By James Eliot, Markets & Finance Editor
Last updated: July 12, 2026

RISC-V: How an Open-Source Chip Architecture Is Set to Disrupt Intel and ARM in 2024

In 2023, the number of RISC-V chip designs surged by over 150% compared to the previous year, according to Semiconductor Engineering. This explosive growth signals a significant shift in the semiconductor landscape, one that could see traditional powerhouses like Intel and ARM grappling to maintain their dominance. But more than just an emerging technology, RISC-V is positioning itself as a strategic asset amid escalating geopolitical tensions, turning semiconductor design into a formidable battleground.

What Is RISC-V?

RISC-V is an open standard computer architecture that enables companies to innovate their own custom processors without paying royalties. Targeted at tech firms seeking flexible, cost-effective, and easily modifiable chip solutions, RISC-V represents both an opportunity for innovation and a new front in the US-China tech rivalry. Think of it like open-source software for chip design, allowing anyone to build their unique implementations similar to how Linux enabled the technology leap in software development. For an in-depth look at how such open-source designs can change industries, read about 5 industry shifts coming from open-source technologies.

How RISC-V Works in Practice

RISC-V’s real-world applications demonstrate its growing impact. NVIDIA, traditionally a leader in proprietary hardware, is investing in RISC-V ecosystem startups. This strategic move signals NVIDIA’s recognition of RISC-V’s potential despite its own entrenched success in proprietary architectures. NVIDIA believes that open-source hardware could enhance their product portfolio, especially in custom designs.

Meanwhile, Western Digital has already integrated RISC-V based processors into its storage devices. This transition not only improves efficiency but also reduces reliance on external suppliers, an appealing trait as supply chain uncertainties persist. Similarly, Alibaba’s T-Head division is honing RISC-V processors for AI applications, a sector where cost-effective solutions offer competitive advantages over traditional Intel offerings.

Companies like SiFive are also instrumental in promoting RISC-V as a national strategy within the U.S. to reduce dependency on foreign chip technologies. This strategic alignment with national tech policies underscores the increasing importance of RISC-V in global tech deliberations.

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Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Despite its advantages, implementing RISC-V is not without pitfalls. One notable mistake is underestimating the need for robust support ecosystems. A hypothetical example in this vein is a tech startup that attempted to build RISC-V chips without sufficient community support, leading to product delays. Ensuring an ecosystem like Mistral’s robust navigation systems is crucial for timely development.

A second common error is ignoring compatibility issues. Using RISC-V requires careful alignment with existing systems, as seen in a tech firm’s failure to properly integrate new chips with legacy software, resulting in costly overhauls.

Finally, neglecting intellectual property rights can be a conundrum. The open-source nature of RISC-V doesn’t negate the need for patent awareness. Real cases show firms caught off guard by patent claims, incurring significant legal fees.

Where This Is Heading

RISC-V is poised for rapid adoption in several key areas. Market research suggests that by late 2024, nearly 10% of data centers might switch to RISC-V for new infrastructure, driven by cost reduction and the need for customizable solutions. According to IDC (2023), this shift could substantially diminish Intel’s market share in the server segment.

Additionally, as AI continues its upward trajectory, RISC-V’s role in AI processors is expected to solidify. Companies like Alibaba are paving the way for this adoption, with RISC-V-designed AI chips projected to occupy up to 15% of the market by 2025.

Given these trends, retail investors and tech firms should evaluate RISC-V not as a niche technology but as a burgeoning force that’s recalibrating chip design strategies. It will become crucial for companies to consider how they integrate or collaborate with RISC-V developments within the next year to redefine their competitive edge.