Berlin-based Akhetonics, a developer of the world’s first true all-optical digital processor, announced on Friday that it has raised €6M in a funding round led by Matterwave Ventures.
Other investors, including 468 Capital, Bayern Kapital, and existing investors Runa Capital, and Rheingau Founders, participated in the round.
This investment will enable the German company to deliver its first-generation hardware to pilot customers.
Akhetonics: Developing the world’s first all-optical processor
Led by Michael Kissner, Akhetonics is developing the world’s first all-optical processor.
“Many companies that claim to use ‘optical computing’ actually take a hybrid approach, incorporating electronics in their processing,” says Michael Kissner, CEO of Akhetonics. “In contrast, we are shipping a completely new, all-optical, general-purpose processor. This not only enables higher performance at lower power but also offers real-time processing that is simply not possible with electronics or opto-electronic hybrids.”
This technology uses light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) to process and store information.
As a result, it is much faster and uses less energy than regular electronic processors.
Additionally, the low latency, deterministic execution, and immunity to electromagnetic interference are critical features for customers in sectors such as aviation, defence, and networking.
The company is creating a new product that moves beyond the traditional von Neumann architecture used in chip design for over 50 years. Their solution combines photonic hardware, software tools, and an in-house design automation tool.
“Our all-optical computing technology offers key advantages,” Kissner adds. “It provides superior performance, and the ability to manufacture our processors in mature process nodes worldwide gives us a strategic advantage in the current political climate.”
It aims to demonstrate the full prototype of the processor by 2026, paving the way for the integration of its technology into its first product.
The investor
Matterwave Ventures is a European Venture Capital firm investing in early-stage hardware and software companies.
Over the last 25 years, the team invested in over 70 companies at the intersection of ClimateTech, DeepTech, and IndustrialTech.
Matterwave invests in “full stack”, from materials and components to complete systems and software solutions.
With over €250M of capital under management, Matterwave typically participates in Seed and Series A financing rounds across Europe with initial investments between €1-4M and significant reserves for follow-on financing rounds.
“Akhetonics’ technology represents a fundamental shift in how we process information with photons, ushering in a new era in computing,” notes Silviu Apostu, Principal at Matterwave Ventures. “Their all-optical processor promises to surpass the limitations of traditional electronic systems and increase Europe’s competitiveness and sovereignty in AI and dual-use applications.”
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