To cultivate a stronger foundation of artificial intelligence (AI) talent and encourage greater investment in AI research and development, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) hosted the inaugural 'Best AI Award Competition,' culminating in the finals held on May 3, 2025, at the Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 1. This year's competition attracted participation from 1,253 teams spanning 36 countries. From this pool, 233 teams advanced to the finals, where they competed for gold, silver, and bronze awards, as well as honorable mentions, across the 'AI Application' and 'IC Design' categories. These categories were further divided into groups: Public Corporations, SMEs and Startups, Students, and International Teams.The Gold Award was bestowed upon eight winners: HiTRUSTpay, EYS3D Microelectronics, Daya Yoo, Jmem Tek, National Central University, National Taiwan University, Touch Lab (Philippines), and Arba Lab (UK).According to an MOEA press release, the 'Best AI Awards' aspires to be Taiwan's equivalent of the "Oscars for AI", embodying diversity, global reach, and a forward-looking vision. Its core objectives are to ignite the creativity of the next generation, foster stronger ties between academia and industry, and nurture a deeper pool of AI-savvy talent and innovative enterprises. Ultimately, the competition aims to drive the industrialization of AI and the adoption of AI across industries, thereby solidifying Taiwan's position in the AI landscape. The competition offers substantial prizes, with student group winners vying for up to NT$300,000 and winners in the enterprise open, startup and SME, and international groups competing for up to NT$1 million.Credit: MOEAAt the awards ceremony, Deputy Minister Ho Chin-tsang emphasized AI's accelerating transformation of the global industrial structure, impacting sectors from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and everyday services. He stressed the 'Best AI Awards' competition platform's crucial role in forging stronger links between talent development, technological applications, and industry demands. In response to the widespread anticipation for AI technologies, the MOEA seeks to foster a practical, application-oriented approach, encouraging innovative concepts to address real-world industry challenges. This strategy aims to continuously cultivate new talent and generate cutting-edge solutions within Taiwan's evolving AI ecosystem. Deputy Minister Ho also highlighted that the competition entries exemplify the fusion of AI technology with tangible needs and creative execution, showcasing the immense potential of translating innovative ideas into viable solutions. Looking ahead, the MOEA will sustain its commitment to facilitating the adoption of innovative solutions and maximizing their value through strategic policy initiatives and industry partnerships.Credit: MOEADirector-General Kuo Chao-chung of the MOEA's Department of Industrial Technology underscored the impressive international engagement of the inaugural Best AI Awards, attracting both enthusiastic domestic participation from enterprises and academic institutions and the involvement of 353 international professionals from 36 countries, including India, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This global participation establishes the competition as a vital platform for the international exchange of AI innovation. To expedite the industry's capacity building in AI talent and applications, the MOEA will not only continue to host the Best AI Awards but also leverage the pilot production capabilities of schools and research institutions to support businesses in design, new product development, and prototyping. Furthermore, the MOEA will collaborate with agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration and the Industrial Development Administration to facilitate industry-wide AI transformation and develop practical AI expertise.Chiu Chui-hui, Director-General of the Industrial Development Administration, cited a report by the Artificial Intelligence Technology Foundation, which identifies the 'shortage of relevant technical talent' as Taiwan's primary obstacle to AI advancement. The Global Artificial Intelligence Index corroborates this, revealing that while Taiwan excels in infrastructure (ranking 4th), it faces challenges in talent (38th), research (27th), and commercialization (39th). Consequently, the Best AI Awards are designed to expedite the real-world application of AI and the cultivation of skilled professionals. Chiu emphasized the competition's significance as Taiwan's premier AI competition, characterized by its scale, prestigious awards, and high standards (with a highly selective 7.4% award rate). He expressed his hope for collaborative efforts across all sectors to broaden the adoption of AI and harness its power to drive industrial innovation.The 'Best AI Awards' entries spanned a diverse range of application areas, including information and communication technology (18.4%), manufacturing (16.2%), healthcare (15.9%), wholesale and retail (10.2%), education (8.6%), and finance (7.8%). This diversity not only underscores the application of cutting-edge technologies but also highlights the immense potential of AI to be successfully integrated into various industries.The gold medal winners' covered areas and their attempted solutions to problems are summarized as follows:CategoryTeamWork TitleDomainPain Points to SolveAIStudentNational Central UniversityRealization of Highly Flexible Production LinesManufacturing AutomationTraditional production lines are inflexible and struggle to adapt to rapidly changing and varied production needs.AI SME and StartupData YooFarmiSpaceFarmingEnhance the efficiency and management of agricultural production, and optimize agricultural resource allocationAI Public CompanyHiTRUSTpayVeri-id equipment id verification and real-time AI anti-scam/fraud serviceCybersecurity, FintechSolve device identity verification issues, and provide real-time prevention of financial fraud, thereby enhancing transaction security.AI_INTLTouchLab (Philippines)AI driven TOUCH System – Digitizing TouchDigitalization, human-machine interactionDigitize touch, enabling machines to understand and simulate tactile sensations, thereby enhancing the precision and scope of human-computer interaction.IC StudentNational Taiwan UniversityTernary-weight Transformer model software-hardware synergetic design and neural network accelerator IC design and implementationIC design, AI hardware accelerationDesign higher-performance, lower-power AI chips to accelerate the computation of Transformer models and improve the efficiency of AI applications.IC SME & StartupJmem TekArgusNPU – PQC