Cambridge-based AI startup CuspAI has secured US$30 million in seed funding and enlisted "Godfather of AI" Geoffrey Hinton as an advisor.
The company aims to develop a powerful AI model for creating new materials. Founded in March 2024, CuspAI focuses on leveraging genAI and molecular simulation technology to assist in the development of new materials, which the firm claims will address climate change issues.
A breakthrough in material generation
The company's initial project involves developing software to improve porous structures used in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a market historically hindered by high costs. According to Bloomberg, following its successful seed funding round, CuspAI is collaborating with Meta to develop a proprietary AI database, with the American giant providing computational resources.
Co-founder Max Welling highlighted recent research achievements demonstrating AI's potential in generating specific crystals and polymers, marking a significant breakthrough. Welling, as a Dutch AI scientist, also manages a Microsoft research lab in Amsterdam.
Alternative materials for chips
CEO Chad Edwards also noted the company is eyeing opportunities in green hydrogen energy, synthetic fuels, and semiconductor manufacturing. While the UK may play a relatively minor role in the global silicon-based semiconductor supply chain, it undeniably has strengths in compound semiconductors, graphene, and diamond-based materials.
The London School of Economics' (LSE) UK Semiconductor Handbook predicts a shift in chip manufacturing towards new materials beyond silicon over the next decade, aiming to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in data centers. Given CuspAI's focus on climate change and new material development, the startup is poised for significant contributions in these areas.
CuspAI's prominence is further bolstered by the addition of Geoffrey Hinton to its advisory board. Hinton, a cognitive psychologist and computer scientist, received the Turing Award in 2018 and is celebrated for his contributions to AI. He worked at Google for over a decade before departing in 2023 to raise awareness about the risks and potential existential threats posed by AI technology.
