RISC-V Cores Market Size, Share & Growth By 2034

RISC-V CORES MARKET OVERVIEW

The global RISC-V Cores Market size was valued approximately USD 1.05 Billion in 2024 and will touch USD 5.99 Billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.35% from 2024 to 2033.

RISC-V cores are processor architectures that are open-sourced and royalty-free. Based on the principles of Reduced Instruction Set Computing, RISC, RISC-V offers developers a modular architecture wherein different cores can be designed for specific needs, making it highly versatile for usage in various fields. Their scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness have contributed to their rapid growth and adoption in more embedded systems, IoT devices, automotive applications, and high-performance computing. The open standard of RISC-V encourages innovation and collaboration, with an ecosystem of developers and companies increasingly contributing to both the hardware and software ecosystem. Because it is focused on simplicity and extensibility, RISC-V cores are going to change the semiconductor landscape, offering a competitive alternative to traditional architectures.

COVID-19 IMPACT

With Lockdowns Driving People to Spend More Time at Home Led to a Resurgence in Demand for RISC-V Cores

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented, significantly altering markets with demand surpassing pre-pandemic levels across regions. The unexpected CAGR rise stems from market expansion and demand recovery. Initially, the RISC-V cores market faced disruptions due to supply chain issues, manufacturing delays, and investment cuts. Yet, lockdowns prompted a shift to cost-effective, customizable solutions, boosting RISC-V demand. Remote work and digital transformation accelerated RISC-V adoption in IoT, data centers, and consumer electronics, with e-commerce and developer collaboration aiding market recovery.

LATEST TREND

Changing Practices Due to the Rise of Sustainable and Flexible RISC-V Cores

A strong emerging trend in the industry includes sustainable and flexible RISC-V cores. Both developers and companies look forward to processor architectures that could be customized, energy-efficient, and more affordable. This shift in thinking had pushed semiconductor firms to introduce innovative ideas that have integrated open-source architectures, modular designs, and eco-conscious production methods. The reason high performance and adaptability at reduced development costs becomes the key factor in the adoption of technology. Open-standard, RISC-V tallies with the whole global trend for sustainability and optimization of resources, hence being a preferred choice of many companies in order to achieve goals on long-term growth and eco-consciousness.

RISC-V CORES MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into RV32,RV64

RV32：RV32, a 32-bit RISC-V architecture, suits apps needing less power and memory. Popular in embedded systems, IoT, and microcontrollers, its simplicity and efficiency drive growth in cost-sensitive sectors like consumer electronics and autos. Its low-power, high-performance makes it ideal for lightweight apps.

RV64：RV64, a 64-bit RISC-V architecture, excels in high-performance computing and advanced apps. Widely used in data centers, AI, and high-end electronics, it grows due to demand in ML, blockchain, and cloud computing. Its scalability and complex operation support make it vital in robust, versatile processor designs.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into ASIC Platform,FPGA Platform,SoC Platform

ASIC Platform：ASIC platforms use RISC-V cores in custom chips for specific apps, crucial in automotive, telecom, and healthcare. Demand grows as industries aim for optimized performance, low power, and cost savings in production. RISC-V's flexibility and openness make it ideal for app-specific designs.

FPGA Platform：FPGAs use RISC-V cores for prototyping and R&D of adaptable hardware, valued in aerospace, defense, and data centers for reconfigurability and quick deployment. RISC-V's modularity and easy integration boost its adoption in FPGAs, supporting innovation in AI and real-time data processing where flexibility is key.

SoC Platform：SoC platforms integrate RISC-V cores into compact, multifunctional chips for smart devices to industrial automation. RISC-V boosts customization, cost-efficiency, and scalability in SoCs. Demand for smart devices, IoT, and advanced computing fuels SoC growth, where RISC-V's adaptability is crucial.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Increase in demand with the rise of open-source and modular architecture

The growing momentum of open-source technologies has been one of the major factors contributing to the demand for RISC-V cores. This architecture allows developers to customize and innovate without licensing fees; thus, this architecture finds wide utilization in academia, startups, and enterprises. In addition, the modular nature of RISC-V offers tailored designs targeting a wide range of applications, from embedded systems to high-performance computing, which is likely to give a major fillip to the RISC-V cores market.