security edge AI inference systemCybersecurity, Edge AI, AI IC designProvide AI inference capabilities with post-quantum security on edge devices to protect sensitive data and enable high-performance AI applicationsIC Public CompanyeYs3D MicroelectronAI Edge Computing Car Parking Management SystemSmart City Transportation ManagementUse edge AI to improve parking management efficiency, optimize the allocation of parking resources, and alleviate traffic congestion.IC_INTLArbaLab(UK)ArbaEdgeAI Edge ComputingRealizing high-performance AI computing on edge devices to reduce reliance on cloud computing, enhance response speed, and improve privacy protection.Source: MOEAThe winning entries of the 'Best AI Awards' showcased the dynamic development and diverse applications of AI technology, with particularly strong innovation evident in sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing, as well as in the burgeoning fields of AIoT and edge AI integration.The Ministry of Economic Affairs pointed out that looking ahead, it will continue to collaborate with industry, academia, and research institutions, hoping that the "Best AI Awards" can become an important annual platform to promote Taiwan's AI technology development, talent cultivation, and innovative applications, and to continuously discover more promising new talents. In addition, matchmaking events will also be held concurrently during the "COMPUTEX" exhibition every May, with plans to invite more than 20 domestic and foreign venture capitalists and buyers to participate, fostering in-depth exchanges and cooperation between participating teams and the industry, and further expanding the commercialization opportunities for AI innovative applications.Through this comprehensive strategy, the Ministry of Economic Affairs aims to expedite the creation of groundbreaking AI applications and the cultivation of interdisciplinary AI expertise, ultimately steering Taiwan toward its ambitious vision of becoming a globally recognized "AI Island". For the latest updates, follow the official LinkedIn page of the Best AI Awards.

Quebec-based startup Femtum, a trailblazer in laser technology, is carving out a critical role in the evolution of semiconductor manufacturing.Spun off from Laval University's Centre of Optics, Photonics, and Lasers in November 2017, the company was founded by Louis-Rafaël Robichaud and Simon Duval, who are respectively the CEO and CTO.Initially, the focus of the company was on the laser sources. Since it was a spinoff, it had more than 20 years of research that Femtum acquired through a transfer of technologies by licensing the IP from the university.Robichaud and other experts on the team bring a wealth of knowledge to Femtum, including laser engines, fiber laser engines, all the assemblies, and the processing steps that are required to make them viable."Still today, Femtum is the only mid-infrared short pulse fiber laser in the industry," he asserted, highlighting the company's unique technological advantage. This distinctiveness is crucial in addressing the intricate challenges of manufacturing next-generation semiconductors for AI and photonics.Femtum's laser solutions are engineered to enhance precision in essential processes such as trimming and cleaning. In the production of advanced components like Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), and silicon photonics, the necessity for meticulous cleaning is paramount."One dust particle can kill a full CPO package," Robichaud warned, emphasizing the potentially devastating impact of contaminants and the critical role of Femtum's cleaning technology in preventing defects and boosting production yield.Robichaud emphasized that where Femtum distinguishes itself from other competitors is the fact that it not only provides the laser source, but also the optical end, how to focus the beam, how to condition the beam, and a fiber beam delivery. "We have fast shutters. We have optics to focus it really well. We also provide a software suite, which is pretty advanced to do the laser cleaning and laser trimming," said Robichaud.Versatile in laser solutionsThe company's technology is not just about cleaning; it's also about enabling new manufacturing processes. "We can really enable new processes. Epoxy is widely used for the bonding of parts together," Robichaud explained, pointing to the versatility of Femtum's laser solutions.Femtum has already demonstrated the efficacy of its solutions through pilot programs with key industry players. Its partnership with ficonTEC, a global leader in fiber-attached systems, has been instrumental in validating the technology at wafer scale."ficonTEC is the leading supplier of fiber attached systems in the world. They're a German company. They're the suppliers of many of the biggest Taiwanese OSATs," Robichaud stated, underscoring the significance of these collaborations.Femtum is also collaborating with other major entities, including INO and C2MI in Canada, to further refine and expand the applications of its laser technology.As Femtum looks to the future, scalability is a key focus. "The aim of Femtum is to achieve a thousand laser solutions per year," Robichaud revealed, outlining the company's ambition to significantly increase its production capacity. This vision includes the construction of a new factory in Quebec City.Seeking strategic investmentsTo fuel its expansion, Femtum is actively pursuing strategic investments. "We are raising Series A as we speak, and we hope to close this round by the end of this year," Robichaud confirmed. The company is particularly interested in attracting Taiwanese investors, recognizing the pivotal role of Taiwan in the semiconductor ecosystem."Taiwan is a key market, if not the top three markets for sure for Femtum," Robichaud emphasized, highlighting the country's importance for the company's growth strategy. He also mentioned that Femtum already has distributors in Taiwan.Femtum's business model is centered on providing comprehensive laser solutions. "We are a Femtum inside play. We co-sell our solution together with the machine integrator," Robichaud explained. This collaborative approach ensures that Femtum's technology is seamlessly integrated into the broader manufacturing process.Looking for investors, Robichaud hopes to find those that are more than just financial backers. "We're not looking only for people that can provide money, but also people that can bring value to the company, open doors and make those strategic partnerships or strategic projects or customers or suppliers, things like that," he said.With its sights set on revolutionizing semiconductor manufacturing, Femtum is poised for significant growth, driven by its cutting-edge technology and strategic vision.

