient and resistant to the radiation experienced in space,” the report noted. This positions TriMagnetix to address a critical need in the rapidly expanding satellite industry.