Technology

Posted on February 1, 2018 by staff

Optalysys forms new scientific advisory board

Technology

Optalysys, a start-up commercialising light-speed optical coprocessors for AI/deep learning has formed its first Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprising experts in AI/machine learning, bioinformatics/genomics and optical pattern recognition.

The inaugural SAB members include Professor Douglas Kell of The University of Manchester, Professor Timothy Wilkinson of University of Cambridge and ex-senior NASA scientist, Dr. Richard Juday.

“Collectively, these experts have deep knowledge in areas most critical to our long-term success,” said Optalysys founder and director Dr. Nick New.

“We’re excited to work closely with them through the process of bringing to market our unique optical approach to super-fast, low-power computing to enable more tech innovators and scientists to create a better world.”

SAB members will serve as strategic and scientific advisors as Optalysys commercializes its patented optical co-processing technology that delivers sophisticated pattern recognition and convolution-based processes for deep-learning applications.

Complementary to conventional computer hardware, Optalysys’s technology is designed to spur advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) like self-driving cars, and edge computing, genomics, medical imaging, weather forecasting and similar industries looking to improve the quality of life and commerce around the globe.

Douglas Kell, D.Phil. is a research professor of Bioanalytical Science at The University of Manchester. He is a pioneer of the use of artificial neural networks to solve biological problems.

He was involved in research to create a Robot Scientist known as Adam. While researching yeast-based functional genomics, Adam became the world’s first machine to discover new scientific knowledge independently of its human creators.

Dr. Kell has received numerous awards and served as a member and as chief executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research (BBSRC) Council.

He holds a doctorate from St. John’s College Oxford and has published over 400 scientific papers, 56 of which have been cited over 100 times.

“I’m keen on joining the efforts to ensure success for Optalysys’s powerful, environmentally responsible approach to the processing infrastructure necessary to move AI and machine learning to their next levels,” said Professor Kell.

“This company and its technology are coming to market at an ideal time to make a big difference to a disruptive technology, and I’m looking forward to doing my part to helping make this happen.”

Timothy Wilkinson, Ph.D. is a professor of Photonic Engineering at the University of Cambridge and is a leading expert in freespace optics, devices and systems.

He developed the binary phase-only matched filter (BPOMF) and 1/f joint transform correlators, and holds several patents.

He is currently working on next-generation liquid crystal devices suitable for 3D holographic displays.

He holds a doctorate from Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, and has authored over 200 refereed journal papers.

Dr. Richard Juday is a retired NASA scientist. He set up and managed the Hybrid Vision Laboratory in the Automation and Robotics Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for conducting research in digitally implemented vision and applications to human low-vision difficulties.

Dr. Juday has published more than 100 publications including co-authorship of a Cambridge University Press book, Correlation Pattern Recognition.

His other notable work includes a NASA-funded project to explore the principles of future space travel technology using White-Juday warp field interferometers. He holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University.