Intel seems to have quietly killed its open source RISC-V development environment, Pathfinder.
This news may come as a shock to many SoC architects, software developers, and product research teams, mostly because Pathfinder was only announced in August 2022, but to others, it may be an expected move .
The company reported a disastrous end to 2022, with a loss of $661 million in the fourth quarter alone, and has already shut down a number of other businesses. On top of that, its 544 employees in California are at risk of layoffs, with more layoffs likely around the world as the company prepares for what it calls “meaningful layoffs.”
Intel Pathfinder
A 2022 press release from Pathfinder detailing the number of RISC-V-focused initiatives launched over the years showed Intel’s commitment, but users began reporting it had been cut back just a few months later.
Intel has since updated its website (opens in a new tab) The statement is as follows:
“We regret to inform you that Intel is discontinuing the Intel Pathfinder for RISC-V program, effective immediately.”
The webpage instructs users to “quickly transition” to alternative RISC-V software tools, and stresses that bug fixes have also been discontinued.
The initiative aims to help its users develop RISC-V chips using industry-standard toolchains, and is therefore supported by many RISC-V companies. It is divided into a professional version and a more streamlined starter version for enthusiasts who want to give it a try.
Vijay Krishnan was general manager of RISC-V ventures at the company for more than a year and a half until it closed this month, prompting him to take on a new role as general manager of new initiatives, a sign that Intel is turning its back on its RISC-V operation now.
Technology Radar Pro Intel has been asked to confirm its decision to discontinue the Pathfinder program and whether it plans to continue investing in RISC-V in the future.
