BritChips

Anthony Miller

Conversations between award-winning tech industry analyst Anthony Miller and movers and shakers in the UK semiconductor start-up scene. anttheantidote.substack.com

  1. 25 MAR

    BritChips podcast: Optalysys shines a light on Fully Homomorphic Encryption

    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

    45 min

  2. 16 MAR

    BritChips podcast: The XMOS Story

    In this in-depth interview, Mark Lippett, CEO of XMOS, shares his journey from engineer to industry leader, exploring the evolution of embedded systems, AI integration, and the future of semiconductor innovation. Discover how XMOS is shaping the next generation of low-latency, multifunctional chips and the strategic vision to become the go-to platform for embedded system design. Key topics * XMOS’s evolution from startup to industry leader * Integration of AI and imaging in embedded systems * The role of RISC-V in XMOS’s strategy * Low latency processing as a core focus * The UK semiconductor industry and innovation challenges Timings (approximate) 00:00 Introduction to Mark Lippett and XMOS 01:59 The Challenge of Growth for XMOS 27:01 Navigating Customer Education and Adoption 28:54 Innovations in Generative SOC Tools (including a demo!) 34:25 Identifying Market Opportunities 38:18 Financial Sustainability and Investment Needs 43:12 Vision for the Future of XMOS 47:24 Lessons for the UK Semiconductor Industry Resources XMOS Official Website - https://www.xmos.com RISC-V Architecture - https://riscv.org GenSoc Tools by XMOS - https://www.xmos.com/products/gensoc 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

    50 min

  3. 9 MAR

    BritChips Podcast: Vaire Goes West!

    In this insightful (and many would say provocative and controversial) interview, Rodolfo Rosini, cofounder and CEO of Vaire, discusses the challenges and opportunities in European semiconductor startups, the concept of reversible computing as the basis of Vaire’s technology, and the strategic importance of scale and market dynamics in hardware innovation. You may well need a stiff drink after listening to Rodolfo’s views! Timings (approximate) 00:00 The Challenge of Building Deep Tech Startups in Europe 02:51 The Complexity of Semiconductor Development 05:47 The Reality of Competition in Technology 08:28 Reversible Computing: A New Frontier 11:21 Understanding Reversible Computing 14:14 The Economic Viability of New Technologies 16:37 Funding Challenges in Deep Tech 18:43 The Role of ChipStart in Startup Development 21:38 Future Plans and Market Strategy 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

    38 min
  4. BritChips podcast: RANsemi - G Whizz!

    26 FEB

    BritChips podcast: RANsemi - G Whizz!

    In this episode of The BritChips Podcast, Peter Claydon, Founder and CEO of Bristol-based semiconductor startup RANsemi, shares insights into the wireless communications industry, the evolution of radio access network chips, and the strategic moves behind RANsemi's market positioning and future growth plans. Key topics * Radio access networks and their role in 5G * RANsemi’s market positioning and competition * Innovation in wireless communication chip design including AI integration * Private networks and small cell deployments * Impact of geopolitics on semiconductor companies Timings (approximate) 00:00 Introduction to RAN Semi and Peter Claydon 02:01 Understanding Radio Access Networks 03:49 The Evolution of Chip Technology and Market Dynamics 38:41 Leadership and Succession Planning in Tech Companies 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

    43 min

  5. 18 FEB

    The BritChips Podcast: Hero(n)ic Performance for FPGAs

    In this episode of The BritChips Podcast, Alexander Montgomerie-Corcoran discusses Heronic Technologies’ innovative approach to automating the design of bespoke AI hardware, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the importance of collaboration and research. Alex shares insights into their target market in broadcast and pro AV, their AI-based video upscaling technology, and the challenges of funding and revenue generation. The conversation also touches on the value of mentorship through ChipStart and the future aspirations for Heronic Technologies. And you’ll also learn why Alex and Cofounder (and CTO) Petros Toupas chose to call their startup Heronic. It’s all Greek to me! The BritChips Podcast is proudly sponsored by Silicon Catalyst UK, Official Partner of the government-funded ChipStart UK semiconductor incubator. Contents (timings approximate) 00:00 Introduction to Heronic Technologies 04:56 Research and Development at Imperial College 09:50 Partnership with Altera 14:48 Focus on Video Processing and AI Upscaling 20:16 Commercial Arrangements and Revenue Model 24:31 Future Aspirations and Market Expansion Takeaways (yup, AI-generated !) * Heronic Technologies specializes in automating bespoke AI hardware design. * The startup journey began with a previous venture called Colabo. * Collaboration at Imperial College led to the formation of Heronic. * Designing chips is a complex and lengthy process. * Customer relationships are crucial for success in the semiconductor industry. * The target market includes broadcast and pro AV sectors. * AI-based video upscaling is a key product offering. * Pilot projects have shown significant performance improvements. * Funding has been a challenge, but initial revenue is being generated. * ChipStart provides valuable mentorship and industry connections. 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

