An All-Optical computer for solving Hard Optimization Problems

Project Information

LightSolver

Grant agreement ID: 101188720

DOI

10.3030/101188720

EC signature date 27 November 2024

Start date 1 December 2024

End date 30 November 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 2 499 999,00

Coordinated by

LIGHTSOLVER LTD
Israel

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LightSolver (An All-Optical computer for solving Hard Optimization Problems)

Reporting period: 2024-12-01 to 2025-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

LightSolver is developing a new paradigm for computing. We have developed a revolutionary Laser Processing Unit (LPU) that outperforms traditional CPUs and GPUs in specific tasks, such as optimizing supply chains, designing new materials, and managing financial portfolios. Our new LPU can process NP-hard problems orders of magnitude faster because it has no electronic gradients inside the processor. This LPU is small as a desktop size, operates at normal conditions and consumes minimal power. This full-stack unit includes three layers to provide the most accurate solution within the shortest time frame: a user interface, an operating system and Hybrid Hardware. Our proprietary hybrid solver combines an all-optical solver based on a pure LPU with a digital enhancement that increases the number of spins (variables) whilst decreasing the complexity of the problem.
To support early research, LightSolver has established the LPU Lab, a cloud based environment enabling external researchers to run experiments on the LPU prototype and emulator.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first period of the project the following activities have been performed:
WP1: the final design of LightSolver prototype has been completed and core components have been produced.
WP2: A production ready cloud integration layer has been completed, including a live API, secure authentication, and the launch of the LPU Knowledge Base. The SOC2 audit has been completed (awaiting final report). Performance enhancements continue, supported by benchmarking on the emulator. The LPU Lab environment is already operational and connected to the cloud platform.
WP3: project management tasks have been efficiently planned and executed, with progress and outcomes tracked against both technical and commercial objectives. Comprehensive project and financial management procedures and tools were put in place, ensuring consistent oversight of legal and financial issues, including intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.
WP4: a comprehensive communication, dissemination and exploitation plan has been defined, which will enable to increase the visibility, impact and commercial success of LightSolver project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

LightSolver solution will benefit all industries addressing their optimization problems, including government, healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, energy and utilities, transportation and logistics and more. Asset optimization is gaining notable importance in the manufacturing and energy sectors due to the possibility of obtaining real-time data. Our innovation offers distinct advantages from competitors:
• Faster and More Accurate Solutions.
• Cost-Effective Manufacturing and Energy Consumption.
• Cloud Accessibility and On-Premises Capability.
• Unique Assisting Algorithms.
• Scalability for Complex Problems.

LightSolver_RP1