Vancouver-based startup Clirio is transforming how engineering projects are visualized and managed through its cutting-edge platform that integrates augmented reality (AR), LIDAR scanning, subsurface data, and 3D visualization.Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from an applied earth science consulting company, Clirio aims to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions regarding large infrastructure projects such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and mining operations.According to CEO Gerald Magnusson, Clirio was born from the need to address the challenges of traditional engineering practices. "We're trying to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions around large infrastructure projects, such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and tailing dams for mining operations," Magnusson explains.Magnusson further highlights the difficulty for the general public to comprehend complex projects: "As you can imagine, for the layperson, looking at hundreds of 2D drawings is often challenging to understand what the scope and scale of the problem of the project is." Clirio's platform addresses this by "taking that data and putting it into the middle of the room so that everyone can ask questions based on the initial model, so everyone starts learning and growing their knowledge base around the project," says Magnusson.Core technology and unique advantagesClirio's core technology combines augmented reality, LIDAR-based scanning capabilities, subsurface data, and advanced 3D visualization. The platform enables users to capture, visualize, and collaborate on geospatial and project data in immersive environments.What sets Clirio apart, Magnusson states, is "its ability to integrate real-world 3D data, or what we often refer to as digital twins, into highly collaborative cloud-based workflows, allowing those teams to work anywhere in the world with one another". Unlike traditional BIM solutions, Clirio's tools focus on delivering real-world, spatially accurate visualizations.Scalability and data interoperabilityClirio's platform is designed with scalability in mind, capable of supporting organizations from small teams to large enterprises. The cloud-native architecture ensures that data storage, processing, and collaboration grow seamlessly. The platform also utilizes field-gathering tools on smartphones and tablets, enabling users to keep data current throughout a project's lifecycle."We've prioritized data interoperability and offer integrations with most commonly used data formats," Magnusson notes, emphasizing Clirio's ability to seamlessly integrate into clients' existing spatial data workflows. The platform supports various GIS systems, subsurface information, CAD platforms, and data formats, providing a comprehensive view of both above-surface and below-surface data.Customization and diverse applicationsClirio's platform is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific industries and use cases.Magnusson illustrates the platform's versatility: "Large-scale infrastructure engineering and construction projects can utilize geo hazard mapping and annotation tools. Archeologists could use it for digital preservation and virtual tours of excavation sites. Natural resource industries can adapt the platform for pipeline monitoring and environmental impact assessments," and even "Mining operators can collect geo-referenced 3D scans of changing conditions on site to provide safety briefings for workers that are just arriving on-site".Business model and financialsClirio operates on a subscription-based SaaS model, with pricing tiers based on usage volume and organizational size.Small teams can have access to affordable plans with limited user seats and digital workspaces. "Our tiered plans include a free tier where a user has access to one workspace. There's the pro tier for $49 US per month, and then there's a premium tier for $89 US per month". For larger clients, enterprise plans offer unlimited access and custom feature development.Clirio's annual recurring revenue is approximately CA$400,000, with CA$350,000 from services and CA$50,000 from the product side. The company's current burn rate is about CA$42,000 per month.Future roadmap and expansionClirio's future roadmap includes integrating AI to analyze geospatial data and provide actionable recommendations. The company also plans to add more data integrations and enhance its 3D annotation and design tools.Magnusson said it is also focused on expanding its hardware compatibility and establishing strategic partnerships in regions like Taiwan. He highlighted the company's interest in partnering with AI data analytics firms, display hardware manufacturers, and supporting Taiwan's infrastructure development.Looking ahead, Magnusson envisions Clirio continuing to grow its feature set based on user feedback and expanding its reach through joint ventures and strategic partnerships. "Really it is about continuing to grow our feature set based on, on what our users are telling us that is, that is critical for their types of work," Magnusson states. Ultimately, Clirio's vision is to support companies in making better-informed decisions on their projects, ensuring the best outcome for everyone involved.

