Radhika Sharma’s Post

🪶 Oriole Networks: Pioneering Energy-Efficient AI with Advanced Photonics to Tackle Global Challenges 🪽 AlbionVC’s Dave Grimm chats with Oriole Networks' CEO James Regan and CTO/Co-founder Prof. Georgios Zervas on the vision and drive behind Oriole’s mission to make AI scalable and sustainable. Founded in 2023 as a UCL spinout, Oriole Networks is harnessing over two decades of academic research in photonics and optical networks to tackle AI’s growing energy demands. Backed by $35M in funding— with their recent $22M Series A led by Plural and supported by all existing investors including us via the UCL Technology Fund — Oriole is setting new standards in AI efficiency. James and Georgios discuss their unique blend of academic and industry expertise, their immediate chemistry and why their team is positioned to lead the way in sustainable AI. With a full-stack, co-designed solution, Oriole is unlocking the potential of AI systems.   AI has the power to transform everything—from drug discovery to climate change —but needs to do so sustainably. We’re proud to support Oriole Networks on this journey to a future where AI’s impact doesn’t come at the expense of our planet. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eZpGv5rc #deeptech #AI #LLMs #UCLspinout #lab #tech #uktech #founders #cofounder #startups #entrepreneurs #venturecapital #founderstories #innovation #future #sustainable #seriesA #growth

Really enjoyed listening to this interview with James Regan and Georgios Zervas from our client, Oriole Networks. Lots to takeaway, but a few points that particularly stood out: - Problem to Solution: the most powerful companies are borne out of attacking a big problem and then figuring out how to solve it. Too often companies create a 'technology push' where they focus on the tech and then look for what can be done with it. - Co-Founders: how important it is to get the right chemistry and complementary skill-sets, particularly in a spin-out setting. Trying to get that mixture between excellent 'intellectual horsepower' from the academics, with a co-founder that has built businesses in the sector before and who knows the path to take. - Seed Funding: Oriole has gone on to raise c. $35m in the subsequent year or so, but the initial £250k from the UCL Technology Fund was just as important - amongst other things, it gave the company the time and money that it needed to bring the core team together and get the ball rolling. Too often in the UK this sort of funding is too difficult to source. - Culture: just as important as the technology is having the right company culture for talent to operate in. Ensuring that you have an environment in which founders accept ideas flowing up from beneath so that you can 'find a way of switching on the brains of everyone in the company' to best effect. - UK v US: the pools of capital in the UK are smaller for deep-tech companies (and start-ups generally), who as a result often raise smaller amounts at smaller valuations, and are therefore trying to hit key milestones on a lean budget. This inevitably creates an environment where it is more challenging for UK scale-ups to grow at the pace they need. Oriole has so far been able to buck this trend.

#deeptech is revolutionizing industries with advanced technologies that tackle some of the world's most complex problems. This exciting field encompasses several key categories: 🔬 Biotech: Innovations in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. 🤖 AI & Robotics: Cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation. 💡 Quantum Computing: Breakthroughs in computational power and problem-solving capabilities. ⚛️ Advanced Materials: Creation of new materials with unique properties for various applications. 🔋 Energy Tech: Sustainable energy solutions and innovations in energy storage and efficiency. And the opportunities are vast: 🌍 Global Impact: DeepTech solutions have the potential to address critical global issues like climate change, healthcare, and food security. 💼 Market Potential: With the right support, DeepTech startups can capture substantial market share and drive economic growth. 🤝 Collaborative Innovation: Partnerships between startups, corporates, and research institutions can accelerate development and deployment. ‼️ Learn more about how we foster partnerships between startups, corporates and research institutes here: https://lnkd.in/dkT8S_ck At MotionLab.Berlin, and as the newly appointed DeepTech Hub Berlin for Deep Tech Berlin we are proud to support DeepTech innovators as they push the boundaries of what's possible. For example: ➡ Advanced Materials: MotorSkins is leading the way. ➡ Nanotechnology: NanoMatter is making strides in semiconductor manufacturing. ➡ Robotics and Automation: Driven by startups like Bearcover and Skycharge. ➡ Energy Technologies: Innovations like green energy storage from LIQUIDLOOP and direct air capture from Ucaneo ➡ Advanced sensor technology within spacetech such as that solution of AIRMO Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe, Berlin.Industrial.Group. (B.I.G.), Venture Lab Niterra Group, Lemberg Solutions, Würth Elektronik Group, RCKT., Germany Trade & Invest, Digital Hub Initiative #DeepTech #Innovation #Biotech #AI #QuantumComputing #AdvancedMaterials #EnergyTech #Startups #Sustainability #MotionLabBerlin #netzero

