Heronic specialises in AI accelerator architectures. Its proprietary technology customises chips for optimum efficiency and performance “beyond the capabilities of generic architectures” for specific AI applications.

The Tech Growth programme culminated in seven companies taking part in a reverse pitch event at Asia House in London. Each described how its technologies could support Rohm, followed by a Q&A session.

Koji Taniuchi, general manager of Rohm’s technology innovation team, said: “We’re constantly on the lookout for startups with the cutting-edge technology to create new businesses over the next 10-20 years. We’re particularly focusing on exploring technologies that integrate optoelectronics and spintronics.

Of the pitches, he said each was “outstanding, making it difficult to choose, but we selected Heronic as we expect its bespoke AI design environment to accelerate our digital strategy”.

The reverse pitch events are designed to showcase the very best of UK innovation to APAC’s top industry players, said Jeremy Shaw, leader of the UK-APAC Tech Growth programme.

The other companies participating were: Finchetto – developing a fully-optical, passive network switch for efficient AI; graphene semiconductor company, Paragraf, Quantum Motion – developing a scalable array of qubits, Qontrol – developing photonics modules, semiconductor laser technology company, Vector Photonics, and photonic IC developer, Wave Photonics.

Alexander Montgomerie-Corcoran, CEO of Heronic Technologies, commented: “We’re honoured that Rohm selected us as the winning company in this highly competitive reverse pitch. Our technology significantly boosts the energy efficiency and performance of AI and machine learning applications…we’re excited at the opportunity to integrate our AI-driven solutions into its advanced semiconductor products.”

The UK-APAC Tech Growth programme is a government initiative delivered by business development consultancy, Intralink. It is designed to help technology companies enter and expand in the Asia Pacific region. The programme covers 11 markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia. Companies can apply to join the programme at www.intralinkgroup.com/TGP.