Letenda, a company with a strong vision to become a major player in the transportation industry, is making significant strides in the electric bus market. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Letenda aims to transform public transit.Nicolas Letendre, Letenda's CEO and founder, with over 15 years of experience in the transportation vehicle manufacturing industry, including roles at tier-one suppliers and Bombardier Aerospace, identified a crucial gap in the North American bus market. "My family comes from an entrepreneur family, and I always wanted to start a vehicle manufacturing company," Letendre explains. This passion, combined with technical expertise and a keen business sense, led to the inception of Letenda.In 2013, Letendre began investigating the bus industry, engaging with customers and suppliers to understand their needs. A key takeaway from these interactions was the demand for a mid-sized bus, a segment underserved in North America, where the market has been dominated by 30-foot and 40-foot full-size buses since the 1960s. "The customers told us we need smaller buses than the full-size bus that we have in North America," Letendre states, highlighting the need for a 9-meter bus for transit and shuttle services.Innovation at the forefrontLetenda's journey began in 2016, with Letendre participating in various accelerators to refine the business plan and model. Securing initial investments in 2017, Letendre focused on developing a battery-electric bus program that addresses key customer requirements: zero emissions, improved passenger accessibility, enhanced maneuverability, and a good range.Letenda's commitment to innovation is evident in its design and technology. The company's buses feature a distinct shape, improved passenger cabin and accessibility, enhanced driver field of view for increased safety, and energy efficiency, and computer-controlled systems for data provision. A rear steering system enhances maneuverability, allowing drivers to navigate tight corners with ease. "So you drive the bus now like a car and not like a bus anymore," Letendre explains.Targeting the public transit marketLetenda primarily targets the public transit market, including municipal transit, airport shuttles, and university shuttles in the USA. The company also recognizes the emerging demand for on-demand transit services in smaller towns, where smaller buses like Letenda's are ideal. "Like the Uber, but for buses, and you don't need a full-size bus for that service, they take less people, so a smaller bus makes sense," Letendre points out.Strategic manufacturing and expansionLetenda's business model involves collaborating with manufacturing partners to produce its buses. This approach allows for efficient production ramp-up and scalability. Initial manufacturing will occur in Canada to serve launch customers, with plans to utilize a manufacturing partner's US site to comply with "Buy America" requirements for public transit projects in the United States.The company is also exploring opportunities to expand its manufacturing and market reach. Letendre expresses interest in collaborating with Taiwanese manufacturers to serve markets in different regions, leveraging Taiwan's capabilities and Letenda's innovative platform.Competitive and sustainableLetenda is committed to providing competitive solutions in the electric bus market. The company's buses are priced competitively with major competitors like BYD, and Letenda has the advantage of being eligible for FTA (Federal Transit Administration) projects and avoiding surtaxes. "We are competitive with the other electric buses. BYD is a Chinese company, and is banned from applying to FTA like public transit projects", Letendre explains.Letendre also recognizes the importance of government incentives in driving the adoption of electric buses. In Canada and the USA, public transit operators utilize grants to purchase buses, a model that Letenda is familiar with. "And In Canada, we have the incentive for research and development (R&D)," Letendre emphasized that the sound ecosystem of R&D is very helpful for the company.Data monetization and AI integrationLetenda's business model extends beyond bus sales to include aftermarket parts and data monetization. The company plans to leverage the data generated by its buses to provide valuable insights to customers, enhancing their operations and services.Furthermore, Letenda is embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI to enhance its offerings. The company is integrating AI-powered passenger counting devices to provide valuable data to customers.Letenda is currently in a Series A fundraising round to support its commercialization phase. The funds will be used to purchase parts and work with the manufacturing partner to deliver buses. "We are planning to achieve our breakeven point executing the Series A plan," Letendre states.Collaboration and government incentivesLetenda is coming to Taiwan in May for the Computex and actively seeks strategic partnerships to expand its market presence and leverage local expertise. The company has initiated discussions with Taiwanese bus manufacturing companies to explore collaboration opportunities.As an innovative bus company based in Quebec, Letenda is poised to make a significant impact on the transportation industry with its innovative electric bus technology, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainability.

In an era dominated by cloud-based AI, a growing movement toward edge computing is emerging. Canadian edge AI startup Picovoice offers a full portfolio of voice AI and LLM technologies, distinguishing itself by delivering cloud-level performance directly on edge devices, combining high performance with privacy and low latency.Founded in January 2018 by Alireza Kenarsari, Picovoice aims to accelerate the transition of AI processing to where data is generated – at the user's fingertips.Kenarsari observed the inherent inefficiencies of cloud-dependent AI assistants, questioning the necessity of sending even simple voice commands to distant data centers for processing."If you tell Alexa to turn off the lights, does it really need to go through half of the planet, go to a data center, and come back? Probably not," Kenarsari said. "I knew what was going to happen, so my goal was to accelerate that transition."He envisioned a future where AI could operate more locally, mirroring human intelligence. This vision, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to establish Picovoice.Kenarsari's journey to Picovoice is marked by a rich blend of experiences. His career began with stints at three different startups in Vancouver, where he witnessed the full spectrum of outcomes from acquisition and IPO to complete failure. This was followed by a role at Amazon, focusing on machine learning-based financial fraud detection. His close interactions with the Alexa unit at Amazon provided him with key insights that would shape his vision for his startup.End-to-end optimizationPicovoice's core technology is distinguished by its end-to-end optimization. The company owns its data pipelines, training mechanisms, and