Data centers, which consumed 4.4% of the US's electricity in 2023, are projected to use up to 12% by 2028. A significant portion of this energy is spent on transferring data between chips. To address this issue, Ottawa-based startup Hyperlume has developed a novel solution using microLEDs, which not only reduces energy consumption but also accelerates data transfer.

Co-founded by Mohsen Asad and Hossein Fariborzi, Hyperlume's technology leverages microLEDs to replace traditional copper-based connections in data centers. This innovation enables faster data transfer while requiring less energy. Asad, an electrical engineer, and Fariborzi, an expert in low-power electrical circuit design, drew upon their combined expertise to create a more efficient and sustainable solution.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has exacerbated the latency issue in data centers, making it a pressing concern. Hyperlume's microLEDs aim to solve this problem by reducing latency and unlocking chip capacity that was previously inaccessible due to latency bottlenecks. Asad emphasized that resolving the latency issue will enable chips to work faster together, a crucial requirement for large language models.

Initially, Hyperlume explored existing technologies, including silicon and lasers, to tackle the data center latency problem. However, these options were deemed too expensive for large-scale implementation. The company then turned to retrofitting microLEDs, typically used in displays, to transfer information rapidly and efficiently. The "secret sauce" behind Hyperlume's technology lies in its ultra-fast microLEDs and low-power ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) that drives the system and communicates with other chips.

Currently, Hyperlume is working with a handful of early customers, primarily in North America, to fine-tune its product. The company has received significant inbound interest, particularly from hyperscalers, cable manufacturers, and firms in other industries that could benefit from its technology. Asad expressed confidence in the growing demand for Hyperlume's solution, citing the need for more efficient data center operations.

Recently, Hyperlume secured a $12.5 million seed round led by BDC Capital's Deep Tech Venture Fund and ArcTern Ventures, with participation from MUUS Climate Partners, Intel Capital, and SOSV, among others. The new funding will be used to expand the engineering team and further develop Hyperlume's technology, with the ultimate goal of scaling up its bandwidth to support the next generation of powerful data centers.

Looking ahead, Hyperlume envisions itself as an AI connectivity solution provider, going beyond optical connections to connect chips, boards, and eventually, entire systems. Asad's vision for the company is to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of data center infrastructure, enabling faster, more efficient, and more sustainable operations.

As the data center industry continues to grapple with growing energy consumption and latency issues, Hyperlume's innovative microLED solution offers a promising solution. With its sights set on revolutionizing data center efficiency, Hyperlume is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.