Apple quietly acquired Canadian synthetic intelligence startup DarwinAI earlier this yr, including dozens of the corporate’s staffers to its AI division.
Bloomberg Information reported the under-the-radar buy on Thursday (Mar. 14) with Apple but to publicly announce the information. They did inform the US information outlet that it “buys smaller expertise firms every now and then.”
One of many huge gamers within the Ontario-based firm, Alexander Wong, has joined Apple as a director in its AI group as a part of the deal. He helped to construct the startup and works as an AI researcher on the College of Waterloo.
DarwinAI is the most recent in a protracted listing of comparable acquisitions as Apple reportedly bought 32 AI startups final yr.
What is DarwinAI?
DarwinAI is finest recognized for growing AI expertise that may visually examine parts throughout the manufacturing course of. They’re stated to have served prospects in a spread of industries.
Based in 2017, the corporate stated its preliminary focus was on disrupting ‘the electronics manufacturing business by bettering the effectivity of Printed Circuit Board Meeting manufacturing by means of their ground-breaking expertise.’
In 2022, they raised greater than $15 million throughout six funding rounds. They acquired funding from 12 buyers, together with the likes of Honeywell Ventures and Inovia Capital, amongst different enterprise capital companies.
In a press launch following the announcement of a funding spherical in December 2022, one of many co-founders stated the “transformation is simply starting,” as they deliberate to lift cash to assist proceed constructing superior options.
Why did Apple purchase DarwinAI?
It’s no secret that Apple is at the moment trailing behind different business titans who’ve already made the steps into the world of AI.
The iPhone maker is now taking part in catch-up, with Chief Government Officer Tim Prepare dinner promising that Apple will “break new floor” in AI this yr. And the iPhone might quickly have Google’s Gemini synthetic intelligence (AI) to energy new options, following chats between Apple and the search big.
Its acquisition is seemingly according to their focus and a spotlight being on synthetic intelligence, to maintain up with others within the business.
In September of 2023, it was reported by The Data that the multinational company is investing hundreds of thousands of {dollars} per day into synthetic intelligence, with work ongoing throughout a number of AI fashions over a number of groups.
Intensive work appears to have been carried out within the background at Apple when it comes to bringing AI to the forefront, with an announcement anticipated round June time forward of iOS 18 in September.
Featured Picture: By way of Ideogram