Original article published on Optics & Photonics

As deep-learning and artificial-intelligence computing techniques have seen explosive growth, researchers have increasingly looked at how integrated photonics might help to accelerate AI computing—and also cut the considerable energy costs inherent in electronics-only approaches. One company that is working to commercialize photonic chips for AI is Lightmatter.

Founded in late 2017, Lightmatter had snagged US$33 million in series A start-up funding by early 2019, which has helped the company build up key staff, develop and refine its product line and ready it for launch. In early May 2021, Lightmatter announced that it has raised another US$80 million in a series B round, through an investment group including Viking Global Investors, GV (formerly Google Ventures), Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Lockheed Martin and others.

OPN recently had the opportunity to talk with Lightmatter cofounder and CEO Nick Harris about the company’s journey and its next steps, as it stands on the cusp of moving its products into the marketplace.

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