BRN Discussion Ongoing

[Diogenese]

Pinched this from FF over on the crapper.

https://www.eetimes.com/podcasts/brainchips-ip-for-targeting-ai-applications-at-the-edge/

A video and transcript. I did the read.
Exract: Note my bolded area:
" Jon Tapson (JT): At BrainChip, we are currently finishing off our Akita 2.0 architecture. And this is an expansion on all of BrainChip’s prior work. It’s essentially a neuromorphic chip, it’s event-based, and it makes use of the intrinsic sparsity in signals to achieve high levels of efficiency.But we have the same problem that any company has that does actual… there’s an enormous difference between research silicon, if I can put it that way, and commercial silicon. And the problem with commercial silicon is you’ve got to fit into the ecosystem of what everybody else is doing. The history of startup companies is littered with companies that had fantastic technology, but couldn’t progress across the interface to regular technology. The real problem is if you build a chip, the chip by itself is not a solution to anything. It’s got to go on a board, it’s got to have a software ecosystem around it. And the easier that is for customers and engineers to access, the better everything’s going to go."
From my bold above its easy to see why AKIDA 1000 and 1500 are now gaining traction. AKIDA is no longer in research and actually commercial and we fit into the eco system of what everyone else is doing.
Its taken time but we are seeing the proof unfold before our eyes right now.
The AKIDA1000 fit with QV gives us the 'only game in town" cybersecurity with a Defence name in Lockheed- Martin to sell it.
AKIDA 1000 and more recently the 1500 gets the wheels of Bascom Hunter moving and they aim to be a leader in Defence.
AKIDA1000 gives its partner Frontgrade the 'frontrunning' in Space.
I expect to see more of this as engagements that have been on for quite some time come to fruition.
We make our eco system partners better.

Tony Lewis makes the point that "events" and "spikes" are different, spikes being singal-valued occurrences, while events each have an individual magnitude value.

This sort of aligns with my thoughts on why Jason Eschragian stated that he did not think Akida was "neuromorphic" in that analog SNN developers think spikes as single valued and accumulate in neurons until they reach the firing threshold, even thought Edgar Adrian's 1920s paper, the inspiration for Simon Thorpe's N-of-M coding, showed there is more to it than that. A lot of the early analog SNNs used rate coding, the rate at which spikes repeated or oscillated. Thorpe utilized the relationship between spike amplitude and timing.

 

[charles2]

The share price hitting $2 again will make me radhard!

If you desire premier 'rad-hardness' entice NVDA (or near equivalent) to take a 10% position in the company.

That should maintain this board in a state of hardness for many days and nights.

A lifetime perhaps.

 

[Beebo]

If you desire premier 'rad-hardness' entice NVDA (or near equivalent) to take a 10% position in the company.

That should maintain this board in a state of hardness for many days and nights.

A lifetime perhaps.

Stay tuned…
BRN just planted a mole at NVDA.
His name is Rudy Pei.

 

[uiux]

Post in thread 'America's Iron Dome' https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/americas-iron-dome.260527/post-450304

---

The bill contains several provisions focused on expediting key missile defense programs and infrastructure projects. For example, multiple sections instruct the Secretary of Defense to “use all authorities available” to accelerate the development, production, and fielding of various systems. This includes fast-tracking the production and deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, advancing the development of both the Glide Phase Interceptor and autonomous agents to counter cruise missile and drone threats, and speeding up the development and deployment of space-based interceptors.

Additionally, the Act provides for expedited military construction authority. Under this provision, the Secretary is empowered to waive any and all regulations—including environmental rules—that might slow down or hinder the construction, upgrade, or modernization of missile defense infrastructure. This waiver authority is designed to remove bureaucratic obstacles so that projects addressing urgent operational needs (JUONs) can be implemented more quickly. Overall, the bill emphasizes reducing delays and accelerating timelines across a wide spectrum of missile defense initiatives.

 

[Smoothsailing]

Interesting like

 

[TECH]

Hi manny,

The EE Times podcast has foreshadowed some exciting developments, and I expect we will see some patents filed for them soonish.

In particular the "thinking" neuron will add another dimension to Akida/TENNs capabilities.

Then there's the 16-bit weights/activations which reportedly will facilitate new algorithms.

... I've got a nose-bleed thinking about it.

... and then the architecture of Akida 2 is being finalized, quite a while after the false dawn of tape-out a while ago. That indicates to me that there may have been some additional performance enhancements in the interim - maybe radhard, or ...?

Given the number of space and defence-related implementations, it may be that it has been decided to build in radhardness for Akida2???

I like your thinking P...

It became apparent to me at least when I asked the question directly to an unnamed person with regards the taping out of AKD II, having read that both Todd and Anil had mentioned it had commenced, well, a no response sealed the deal for me.

I have been monitoring the patents sites weekly, some of which * 2017* it appears the examiner is playing ping pong, or in a coma !

As you mentioned, nice to hear the odd bit of new info from Tappsie surrounding positive developments with AKD II

 

[DingoBorat]

Yes. The forecast 16-bit version for many more algorithms and the "thinking" neurons are exciting prospects ... and the expected completion of Akida 2 architecture is something we've been hoping for for a while.

What have I missed Diogenese?..

What's this about a "thinking" neuron and AKIDA 2.0 IP still being finalised now?

It was announced around 2 years ago now, that AKIDA 2.0 IP was available and now no announcement that they are still tinkering?..

Just an EETimes podcast thingo?

Isn't that something requiring an ASX release/correction, if something previously released on the ASX was incorrect?