Is the Future of AI Light-Based? 💡🤖 What if we could revolutionize computing with light instead of traditional electronics? The field of photonics is gaining momentum as rising demands for AI performance create a need for innovative solutions. German startup Akhetonics is stepping into the spotlight, recently raising €6 million in seed funding to push all-optical chip technology into the mainstream. This contrarian approach represents a significant shift that could define future data processing and computing capabilities, but can it deliver on its promise? As we explore this exciting intersection of photonics and AI, we're eager to hear your thoughts! How do you see light-based technologies transforming our digital world? Will Akhetonics lead the charge in breaking new ground? Connect with startups to drive your corporate innovation 🚀 Book a meeting! https://lnkd.in/dFYwmbHq #Photonics #AI #TechInnovation #AllOpticalChips #Startups #ComputingPerformance #FundingNews #Akhetonics #FutureOfTech #LightBasedTechnology Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dxnxeX_k

Is the Future of AI Light-Based? 💡🤖 What if we could revolutionize computing with light instead of traditional electronics? The field of photonics is gaining momentum as rising demands for AI performance create a need for innovative solutions. German startup Akhetonics is stepping into the spotlight, recently raising €6 million in seed funding to push all-optical chip technology into the mainstream. This contrarian approach represents a significant shift that could define future data processing and computing capabilities, but can it deliver on its promise? As we explore this exciting intersection of photonics and AI, we're eager to hear your thoughts! How do you see light-based technologies transforming our digital world? Will Akhetonics lead the charge in breaking new ground? Connect with startups to drive your corporate innovation 🚀 Book a meeting! https://lnkd.in/dFYwmbHq #Photonics #AI #TechInnovation #AllOpticalChips #Startups #ComputingPerformance #FundingNews #Akhetonics #FutureOfTech #LightBasedTechnology Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dxnxeX_k

💻 Exciting news alert! Thomas Tull's U.S Innovative Technology Fund has invested a whopping $175 million in Celestial AI, a groundbreaking photonics chip startup. This move aims to slash costs in AI computing, propelling Celestial AI's efforts to drive innovation in Artificial Intelligence. 📈 📉 🔬 This massive investment highlights the constant technological innovations driving the tech industry forward, transforming the way we approach AI computing. 👩🏽💻 Diversity in tech is crucial, and investments like these pave the way for more inclusive and innovative advancements. 📍 Keen on learning more about this game-changing investment? Check out NextRound.ai's latest blog post for detailed insights: https://nextround.ai/blog/. Get #InTheKnow about emerging tech trends! 💰 📎 This investment, guided by Thomas Tull's U.S Innovative Technology Fund, demonstrates success in addressing challenges and fostering growth in the tech sector. 💯 Let's keep pushing for positive outcomes and capitalize on opportunities for innovation. 🌤️ ☝🏽 Don't miss out on NextRound.ai's resources to help founders connect with investors and secure funding for their ventures. ✅ #ThomasTull #CelestialAI #SeriesCFunding #FutureTech #InvestmentInnovation #NextRoundInsights #TechTrends #FundingOpportunities #AIRevolution #ForwardThinkingFounders

📣 Attention all innovators, scientists, engineers, and founders in Australia. Are you developing advanced materials, AI, biotechnology, blockchains…..? Cicada x Tech 23 is Australia’s largest deep tech festival and will take place on August 7. We are searching for 23 of the most visionary leaders and exciting innovations to champion on the nation's largest deep tech stage. We want to showcase your ambition to the world and connect you with the people and resources that you need to succeed. If you are working on developing clean tech, digital health, distributed ledger technologies, energy storage, environmental technologies, genomics, hardware, machine learning, medical devices, nanotechnology, neurotechnology, optics, pharmaceuticals, photonics, quantum computing, regenerative medicine, robotics, sensors, software, then we want you! Cicada x Tech 23 is your key to:  - Platforming your deep tech solutions to a distinguished audience of industry leaders, forward-thinking investors, and fellow pioneers, all eager to see you succeed. - Benefit from unparalleled media exposure, putting your startup in the spotlight and introducing your solutions to a broader audience across the nation. - Access vital partnerships, valuable resources, and a supportive network to fast-track your startup's growth and impact. - Immerse yourself in a dynamic ecosystem of deep tech enthusiasts where collaboration, support, and innovation thrive. Be one of the 23. Apply before April 12: https://lnkd.in/gThBQYvD #CxT23 #DeepTech #cicadainnovation #technology #innovationtech #DeepTechAustralia #Startups #StartUpsAustralia

