Next Big Things in Tech

Discover the groundbreaking technologies honored in Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech awards for 2023.

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Ayar Labs

Ayar Labs is revolutionizing chip input/output (I/O) technology with its TeraPHY "chiplets". Traditional methods of transferring data to and from processors often create bottlenecks, hindering performance. However, Ayar Labs' TeraPHY chiplets enable data transfer at extremely high speeds.

In a public demonstration last March, Ayar Labs showcased its technology reaching an impressive 4 terabytes per second. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly enhance the performance of future chip designs.

By addressing the I/O bottleneck, Ayar Labs is paving the way for faster and more efficient processors, setting the stage for further technological advancements.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has created Frontier, the world's first supercomputer capable of performing 1 billion-billion calculations per second. Operational since 2022, this groundbreaking supercomputer was developed for the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The applications of HPE's Frontier are vast, ranging from designing laser-based electron accelerators to simulating jet-propulsion fluid dynamics. Additionally, the system plays a crucial role in analyzing COVID-19 mutations, aiding in the global fight against the pandemic.

HPE's Frontier represents a significant leap forward in supercomputing capabilities, exemplifying the immense potential of high-performance computing in various fields.

IonQ

IonQ is at the forefront of quantum computing advancements with its use of trapped-ion architecture in its Aria system. By operating at room temperature, IonQ's quantum computer delivers highly accurate results. This sets it apart from other quantum computing companies that rely on more complex and expensive cooling systems.

IonQ's Aria system has garnered attention from notable companies such as Hyundai, GE, and Airbus. These partnerships seek to explore the potential of quantum computing in fields like battery chemistry research, risk management, and cargo management respectively.

With its innovative trapped-ion architecture, IonQ is pushing the boundaries of quantum computing and driving forward the development of this transformative technology.

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Phasecraft

Phasecraft is addressing the software challenges associated with quantum computing. Quantum computers require new algorithms to fully leverage their capabilities, particularly in areas like materials modeling. Phasecraft is collaborating with leading quantum systems companies, including Google, IBM, and Rigetti, to develop these algorithms.

By focusing on the software side of quantum computing, Phasecraft is advancing the field by enabling the solving of complex problems that were previously infeasible. This opens up possibilities for breakthroughs in materials science, optimization, and other fields.

Through its partnerships and dedicated research, Phasecraft plays a vital role in unlocking the full potential of quantum computing and its applications in various industries.

Wiliot

Wiliot is revolutionizing the internet of things (IoT) by eliminating the cost and complexity of connecting everyday items to the internet. Its IoT Pixels are postage stamp-sized devices that require no battery, making them highly versatile and cost-effective.

Wiliot's technology enables a wide range of applications, from smart food product packaging to intelligent clothing and vaccine vials. Partnering with smart tag makers Avery Dennison and Identiv, Wiliot is deploying its IoT Pixels at scale.

By creating a seamless connection between physical objects and the digital world, Wiliot is propelling the expansion of the internet of things, unlocking countless possibilities for improved efficiency and innovation.