inference engines, enabling it to fine-tune its AI models for optimal performance on edge devices. This approach allows Picovoice to match the accuracy of cloud-based APIs while providing the low latency and reliability crucial for real-time applications.What differentiates Picovoice's solution from other edge-computing competitors? "Many edge deployment solutions use post-training optimization, where a pre-trained model (often open source) is modified to be smaller and faster. This approach has limitations: the original model isn't designed for edge deployment, restricting potential optimizations," explained Kenarsari. "Additionally, reliance on open-source runtimes like PyTorch and TensorFlow limits the optimization techniques available." These limitations make it difficult to achieve cloud-level accuracy on edge devices. That's why Picovoice addresses this by creating its own data pipeline and training mechanism.To empower non-developers to design voice-enabled product interactions, Picovoice has developed a web-based platform that simplifies the creation and customization of voice commands and wake words. It adopts a customer-centric approach, tailoring its business model to suit the unique needs of each client. As Kenarsari notes, "If you're making an AI PC, your constraints are very different compared to someone who is making a $5 million surgical robot."Its solutions are designed to be cross-platform compatible, supporting a wide array of operating systems and hardware configurations from Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox to NPU, GPU, CPU, MPU, and MCUs. "This versatility is particularly valuable for enterprises with diverse product portfolios," said Kenarsari. This is especially valuable for large enterprises that want to provide consistent user experiences across different devices.Value proposition for the edgePicovoice targets industries where privacy, reliability, and real-time processing are paramount, including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, public safety, and government tech. The company's business model is B2B-focused, offering cost-effective solutions for high-volume applications. Its technology is being utilized in various innovative applications, including LLM-based voice assistants, agentic AI, and even NASA's next-generation spacesuits. In public safety, Picovoice's on-device solutions ensure that sensitive data remains secure.Picovoice initially earned recognition by delivering technically advanced solutions that outpaced competitors, gaining credibility among sophisticated technical buyers. As the company evolves, expanding its product portfolio and refining its go-to-market strategy, its value is increasingly recognized by non-technical stakeholders as well. With a commitment to transparency, Picovoice offers open access to its technology and resources. Its flexible pricing model is designed to adapt to the unique needs and scale of each customer.Looking aheadLooking ahead, Picovoice's vision is to power a billion devices with its AI technology. It is actively expanding its team and exploring strategic acquisitions to further its reach and impact.The company remains committed to continuous innovation, investing heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of the AI revolution.Picovoice has achieved profitability and secured significant multi-year deals with Fortune 100 companies. While the company is not actively seeking fundraising, it is open to strategic acquisitions to expand its team and capabilities.

In an exclusive interview, Mariia Zhuldybina, CEO and co-founder of TRAQC, a Canadian startup, shared her vision for transforming quality control in additive electronics manufacturing. The company is pioneering the use of terahertz radiation to inspect the functionality of printed materials in real-time.Zhuldybina's journey began during her PhD research in terahertz metamaterials, where she visited industrial facilities producing printable electronics. "I was fascinated about the production line and how it is working at huge volume and how many we can produce in a very short time," Zhuldybina said, but she also noticed that quality control methods were outdated. This realization sparked her desire to bring her research to the industry, developing a solution for in-line, non-contact quality control.TRAQC's technology uses terahertz light to measure the functionality of printed materials, similar to how our eyes see different colors of light. "Our system is actually measuring how the signal of terahertz light is reflected which corresponds to actual functionality of the printed production of the printed traces. We do it in a similar way to your eyes, for example exploring a rainbow: what is red what is blue what is green, and we can also do it with terahertz to explore what is good electrical properties, what is bad electrical properties," Zhuldybina explained.Key AdvantagesTRAQC's system offers significant advantages over traditional quality control methods. It can operate at speeds up to 50 meters per minute with 95% precision. In contrast, traditional camera solutions only inspect the surface and cannot assess functionality, while probe methods are manual and can damage the products. According to Zhuldybina, "sometimes people throw away kilometers of printed devices because there was a lack of quality control during the production in line."Applications and MarketTRAQC's technology targets various additive electronics manufacturing sectors, including sensors, RFIDs, NFC antennas, medical devices, wearable devices, and solar cells. The company is particularly focused on the solar energy sector, where there is a growing demand for fast, cheap, and thin solar panels. Zhuldybina emphasized the urgency, stating, "We need to go from producing like 360 gigawatt of solar panels per year to 3,000 gigawatts. We need to jump almost 10 times within five years."Competitive Edge and PricingWhile there are existing quality control methods like probe methods, camera systems, and profilometers, TRAQC's solution offers a more comprehensive approach. "All the solutions are missing something what we complement," Zhuldybina noted. Although TRAQC's hardware, priced at $75,000, is more expensive than a simple multimeter, it provides added value through consistent data collection, AI integration, and real-time feedback. The company also employs a subscription model for its AI-powered services, costing around $3,000 per month.Installation, Scalability, and Taiwan's Supply ChainsTRAQC's system is designed for easy integration into existing production lines, requiring only about 30 minutes for installation. The company is currently raising $1 million in pre-seed funding to scale up production, deploy pilot systems, and accelerate market entry.Recognizing the importance of strategic partnerships, TRAQC is also looking to leverage Taiwan's robust supply chains. "Yes, we are very open for this opportunity, and not only in printable electronics but in terms of the technology which we are using," said Zhuldybina, indicating a dual interest in both printable electronics and the broader technology supply chain in Taiwan.Vision for the FutureLooking ahead, TRAQC aims to become the standard tool for the printed electronics industry, providing a comprehensive solution for quality control and process improvement. The company is also committed to sustainability, with the goal of reducing waste and energy consumption in manufacturing. According to their estimates, a single TRAQC machine can reduce CO2 emissions by 150,000 kilograms of CO2 equivalent.TRAQC's innovative approach has the potential to significantly impact the additive electronics manufacturing industry by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and enabling the production of high-quality products.TRAQC's system offers significant advantages over traditional quality control methodsPhoto: CompanyTRAQC's system is designed for easy integration into existing production linesPhoto: Company

