Unlocking the Future of Computing: The Rise of Photonics with Dr. Nick New

Explore the journey of Optalysys from fundamental optical technologies to cutting-edge photonic computing solutions transforming encryption, AI, and data processing. Discover how UK-based innovation is positioning itself on the global stage amid massive funding and technological advances.

In this episode:

* Dr. Nick New’s background in optical pattern recognition and his motivation for joining the tech industry

* The evolution of optical and photonic computing from lab prototypes to market-ready products

* Applications of optical computing in defense, healthcare, AI, and cryptography

* The development of Optalysys’ Light Locker, a digital cryptography infrastructure, and its market rollout

* Insights into funding rounds, international expansion, and the future of photonics in global tech

* The strategic importance of maintaining UK roots while expanding into the US

Timestamps (approximate)

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: Optical computing’s potential and Nick New’s journey02:16 - Nick’s early interest in bringing optical pattern recognition from lab to market03:02 - Formation of Cambridge Correlators and its defense sector projects04:32 - Transition from defense to commercialization and founding of Optalysys06:16 - The core vision: integrating optical math processes into digital systems07:35 - The evolution from early optical pattern recognition to AI applications09:12 - How liquid crystal displays enabled faster, higher-res optical data processing11:15 - The shift from classical optics to silicon photonics for higher speed and scalability12:38 - Initial product applications: from medical diagnostics to automotive slip detection14:04 - Optical processing in video analysis, satellite imagery, and fluid dynamics16:07 - The Light Locker: a digital infrastructure for cryptography using optical transforms17:35 - Fully homomorphic encryption and the need for secure, encrypted data processing19:46 - Photonic chips and the timeline for development and market entry22:02 - The role of optics in post-quantum cryptography and protecting data in a quantum era24:06 - Current product offerings, customer adoption, and plans for full photonic chips25:17 - Manufacturing partners, supply chain, and UK-based assembly26:44 - Expansion into blockchain security and international clients28:31 - Protecting sensitive data through cryptography and secure data sharing30:22 - R&D teams and the pathway to scalable integrated photonics32:49 - Upgrading existing products with new photonic capabilities33:20 - Current team composition and expertise within Optalysys34:19 - Funding journey: seed rounds, grants, and strategic investments36:05 - The US as a major funding and growth hub, with UK roots maintained37:17 - Future funding plans, including Series B and scaling manufacturing39:11 - Moving into the US market and strategic international positioning41:02 - Vision to remain UK-headquartered while expanding globally42:17 - The ambition to scale Optalysys into a listed, global tech leader43:15 - The critical role of photonics in sustainable, next-generation data centers44:00 - Closing remarks and Nick New’s message for UK tech innovation

Resources & Links:

* Optalysys

* Fully Homomorphic Encryption explained

* Silicon Photonics

* DARPA Programs

Connect with Dr. Nick New:

* LinkedIn

* Twitter

The BritChips Podcast is proudly sponsored by Silicon Catalyst UK, Official Partner of the government-funded ChipStart UK semiconductor incubator.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anttheantidote.substack.com