Former Meta researchers have launched a new startup, EvolutionaryScale, after securing a $142 million seed investment. The startup has introduced the ESM3 generative AI model, which is designed for advanced protein design and is supported by NVIDIA. EvolutionaryScale's debut features the ESM3 model, a third-generation AI that integrates sequence analysis, structural dynamics, and functional attributes of proteins, offering a comprehensive tool for protein discovery engineers. The ESM3 model, which is significantly more advanced than its predecessor, ESM2, operates with approximately 25 times more flops and utilizes 60 times more data. It comprises a substantial 98 billion parameters. To facilitate the training of its AI model, EvolutionaryScale has compiled a database comprising over 2 billion protein sequences. The company, originating from Meta's Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) division, has recently received backing from investors such as Lux Capital, Nat Friedman, and Daniel Gross, alongside contributions from NVIDIA. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the rapidly growing field of AI foundational models for biological research. #foundationmodel #NVIDIA #biotech #proteindesign #biopharmatrend Image credit: EvolutionaryScale

🇬🇧 7 Oxford Startups to Watch in 2024/2025, According to Investors 🇬🇧 As Oxford's innovation ecosystem grows, investors are noticing the potential of startups in this historic academic city. While funding in Oxford has traditionally lagged behind London and Cambridge, 2024 has seen a significant increase in venture capital funding in Oxford, amounting to approximately €455 million across 28 deals. Here’s a look at seven Oxford-based startups that are catching investors' attention 🚀 :- 1️⃣ Salience Labs - Focus: Photonic chips for data centers - Tackles data bottlenecks in data centers with photonic chips that use light for data transfer, promising unmatched efficiency as data demands grow. 2️⃣ FluoRok - Focus: Chemical synthesis without hydrofluoric acid - Innovates in chemical manufacturing by eliminating the use of hydrofluoric acid, one of the world's most dangerous chemicals, creating safer processes in pharma and other industries. 3️⃣ OXCCU TECH LTD - Focus: Sustainable fuels and plastics from CO₂ - Combines CO₂ with hydrogen to produce sustainable fuels and materials, potentially revolutionizing eco-friendly aviation fuel and making a big impact on decarbonization. 4️⃣ Quantum Dice - Focus: Quantum-based random number generation - Pioneers in secure random number generation for cryptography and simulation, leveraging quantum optics to ensure trust and security in data-sensitive applications. 5️⃣ Lumai - Focus: AI accelerators with optical computing - Develops AI accelerators with optical computing, enabling data centers to operate with greater speed, energy efficiency, and scalability—essential for AI-driven data loads. 6️⃣ Archangel Lightworks - Focus: Laser communication for space data transfer - Enhances satellite communications with laser technology, increasing bandwidth for global data transfer from space, which is vital as demand for Earth observation data rises. 7️⃣ Ochre Bio - Focus: RNA therapies for liver disease - Uses RNA therapies and lab-grown liver organoids to develop treatments for chronic liver disease, advancing personalized medicine with groundbreaking insights into liver health. 🇬🇧 Oxford’s ecosystem is thriving with innovations that are setting new benchmarks in tech and healthcare. Keep an eye on these game-changers as they transform their fields! 💡🌍 Further further details on these startups go to the Sifted article, by Tom Nugent here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dtMxSt8w #innovation #tech #entrepreneurs #investors #innovators #founders #VCs #Oxford #Startups #VentureCapital #DeepTech #Biotech #AI #QuantumComputing #OpticalComputing #GreenTech #SustainableAviation #SpaceTech #RNAtherapies #CleanEnergy #Healthcare #DataCenters

🚀 Berlin's AI Pioneers: Lucid Genomics and the Power of Innovation 🚀 Berlin is a prime location for AI startups in Germany, according to Dr. Uirá Souto Melo, founder of Lucid Genomics, located at Merantix AI Campus. In an interview, Dr. Melo shares his insights on how Berlin's rich AI ecosystem has fostered the growth of innovative companies like his. Highlights: 💡 Berlin's unmatched resources and connections for AI startups. 💡 The unique combination of new sequencing technologies, AI advancements, and genomic knowledge at Lucid Genomics. 💡 The future of personalized medicine through digital twins. 💡 Partnering for Progress: Thriving with Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (Max Planck Society) and Berlin's K.I.E.Z. Künstliche Intelligenz Entrepreneurship Zentrum (Accelerator) Find out how the region's leading research institutions, innovative technologies and solid funding programmes create the perfect environment for AI-driven companies to flourish!   Click the link in the first comment to read the full interview! 👇 #AI #Startups #Berlin #Innovation #MachineLearning #Genomics #TechHub photo©Munir Werner