Finchetto: Sustainably Powering the Future of AI

Challenge

To better understand and engage with the rapidly evolving quantum sector, Finchetto sought opportunities to connect with companies at the forefront of quantum technology development to support their product development.

Data centres currently use over 2% of the world’s energy, and as the demand for AI increases, this figure is expected to grow. One of the most energy-consuming parts is the network switch, which moves data between CPU and GPU clusters, making up to 20% of a data centre’s total energy consumption. Traditional electronic switches are nearing their efficiency and scalability limits. The industry, therefore, faces a critical bottleneck: compute power is advancing quickly, but networks are too slow and energy-intensive to keep pace. Cooling these systems also consumes large amounts of energy and water, adding to the environmental impact.

Solution

During their time on the funded programme, Finchetto developed a next-generation optical network switch that eliminates the need for electronic data conversion. By leveraging photonics, their switch enables ultra-low latency and ultra-high throughput packet switching, all while consuming just 38 watts, representing a 26–53x reduction in power usage compared to alternatives. This innovation allows data to move at the speed of light, removing the network bottleneck and unlocking the full potential of powerful AI chips.

Through the QuBIC, Finchetto had opportunities to widen its pool of investors through targeted events, making use of STFC’s facilities as a convenient hub for technical meetings, and fostering relationships across the ecosystem. Building these overlapping connections proved invaluable in gaining insights, strengthening networks, and supporting collaboration with partners such as the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), the UK’s national lab dedicated to delivering quantum computing capabilities.

The QuBIC provides an outstanding support package for start-ups, including:

• £50,000 targeted MVP development funding
• £10,000 R&D vouchers to spend with public sector partners
• 50 hours of support (1-2-1 business coaching, investment readiness, market validation, IP advice)
• Networking and introductions to investors, funders and stakeholders
• Engagement with campus and cluster ecosystems

Benefits

The QuBIC programme has helped Finchetto to explore potential opportunities in the quantum sector, including meeting companies at the leading edge of developing quantum technologies at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, which is also home to the UK’s national lab for quantum computing, The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).