Procero, a company focused on enabling edge AI use cases, is making significant strides in empowering businesses to run AI applications locally and within their own environments. In a recent interview, Board Director Dr. Richard Reiner discussed Procero's mission, its technology's potential, and its views on the evolving AI landscape.Procero's core focus is to enable AI applications, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and other generative AI, to operate on-premise, addressing critical concerns around data privacy, cost-efficiency, and latency. Dr. Reiner highlighted the increasing demand for edge AI solutions, driven by the need to avoid reliance on large, cloud-based environments."The demand for running AI on the edge is very strong, but the availability of edge AI solutions has been limited," Dr. Reiner stated, emphasizing Procero's commitment to enhancing the capability of edge devices to handle more complex AI use cases with greater performance.Procero sees strong potential across several vertical markets, including advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, network intelligence, telecom-based edge computing, smart mobility, and healthcare. Dr. Reiner pointed out healthcare as a key area where edge AI solutions are crucial due to privacy regulations.Strategic partnerships across the AI ecosystemProcero is actively seeking to collaborate with key players across the AI technology ecosystem. This includes:*Semiconductor companies: Procero aims to partner with companies producing NPUs, GPUs, or TPUs, particularly those focused on edge devices for AI PCs, AI-enabled mobile devices, and IoT devices. Procero's software solution can significantly expand the capability to run AI applications on these systems.*Device OEMs: Procero also targets device Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that integrate semiconductor and memory technology into finished products like IoT devices, mobile phones, and laptops. The company offers its software to enhance AI capabilities at the device level.*Application vendors: Recognizing the importance of application-specific AI implementations, Procero seeks to collaborate with vendors developing AI-driven applications such as chatbots, image generation, and video generation for various devices. Procero's edge-optimized inference engine can be embedded within these applications to improve performance.Early success and strong IP moatFounded at the end of 2023, Procero has quickly advanced from its R&D phase to having its first commercially available product and is engaging with major companies. The company was founded within a venture lab in Montreal called Tandem Launch, and its technology is based on intellectual property licensed from leading university research institutions as well as additional IP developed within the company.Procero has a strong IP moat with multiple families of issued patents and ongoing patent applications. Dr. Reiner believes this robust IP protection differentiates Procero and safeguards its innovations.Experienced leadership teamProcero boasts a strong leadership team, including CEO Audrey Larocque, who brings extensive experience in venture-backed companies and fundraising, and CTO Dr. Vahe Vardanyan, a seasoned AI expert with over a decade of experience, including a background at one of Canada's leading government research AI institutions and Ubisoft. The team also includes VP of Engineering François Painchaud, who has led engineering teams at companies like Autodesk, Epic Games, and Unity Technologies.Impact of DeepSeek and AI advancementsThe emergence of models like DeepSeek has brought both excitement and controversy to the AI field. While acknowledging the concerns around the training process of DeepSeek, Dr. Reiner highlighted the novel techniques it introduced that have led to efficiency gains."They did introduce a number of novel techniques that lead to gains in efficiency," Dr. Reiner noted, adding that these techniques are being adopted by various organizations.Dr. Reiner confirmed that Procero's inference engine is compatible with and enhances the performance of models like DeepSeek, demonstrating its adaptability and value in the evolving AI landscape.Business model and future visionProcero's business model centers around licensing its technology to companies who will bundle it with their products, including software solutions, devices, and applications. While licensing terms are currently negotiated on a case-by-case basis, Procero is working to establish replicable formulas.Looking ahead, Procero is focused on expanding its hardware platform coverage, optimizing its technology for new processor designs, and increasing its support for various AI model types. The company is also committed to growing its team with top-tier talent and is open to establishing R&D centers globally.With a clear vision and a strong technological foundation, Procero is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for edge AI solutions and drive innovation in the AI era.Procero inference engine solution for edge AI. Credit: ProceroBenefits of Procero inference engine for edge AI. Credit: ProceroThe architecture of the Procero inference engine for edge AI. Credit: Procero

