Meta and chip designer Broadcom have expanded their partnership to develop custom artificial intelligence processors, a deal extending through 2029. This collaboration aims to build the vast computing capacity required for Meta's AI features across its applications.
The agreement includes an initial commitment of over one gigawatt of computing capacity. Broadcom CEO Hock Tan will transition from Meta's board to an advisory role on custom chip strategy.
This move aligns with a trend of major tech companies designing proprietary chips to reduce dependence on expensive processors from suppliers like Nvidia. Broadcom, a key player in this generative AI boom, develops custom processors and supplies infrastructure software for its clients.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated the expanded tie-up is crucial for building the "massive computing foundation" to deliver "personal superintelligence." The company previously outlined a roadmap for four new chips, with the current commitment representing the "first phase of a sustained, multi-gigawatt rollout."
Broadcom's Ethernet networking technology will also be integrated to connect Meta's growing clusters of AI computers. The Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA) program's first chip, MTIA 300, currently powers Meta's ranking and recommendation systems, with subsequent generations focusing on AI model inference.