Company profile
Hartley Ultrafast
Bristol hardware company, formerly Qontrol, designing an optoelectronic inference coprocessor that performs matrix-vector multiplication optically for very low latency AI decisions.
Company overview
Based in Bristol, Hartley Ultrafast is a deep-tech start-up developing optoelectronic coprocessors designed for ultra-low latency artificial intelligence (AI) inference. The company’s technology combines silicon photonics with electronics to create analog processors that can solve entire neural networks. Its products, described as optoelectronic neural processing units, are designed for standard on-board or in-package physical integration, with software integration via RTL and Python. Hartley Ultrafast has developed a proof-of-concept photonic neural network computer, named Babbage, which it reports can run AI inference in nanoseconds. The company has joined Altera's partner network to couple its units with FPGAs. Target markets include defence, industrial control, capital markets, and other real-time systems where processing speed is critical. The company is registered as Hartley Ultrafast Ltd.
Semiconductor activity
Primary capability: Photonic Integrated Circuits. Supply-chain role: Component Designer.
Technologies and capabilities
- Photonics
- AI Accelerators
- Silicon Photonics
- Optoelectronics
- Neural Networks
- Analog Computing
- Silicon
AI Coprocessors; Neural Processing Units; FPGA Integration
Markets served
- Defence
- Industrial Control
- Capital Markets
- Real-Time Systems
UK presence
Bristol. Part of the Bristol / South West cluster.