Quadric

Quadric offers unified edge solutions for on-device AI computing at the edge of user networks via an integrated, full-stack edge computing platform along with next-generation processor technology. Users can leverage the platform’s AI models and software development kit (SDK) to deploy their edge applications and use its low-power q16 processor (featuring 256 vortex cores) to run their algorithms.

Quadric claims its processors can accelerate applications without a powerful CPU, as it supports both neural backbones and classical dynamic data-parallel algorithms in a unified architecture.

The company also states that its second-generation q16 processor will improve topline performance, consume less power, and maintain an m.2 form factor for developer use and deployments. The processor serves computing and AI needs across several market segments including industrial IoT, imaging, medical, automotive, and 5G communications markets. Quadric plans to release samples of its second-generation silicon products at the end of 2022.

In September 2023, Quadric announced immediate support for Llama2 LLM on its Chimera GPNPU without hardware changes. The Chimera GPNPU offers efficient performance for running Llama2, providing a significant improvement in ML inference per Watt compared to leading-edge CPUs.

Key customers and partnerships

In October 2021, the company partnered with NSITEXE, a Japanese subsidiary of DENSO that specializes in automotive and high-performance semiconductor intellectual property (IP), to leverage NSITEXE’s processor IPs and develop safety solutions for industries such as automotive, autonomous driving, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), and smart sensors.

In January 2023, Quadric and Ams Osram partnered to create a smart sensing solution for edge computing by combining Ams Osram's CMOS sensors with Quadric's general-purpose neural processors, resulting in a low-power smart sensing module with image capturing and machine learning capabilities showcased at CES 2023.

Funding and financials

In December 2022, the company raised USD 10 million in Series B funding led by Xerox and Mesh Ventures. The funding will support the expansion of Quadric's commercial teams, enhance engineering capabilities, and further develop their GPNPU processor and software tools for application development.