Applied Quantum Materials (AQM), a Canadian company headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, is making significant strides in the field of quantum materials, with a focus on silicon quantum dots.Founded in April 2015, the company is leveraging its expertise to develop innovative solutions for industries ranging from semiconductor nanolithography to life sciences.The driving force behind AQM is CEO and co-founder David Antoniuk, who has a Ph.D. in engineering physics and a rich background in technology development. Antoniuk's experience includes managing laser-cutting technology for systems sold to General Motors and overseeing nanotechnology initiatives for the Alberta government. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in guiding AQM's growth and diversification.AQM's journey began with a conversation between Antoniuk and a professor at the University of Alberta, which led to the establishment of the company. Initially focused on silicon nanomaterials and quantum dots, AQM has strategically expanded its scope to capitalize on the versatility of its core technology."Our products are unlike most of the other quantum dots on the market," says Antoniuk, emphasizing the unique properties of AQM's silicon quantum dots.AQM's silicon quantum dots offer several advantages over traditional materials, including biocompatibility, high quantum yield, and robust stability. These characteristics make them suitable for a wide range of applications, including life sciences and display technology.In the semiconductor industry, AQM's precursors are used to create photo resists with feature sizes of less than seven nanometers. The company's materials are also being explored for applications in quantum computing, silicon photonics, and quantum sensing.While Japan dominates the photoresist market, AQM has carved out a niche by providing a reliable supply of high-quality materials. The company is poised to support the growth of the semiconductor industry worldwide.The quantum dot market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for safe and stable materials. AQM is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth with its non-toxic, full-spectrum silicon quantum dots, offering a viable alternative to heavy metal-based materials.When asked about AQM's fund-raising status, Antoniuk said the company has primarily relied on direct material sales and strategic development to fuel its growth. The company has strategically avoided venture capital funding, focusing instead on generating revenue through sales and contracts.Credit: Applied Quantum MaterialsAQM's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its spin-off company, Dark Matter Materials, which is developing nanomaterials for hydrogen production. This technology has the potential to provide a cost-effective and on-demand solution for low-temperature hydrogen production, from any type of water, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional energy sources. Dark Matter Materials is using related nanomaterials to develop safe, non-lithium-ion, solid-state batteries.To stay competitive, AQM has a strong intellectual property portfolio, with patents and proprietary know-how protecting its technology. The company is also exploring innovative applications for its quantum dots in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as cosmetics.The company is also applying photonic waveguides on silicon materials, which are useful in the telecom and quantum computing sectors. "You can also use them for quantum sensors. The versatility of our silicon materials is poised to address industry problems with our safe, stable, biocompatible, and very robust products," said Antoniuk.As AQM continues to expand its market presence and develop new applications for its quantum materials, the company is poised to make a significant impact across multiple industries.For the benefit of readers who are not familiar with quantum dots, here is a brief explainer:Quantum Dots: A Layman's ExplanationImagine tiny, nano-sized semiconductor particles that glow in various colors when light shines on them. These are quantum dots. Unlike regular materials, quantum dots' color depends on their size and surface treatment. By precisely controlling the size of these particles or modifying their surface chemistry, scientists can create a wide range of vibrant and pure colors.But quantum dots are more than just pretty colors. They have unique properties that make them incredibly useful in various technologies:• Efficient Light Emission: They emit light very efficiently, making them ideal for displays like TVs and monitors, creating brighter and more vivid images.• Tunable Wavelengths: Their ability to emit specific wavelengths of light makes them valuable in sensors, medical imaging and therapeutics, and even quantum computing.• Stability and Durability: Silicon quantum dots, like those developed by AQM, are particularly stable and robust, able to withstand high temperatures and harsh environmental conditions.• Biocompatibility: Importantly, silicon quantum dots are non-toxic, opening up applications in medicine and cosmetics.

Ottawa-based deep-tech startup Hyperlume is poised to disrupt the landscape of AI and high-performance computing with its innovative optical interconnect solutions. The company is tackling the growing challenges of heat and energy consumption in AI data centers by offering a short-distance optical communication solution that utilizes micro-LEDs for data transmission.Mohsen Asad, Hyperlume's CEO and Co-founder, explains, "The most urgent challenges for AI infrastructure are data transfer bandwidth and energy consumption. We are focused on short-distance optical communication, and are pioneering a new class of ultra-fast, low power based optical interconnects - specifically built for next-generation AI and high-performance computing networking."Credit: HyperlumeInnovative technology and key advantagesWhile micro-LEDs have faced adoption challenges in display technology due to cost, Hyperlume is taking a different approach. The startup is developing micro-LEDs specifically for short-distance communication, enabling high-speed data transfer at very low power orders of magnitude better than active electrical interconnects in terms of energy per bit.A key differentiator is Hyperlume's Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) compatible technology, which allows integration of their optical engine into the system package similar to integrating a standard Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) chip. This makes it naturally scalable and cost-effective, especially at volume.Additionally, as a key advantage, their micro-LED interconnects are technology node agnostic and can be fabricated at advanced nodes like 3nm or 5nm, or with more conventional nodes, which gives system architects much more flexibility in terms of cost-performance trade-offs.The company has also patented an optical architecture to couple light directly from micro-LEDs into fiber bundles or optical waveguides, eliminating the need for bulky optics and active alignments reducing packaging complexity and cost.Furthermore, Hyperlume's technology offers customers flexibility in choosing performance and cost, as the interconnects can be built on different CMOS nodes. The startup's innovations span micro-LED structures, drivers, photo-detectors, and optical coupling, setting them apart from competitors.Altogether, our approach offers a scalable path to low-cost, wafer-level manufacturing, especially when paired with advanced wafer-level packaging, and wafer-level optics"Hyperlume isn't just building state-of-the-art technology, our approach offers a scalable path to low-cost, wafer-level manufacturing, especially when paired with advanced wafer-level packaging, wafer-level optics, and passive alignment which we're co-developing with partners. ," says Mohsen, " We're enabling a technology on how data moves inside next-gen compute systems. That's the real competitive edge. We are trying to make sure the technology that we're developing can be easily implemented in AI infrastructure with no hurdles."Targeting a rapidly expanding marketHyperlume is targeting