Market growth with the increasing focus on cost-efficiency and innovation

The global semiconductor industry moves in the direction of low cost and innovative solution paths. With the royalty-free licensing model, RISC-V decreases the cost of development, thus enabling imagination for chip design. This flexibility allows the company to wean off the dependency on proprietary platforms, while presenting another choice in differentiating the increasingly fiercely competitive arena, making it more pervasive in all lines of industries that involve IoT, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Restraining Factor

Challenges in ecosystem maturity and compatibility

The RISC-V ecosystem is a lot younger compared to established architectures like ARM and x86. Problems on software toolchain support, compatibility with legacy systems, and limited availability of development tools may make potential adopters leery. In that respect, companies may not want to switch over, given the risk of interoperability issues and longer development times. Resolving such ecosystem gaps continues to be an important step for market growth.

Opportunity

Scope for expansion in emerging markets and applications

Emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and edge computing are opening new opportunities for RISC-V. Scalability and adaptability make the architecture ideal for both resource-constrained devices and high-performance applications. Besides, growing demand for affordable and locally designed chips in India, Southeast Asia, and other markets provides fertile ground for RISC-V to thrive. Collaboration with governments and industries can unlock new segments and foster broader adoption.

Challenge

Competition from established players in the semiconductor industry

Dominating players, like ARM and Intel, compete fiercely with mature ecosystems in the RISC-V cores market. In most cases, such competitors have longstanding relations with manufacturers and a wider portfolio of tools and libraries. It is still challenging to convince stakeholders to shift from their comfort zone toward RISC-V despite its cost and flexibility advantages. Most of the industries, such as automotive, which requires high reliability and great support for an ecosystem.

RISC-V CORES MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America：

The RISC-V cores market in North America is booming, fueled by the region's innovation focus, advanced semiconductor manufacturing, and a vibrant tech ecosystem. Key players invest in R&D for high-performance RISC-V solutions in AI, machine learning, and data centers. University-firm collaborations are also driving new RISC-V architectures. Efforts to reduce proprietary dependence and bolster chip cybersecurity are accelerating market adoption.

Europe：

Europe's RISC-V cores market features gov't-backed efforts to gain tech sovereignty and cut dependence on non-EU semiconductor suppliers. EU support for open-source tech boosts RISC-V investments, especially in automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation. Key players and researchers use RISC-V's modular design for IoT and edge computing solutions. High demand for energy-efficient, high-performance chips aligns with sustainability goals, driving market growth.

Asia：

Asia is rising as a RISC-V cores market leader, fueled by growing semiconductor hubs like China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Regional nations invest in open-source chip design to cut reliance on foreign IP and boost local innovation. RISC-V adoption is strong in consumer electronics, IoT, and embedded systems, emphasizing cost-efficiency and customization. Government backing, like China's local semi-tech promotions, drives rapid RISC-V adoption

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Competition in the RISC-V cores market is becoming more intense, either from well-established semiconductor giants or freshly arising startups using open-sourced architecture's benefit to full advantage. The path to remaining competitive for major players will necessarily go through innovation, customization, and possibly even collaboration at the academic level. RISC-V is essentially very competitive since it inherently means open source and modularity; a company should special design applications, for example, AI, IoT, or edge computing, for differentiating features. Strong support from regional governments, especially in Asia and Europe, has further increased the competitive pressure by favoring local development and reducing dependency on proprietary technologies. Nonetheless, challenges such as the resource-intense software ecosystem required to support the technology and the current market dominance of established architectures like ARM and x86 have shaped the competitive environment.

List of Top RISC-V cores Market Companies

SiFive
Western Digital Corporation
Codasip
Andes
CloudBEAR

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The RISC-V cores market is growing rapidly due to the increasing adoption of open-source architecture and its potential for customization across various applications, including AI, IoT, and edge computing. Currently, the market is expanding as both established companies and startups explore RISC-V for cost-effective, flexible solutions. In fact, the future of RISC-V is promising, with advancements in ecosystem development, improved tooling, and growing industry support. The use of RISC-V cores in more and more different industries, combined with their non-dependence on proprietary processors, should increase its market share globally and give this architecture a competitive edge over traditional ARM and x86.