EIC Commits €12.5 Million to Support Lightsolver’s Energy-Efficient Supercomputer Initiative

Computing startup LightSolver has achieved a significant milestone by being selected for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Program, which is a prestigious initiative designed to support groundbreaking innovations in Europe. The company will receive an initial grant of €2.5 million from the EIC Fund, along with a future equity investment of €10 million, culminating in a total funding of €12.5 million. This recognition positions LightSolver among an elite group of 68 companies chosen from a competitive pool of 969 applicants, highlighting the startup's potential to make a substantial impact in the technology landscape.

The funding is earmarked for the development of the first all-optical supercomputer, a project that aims to revolutionize computing by offering a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional computers. LightSolver's innovative approach is centered on reducing the industrial carbon footprint associated with computing, as well as lowering the Total Cost of Computing (TCoC). By harnessing the natural properties of light, LightSolver's technology is poised to transform how complex computations are executed, making it particularly valuable in sectors where efficiency and sustainability are paramount.

Central to LightSolver’s technology is the Laser Processing Unit™ (LPU), a cutting-edge processor designed to perform complex mathematical operations using light. This enables the platform to handle compute-intensive workloads more rapidly and efficiently than traditional computing solutions. Key applications for the LPU include computer-assisted engineering (CAE), bio-science computations, and solving intractable optimization problems—areas that typically demand significant processing power and time. By leveraging its unique capabilities, LightSolver's platform is positioned to deliver substantial performance improvements over existing technologies.

CEO and co-founder Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., expressed her enthusiasm about the EIC funding, stating, “We’re humbled to join the ranks of trailblazing startups in fields such as sustainability, MedTech, and space technology that have received funding from the EIC.” She emphasized the urgent need for a new computing paradigm, particularly in light of the exponentially growing energy consumption associated with global computing. According to Ben-Shlomi, LightSolver’s laser-based processor can outperform GPUs in handling large and complex computations while being significantly less demanding on the environment than quantum computers. The LPU's operational requirements—free from the need for vacuum or ultracold temperatures—make it suitable for deployment in standard data center environments, enhancing its accessibility and practicality for widespread use.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation across various sectors by providing support to high-potential startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and researchers. Launched by the European Commission, the EIC aims to drive Europe's leadership in new technologies and innovation by identifying, supporting, and investing in promising projects. By recognizing and backing ventures like LightSolver, the EIC is not only encouraging technological advancement but also addressing pressing global challenges such as sustainability and energy efficiency.

In summary, LightSolver’s selection for the EIC Accelerator Program, coupled with substantial funding, marks a significant step forward for the company and its mission to redefine high-performance computing. With the potential to substantially reduce energy consumption and operational costs, LightSolver is poised to lead the charge in creating a more sustainable computing future, benefiting both industry and the environment.