the massive and fast-growing market for optical interconnects, fueled by increasing demand for AI and high-performance computing. By 2028, the optical interconnect market is projected to exceed $20 billion, largely driven by the exponential growth in AI model size and bandwidth requirements.Hyperlume's microLED-based optical interconnects could potentially capture a multibillion-dollar segment, especially in areas where power efficiency, density, and reach are critical—like pluggable active optical cable (AOC), GPU-to-GPU scale-up, or chiplet communication. Some estimates suggest that sales of AOCs are projected to grow at a 32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in 2024-2029.Credit: HyperlumeCompetition and strategic partnershipsThe company's first product will be an ultra-low-power active optical cable designed to replace traditional copper interconnects in AI and high-performance computing systems, which are power-hungry, suffer from limited reach and bandwidth, and are hitting fundamental scaling limits.Laser-based optical solutions like silicon photonics and VCSEL, another competing technology, are powerful technologies, but they come with challenges in power consumption, thermal management, cost, and complex packaging complexity.Hyperlume is actively collaborating with tier-one AI chip manufacturers, advanced packaging foundries, and fiber optics producers to co-develop and scale its technology. These strategic partnerships are crucial for ensuring the manufacturability of their solutions in high volumes.Business model and roadmapHyperlume's primary business model revolves around (1) volume sales of active optical cables and optical interconnects specifically for AI and HPC interconnects (2) design wins with Tier-1 chipmakers and hyperscalers and (3) licensing, integration, and support based on co-packaged optics and other customers' need. This allows customers to immediately benefit from its energy-efficient, high-speed optical links using a familiar form factor, while Hyperlume continues to expand toward in-package solutions.For chipmakers and system integrators, Hyperlume also offers modular interconnect engines that can be integrated directly into advanced packages, as well as co-development and IP licensing models for custom implementations. So, whether it's in-cable or in-package, Hyperlume is building a scalable, low-power optical connectivity platform that meets customers where they are today—while enabling them where they need to go tomorrow.Funding and future visionHyperlume has recently raised nearly US$13 million from investors, including Intel Capital, LG, BDC, and ArcTern Ventures to execute the company roadmap from product development to customer pilots—with a clear runway. The company, established in 2022, is growing rapidly to a team of 20 people, driven by strong market demand."I think one of the main reasons behind the growth of the company is the demand from the market," Asad states, "Our customers, our partners, want to move faster... they have billions of dollars of market in front of them and they want to collaborate with us to shorten time to market."While currently focused on AI infrastructure and high-performance computing, Hyperlume's technology can be expanded to adjacent markets, including defense, automotive, telecommunications, handheld devices, and medical devices. "In the long term, we see our platform technology extending into telecommunications, optical computing, chiplet integration, and even edge AI and automotive applications, where size, power, and bandwidth are critical constraints. Our ability to deliver high-speed, low-latency communication with a tiny footprint opens doors in almost any system where data movement is a bottleneck and may provide a new paradigm in advanced switching," said Mohsen.As Mohsen emphasizes, "It's critical that your technology is highly reliable, especially because data centers and racks are often dedicated to mission-critical applications- like emergency services or airport systems. The optical interconnects must perform consistently over long periods, often operating inside data centers for years without failure".As demands for efficiency, power savings, and bandwidth continue to rise in AI and high-performance computing, Hyperlume is paving a new path for next-generation infrastructure with its innovative microLED-based optical interconnect technology. From data centers to edge devices, wherever data transfer bottlenecks exist, Hyperlume has the potential to become a key enabler—lighting the path forward at the speed of innovation in the AI era.Credit: Hyperlume

Smiths Interconnect, a leading provider of innovative solutions for critical semiconductor test applications, today announced the launch of DaVinci Gen V, the latest flagship product in its DaVinci series portfolio.The product rigorously tests semiconductor chips during the manufacturing process to ensure they provide ultra-reliable and repeatable performance. This is important because these chips are used in a range of areas essential to everyday life, including AI accelerators, automotive systems, and next-generation 6G communications networks, which are set for global rollout over the next few years.The DaVinci Gen V solves the fundamental industry challenges of impedance tuning – an essential part of circuit design that enables the maximum transfer of signal power – and signal integrity – the measurement of the quality of an electrical signal as it travels through a circuit. By tackling these challenges the DaVinci Gen V ensures reliable, super-high performance in electronic systems and testing.Brian Mitchell, Vice President of Smiths Interconnect's Semiconductor Test Business Unit, said: "This innovation empowers semiconductor manufacturers to test faster, more reliably, and with greater precision – ensuring their products meet the demands of AI, 6G, and next-generation technologies. More than just a product, DaVinci Gen V embodies Smiths Interconnect's commitment to advancing semiconductor testing through continuous innovation."The technical specificationThe product delivers breakthrough high-speed signal transmission performance. It enables unprecedented digital signaling speeds of up to 224 Gbps PAM4 for AI accelerators and beyond 100 GHz for 6G communications – these speeds are crucial for supporting the growing demand for massive data transfer.The product also supports the growing complexity of modern integrated circuits, accommodating a 40% increase in next-generation ASIC (application-specific integrated circuits) sizes. ASICs are powerful computer chips that combine several different circuits all on one chip, in a 'system on a chip' design.As next-generation integrated circuits continue to evolve – doubling in bandwidth and computational power every two years – DaVinci Gen V is designed for seamless integration. It maintains full compatibility with existing test hardware, allowing manufacturers to transition effortlessly, reduce development cycles, and accelerate time-to-market.Brian Mitchell, Vice President of Smiths Interconnect's Semiconductor Test Business Unit.Credit: Smiths Interconnect