Canonical expands Ubuntu support to next-generation MediaTek Genio 520 and 720 platforms

Canonical is pleased to announce the early access launch of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS for MediaTek’s Genio IoT platforms. Building on the companies’ strategic partnership, this release introduces optimized Ubuntu images for the brand-new Genio 520 and 720, while continuing to provide robust support for the Genio 350, 510, 700, and 1200. 

The collaboration makes it easy for developers to combine the latest advancements in open source software with the latest MediaTek hardware to power modern edge AI workloads. Organizations can get to market faster with the new Genio platforms by utilizing an optimized OS that delivers full feature support out of the box, and simultaneously benefit from enterprise-grade security and compliance.

This Ubuntu image is open to the public and anyone will be able to download and flash the image on MediaTek’s Genio development kits by following instructions available on ubuntu.com. 

Powering the next generation: MediaTek Genio 520 and 720

The addition of the MediaTek Genio 520 and 720 provides developers with highly efficient mid-range and high-performance platforms tailored for demanding AI-edge environments. Genio 520 is optimized for power-efficient IoT applications, offering enhanced processing for smart home hubs, interactive kiosks, and industrial gateways. Genio 720 targets advanced multimedia and on-device AI workloads featuring improved NPU performance for advanced robotics, medical imaging, and smart retail analytics. 

“By bringing Ubuntu support to the MediaTek Genio 520 and 720 platforms, developers will now have access to a mature, open, and developer-friendly ecosystem,” said CK Wang, General Manager of MediaTek’s IoT Business Unit. “Ubuntu’s long‑term maintenance and edge‑optimized capabilities make it an ideal platform for building next‑generation industrial, robotics, and smart‑device solutions.”

“The addition of the new Genio 520 and 720 platforms underscores Canonical’s continued collaboration with MediaTek to expand choice and innovation at the edge,” said Cindy Goldberg, Vice President of Cloud and Silicon Partnerships at Canonical. “By combining MediaTek’s advanced AI‑edge silicon with Ubuntu’s enterprise‑grade manageability and lifecycle support, enterprises can confidently deploy and scale IoT solutions globally.”

Accelerating the journey from prototype to production

This collaboration is designed to help developers and enterprises reduce time to market and improve return on investment. By using a widely adopted, full-featured OS with integrated libraries that work out of the box, teams can move rapidly from initial prototyping to global production. Access to the Canonical ecosystem allows for faster scaling thanks to an enabled ecosystem of OEM/ODMs and professional services that support commercial deployments. Additionally, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS images are specifically optimized for MediaTek Genio platforms, ensuring that developers can get the most out of MediaTek’s silicon from day one.

Enterprise-grade security and the path towards CRA compliance

With Ubuntu, developers gain access to an enterprise-ready operating system that is built to help streamline compliance with evolving cybersecurity standards such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Canonical’s recent decision to extend Ubuntu LTS coverage from 12 years to 15 years reinforces the company’s long term commitment to deliver timely fixes for critical vulnerabilities, ensuring customers can rely on Ubuntu as a trusted, securely designed foundation for their products.

Together with MediaTek and Advantech, Canonical is making it easier for organizations to comply with CRA requirements. The companies recently announced that Advantech’s first Arm-based industrial single board computer, the RSB‑3810, powered by the MediaTek Genio 1200 platform and running Ubuntu Pro, has achieved IEC 62443‑4‑2 certification, one of the key standards recognized under the CRA. This collaboration highlights Ubuntu’s role as the preferred platform for vendors seeking to meet stringent CRA requirements and build certified, secure industrial devices.

A trusted foundation for commercial IoT projects

Canonical partners with silicon vendors, board manufacturers, and leading enterprises to shorten time to market. Organizations looking to deploy Ubuntu on MediaTek Genio can access ongoing bug fixes, security maintenance, and fast tracked compliance.

For any questions about the platform or further information about Canonical’s certification program, [contact us].

About Canonical

Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu, provides open source security, support and services. Our portfolio covers critical systems, from the smallest devices to the largest clouds, from the kernel to containers, from databases to AI. With customers that include top tech brands, emerging startups, governments and home users, Canonical delivers trusted open source for everyone. 

Learn more at https://canonical.com/