NVIDIA invests in start-up that creates digital twins using AI
What's the story
NVIDIA, the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) chips, has invested in MetAI, a Taiwanese start-up focused on AI-powered digital twins.
The investment came as part of a $4 million seed funding round, marking NVIDIA's first investment in backing a Taiwanese start-up.
Other investors included Kenmec Mechanical Engineering, Solomon Technology, SparkLabs Taiwan, Addin Ventures and Upstream Ventures.
Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets or processes that leverage sensor data and machine learning to create real-time simulations.
Tech innovation
MetAI's innovative approach to digital twin technology
MetAI has created a groundbreaking model capable of quickly producing "SimReady" (simulation-ready) digital twins with the help of AI and 3D.
The process entails transforming CAD files into usable 3D environments in a matter of minutes.
The start-up's main area of interest is the development of AI-powered digital twins for next-gen semiconductor fabs, smart warehouses, and automation systems.
Market position
MetAI's unique approach and market competition
Unlike its competitors, MetAI focuses on generative models and AI-driven layouts to generate digital twins. These are meant for physical AI training and deployment in real-world operations.
The start-up competes with both large and small companies that have created digital twin technologies for manufacturing, including Siemens Digital Industries, Dassault Systemes, Hexagon AB, Duality AI, and Intagles.
Business model
MetAI's synthetic data generation and revenue model
MetAI also generates synthetic data in its AI-enabled digital twin environments.
The start-up has already started generating revenue by partnering with enterprises in the manufacturing and automation space.
Its revenue streams include project-based income, product subscriptions, and licensing fees from ongoing developments.
Growth strategy
MetAI's collaboration with Kenmec and future expansion plans
In 2023, MetAI partnered with Kenmec to develop digital twins for automated warehouses. The start-up's tech reduced the time required for warehouse digital twin simulations from thousands of hours to just three minutes.
With the latest funding, MetAI intends to grow its R&D team and implement its go-to-market strategies faster.
The start-up also plans to open a US office and shift its headquarters in late 2025.