    32 min

  6. 8 JAN

    BritChips Newsflash: Singular Photonics senses success at Renishaw

    We kick off the now video-enhanced third series of BritChips with a Newsflash from Shahida Imani, cofounder and CEO of Edinburgh-based imaging sensor startup Singular Photonics. Singular Photonics recently announced the first commercial integration of its SPAD (single photon avalanche diode)-based image sensor technology in the inVia™ confocal Raman microscope developed by Gloucestershire-headquartered Renishaw, one of the world’s leading engineering and scientific technology companies. Shahida explains the innovative technology behind their single photon avalanche diodes and how the partnership with Renishaw evolved over time. She discusses the importance of building trust between a startup and a large company, the integration of their technology into Renishaw's products, and the anticipated market applications. Shahida also shares insights on revenue generation and future prospects for Singular Photonics. This is a fantastic achievement and a truly significant milestone for Singular Photonics which was spun out from the University of Edinburgh and incorporated in 2024. Singular Photonics was among the first cohort of UK semiconductor startups in the government-sponsored ChipStart programme, managed by Silicon Catalyst UK. You can also hear the full story about Singular Photonics and Shahida’s journey in the BritChips podcast Singular Photonics - New Vision for SPADs here on Substack or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 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

    10 min

  7. 19/12/2025

    BritChips Newsflash: weeteq's first silicon hits the decks

    In this 11-minute BritChips Newsflash, Martin returns to the BritChips studio to explain the significance of this milestone, the transition from FPGA to silicon, and the implications for customer engagement and future applications in power optimization and data centres. Key takeaways * weeteq is a Glasgow-based startup focused on power and control system optimization. * The Ultra Edge chip is a significant milestone for weeteq, marking their first proprietary silicon. * Transitioning from FPGA to silicon allows for faster processing and optimization. * Initial testing of the Ultra Edge chip is expected to take three to four weeks. * Customers are eager to evaluate the Ultra Edge chip, with timelines varying by application. * weeteq aims to create universal models for different applications to expedite customer validation. * The company is working with both OEMs and tier one semiconductor companies for integration. * Future applications include power optimization for data centers and grid technology. * weeteq’s ambition includes manufacturing the Ultra Edge chip at scale in the future. * The company is exploring partnerships to advance their technology in the power conversion space. You can listen to Martin’s full-length BritChips podcast, weeteq - Honing the Edge on Power Electronics, here on Substack or by searching for BritChips on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This Newsflash will also be available on the BritChips YouTube channel. 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

    11 min

  8. 15/12/2025

    BritChips podcast: Our educational system isn't creating entrepreneurs!

    The final BritChips podcast for 2025 is both special and different. It’s special is because my guest is a tech pioneer who would get my vote were there to be an election for the role of UK semiconductor industry National Treasure. He’s Royal Society fellow, David May, the architect who led the development of the transputer, the first microprocessor designed for parallel computing. He’s also the creator of May’s Law, in which he states that ‘software efficiency halves every 18 months, compensating Moore’s Law’ (and if you don’t know what Moore’s Law is, then you’re probably listening to the wrong podcast!). David also played a key role in starting two microelectronics companies, Inmos and Xmos, where he led the microprocessor design activity. He is now Professor of Computer Science at the University of Bristol, where he mentors some the UK’s up-and-coming deep tech entrepreneurs. I was introduced to David about six months ago and subsequently met him at his home in Bristol in October. There we had a long chat about ‘life, the universe and everything’ in the semiconductor industry. During the conversation David mentioned a talk he gave earlier this year to budding entrepreneurs at Bristol University in which he posited that (and I quote), “Our educational system isn’t creating entrepreneurs”. David agreed to repeat the talk for a BritChips podcast, which we recorded a couple of weeks later. Now, David’s speech originally ran for about 20 minutes. However, this podcast runs for nearly double that, and if you have ever had the privilege of chatting with David, you will understand why (though it was mainly my fault for interrupting him with questions!) So settle back for the next 37 minutes and hear David air his provocative views on entrepreneurship, innovation and so much more. Here’s some of his key messages: * The UK educational system is not producing enough entrepreneurs. * Creativity and innovation should be prioritized in education. * Students often lack the confidence to lead their own ventures. * Real-world experience and mentorship are crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs. * Curriculum changes are necessary to foster entrepreneurship. * Social enterprises should be more prevalent in the market. * Sustainable practices in technology are essential for the future. * The UK semiconductor industry needs more ambitious funding. * Education should focus on experiential learning and teamwork. * The know-how in technology must be passed on to future generations. BritChips will return with Series 3 in the new year. [P.S. I must apologise that David sounds like he was speaking to me through a cushion in a long tunnel. I have improved the clarity as best I can, and the transcript should help, so may I only ask that you please bear with.] 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

    37 min
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About

Conversations between award-winning tech industry analyst Anthony Miller and movers and shakers in the UK semiconductor start-up scene. anttheantidote.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Miller
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anthony Miller
  • Show Website
    BritChips