Oxford University spin-out Lumai secures £1.1M Innovate UK Smart Grant to power optical computing revolution

Lumai, the Oxford University spinout unlocking the potential of optical computing, has been awarded an Innovate UK Smart Grant to commercialise its work in all-optical network training and deep optics for faster, more e cient computing.

The company is creating advanced optical computing processors where the information flow and calculations are not dependent on electronic processing.

Existing transistor-based digital electronics are struggling to support the potential o ered by AI, especially with the explosive increase of computation demand to support breakthrough AI models such as ChatGPT.

Lumai’s computing platform is capable of energy-e cient and ultra-fast, parallel processing. Its optical neural networks can be 1,000 times faster – and much more sustainable – than existing transistor-based digital electronics.

Tim Weil, CEO at Lumai, said: “The Innovate UK Smart Grant win is a testament to the team’s vision and passion to create optical computers that are significantly faster and consume less energy than traditional electronics.

“After spinning out from the University of Oxford, it’s fitting that we work together on the Innovate UK project to further enhance the capabilities of these advanced optical systems.” sources for a greener energy ecosystem.”

Mike Schooling, Indra’s founder and Chief Technology O cer said: “Bidirectional charging technology is enabling us to unlock the potential of EVs as portable energy sources, connecting the vehicle with the home and the grid.

“Thanks to this latest investment, we are in a strong position to take full advantage of the growing EV market.”

WMG at The Uni of Warwick secures funding for self-driving project

WMG at the University of Warwick and Birmingham-based deeptech Conigital, have been awarded a share of £81 million in joint government and industry support to develop a self-driving vehicle at WMG driving transport technology.

WMG is part of a consortium, led by Conigital, including the NEC Birmingham, Direct Line Group, Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Coventry University, Malvern-based autonomous vehicle testing company