Project description
Reinventing the data plane: OPTINET’s vision for efficient AI infrastructure
Data centres supporting AI workloads face rising costs and declining efficiency due to processing units idling while waiting for data transfers. The EIC-funded OPTINET project is developing a next-generation Layer 4 Ethernet/UEC switch that more than doubles computing resource utilisation while reducing energy consumption and capital expenditure. OPTINET's architecture dynamically adapts to traffic patterns, making it ideal for real-time, high-throughput applications. With several patents filed and more in progress, the project aims for market launch by 2028. Currently supported by seed funding and seeking EIC investment, the next milestone involves engaging major data centre operators to scale towards capturing significant global market share by 2032.
Objective
Founded in 2022 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Astrape Networks is pioneering innovative solutions for data centre networking with its breakthrough OPTINET system, designed to drastically reduce energy consumption and improve operational efficiency. By eliminating most of the energy-intensive Optical-Electrical-Optical (O-E-O) conversions, the OPTINET system offers up to 60% energy savings, addressing one of the most pressing cost drivers in data centres today. Supported by an initial €1.6M seed funding and an additional €5M expected in 2024, Astrape is on track to scale its development from TRL 5 to market readiness, with plans to capture 3% of the global data centre networking market by 2032.
At the heart of Astrape’s offering is the OPTINET system, a hybrid networking switch integrating optical and electronic links for real-time traffic management. This system dynamically adapts to both small and large data flows, making it highly suitable for data centres running AI-applications. With several patents already filed, Astrape’s IP portfolio is poised to expand with six more patents in 2024/2025, further protecting its technological edge.
Astrape targets direct sales to large operators such as Google and Equinix and plans to generate significant revenue by 2028 from its OPTINET 16 and OPTINET-S64 products, with projected revenues exceeding €500M by 2029. To achieve large-scale pilot testing, validation, and commercial readiness and bring this innovation to market by 2026, Astrape seeks €2.5M in EIC funding which will be supplemented by private investment. The non-dilutive support from the EIC will boost investor confidence and bridge the current funding gap in the company. The company also requests €7.5M in EIC equity participation in its 2026 Series A round of €15M to support manufacturing, team expansion, and further development. This funding is crucial for reaching key milestones and securing commercial success in the expanding global data centre market.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC-ACC - HORIZON EIC Accelerator
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-ACCELERATOR-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
5656 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.