 

[uiux]

https://www.eetimes.com/podcasts/brainchips-ip-for-targeting-ai-applications-at-the-edge/

Below is a consolidated analysis of the BrainChip podcast—from both a technical perspective (with emphasis on neuromorphic technology, edge processing, and GPU contrasts) and a market/ASX stock analyst viewpoint.

---

1. Technical Overview​

Neuromorphic & Temporal Event-Based Neural Networks (TENN)​

• Core Innovation:
  BrainChip’s primary technical advance centers on their Temporal Event-Based Neural Networks (TENN). Unlike traditional feed-forward or standard recurrent networks (such as LSTMs), TENNs are designed to leverage long-range temporal dependencies with an internal state that continuously “remembers” past inputs. This leads to networks that are both compact (fewer weights) and capable of processing time-varying signals in real time.
• Physical Inductive Bias:
  By incorporating physical constraints (using tools such as Legendre polynomials), TENNs encode real-world continuity—for example, ensuring that an object’s movement adheres to realistic acceleration or jerk limits. This physical inductive bias not only reduces the volume of training data required but also improves training speed and accuracy relative to conventional convolutional approaches that lack such constraints.
• Training & Inference Trade-Offs:
  BrainChip’s approach cleverly marries the best of both worlds:
  • Training Efficiency:
    By initially training in a convolutional-like (parallelizable) domain, they exploit the strengths of GPU processing for fast convergence.
  • Inference Efficiency:
    The trained model is then transformed into a recurrent form that dramatically reduces memory footprint and energy consumption—critical for edge devices.
• Event-Based Processing & Sparsity:
  BrainChip’s hardware (e.g., the Akida chip) is built around event-based processing. In contrast to conventional spike-based models (where a “spike” is a binary event), their approach allows for multi-bit “events” that carry amplitude and richer information. This, combined with inherent sparsity (only non-zero activations trigger computation), offers:
  • Reduced Computational Overhead:
    Lower power consumption and faster execution because only active events are processed.
  • Parallelism at the Event Level:
    While traditional GPU pipelines excel at fixed-size parallel operations, BrainChip’s design adjusts dynamically to sparse data flows—a key advantage for variable-rate, edge data such as sensor streams, audio, or video.
• Comparison with Competing Models:
  The podcast contrasts TENNs with parallel research (e.g., the Mamba model):
  • TENNs:
    Feature a compact internal state suited for low-power, edge inference.
  • Mamba:
    Uses a large internal state bank optimized for GPU-based inference (useful in large language modeling).
    The key insight is that while both architectures are promising, TENNs are more naturally aligned with the constraints of on-device (edge) computing.

Hardware Evolution – The Akita 2.0 Architecture​

• Multi-Resolution & Flexibility:
  The next-generation Akida chip is set to offer multiple operating modes—from single-bit (spike-like) to 4-bit and 8-bit resolutions, with future plans for 16-bit. This flexibility is critical as it allows the chip to balance between the energy-efficient processing required at the edge and the computational demands of more data-intensive applications.
• Integration & Programmability:
  While the hardware is fundamentally an event-driven state machine (echoing the hardwired nature of biological systems), some degree of programmability is built in. This ensures that the chip can adapt to a variety of AI workloads without being locked into a single algorithmic framework.

---

2. Market & ASX Stock Analyst Perspective​

Business Model & Strategic Positioning​

• IP Licensing Focus:
  BrainChip’s primary revenue model is based on licensing its IP rather than mass-producing chips. This allows them to partner with established semiconductor manufacturers and integrate into existing supply chains—a less capital-intensive route to revenue.
• Edge AI Opportunity:
  With the growth in IoT, autonomous systems, wearable health monitors, and real-time applications (like speech-to-text and gesture recognition), the demand for low-power, efficient processing at the edge is surging. BrainChip’s neuromorphic approach is well positioned to capture a significant share of this emerging market niche.
• Co-Evolution of Hardware and Algorithms:
  The close integration between their algorithmic research (TENN and related architectures) and hardware development (Akida, Akida 2.0) creates a strong moat. By continuously iterating on both fronts, BrainChip can offer a more optimized solution than competitors who focus on either software or hardware in isolation.

Competitive Landscape & Differentiators​

• Edge vs. GPU-Centric Models:
  As GPUs remain dominant in large-scale training but struggle with power efficiency for real-time edge applications, BrainChip’s technology provides a complementary solution. Their IP could be increasingly attractive to OEMs looking to offload AI inference from power-hungry GPUs.
• Sparsity & Event-Driven Processing:
  The ability to capitalize on sparsity—processing only active events—means that BrainChip’s solutions can achieve significant energy savings, a key selling point in sectors such as automotive, industrial monitoring, and biomedical devices.
• Market Timing & Partnerships:
  Being a relatively mature player (established in 2004) gives BrainChip credibility, but the pivot toward commercialization and IP licensing is a critical inflection point. Success in forming key partnerships (with major semiconductor firms or OEMs) will be a major driver for revenue growth.

Investment Considerations for ASX Investors​

• Growth Potential:
  The global push for edge computing and low-power AI solutions offers a significant long-term market opportunity. If BrainChip’s technology is widely adopted, it could lead to robust licensing revenues and a strong competitive position.
• Risk Factors:
  • Technology Adoption:
    Neuromorphic computing is still in its relative infancy compared to conventional GPU/CPU architectures. Market acceptance may take time.
  • Competitive Pressure:
    Major players (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel) and other specialized startups are also exploring low-power AI solutions. BrainChip must maintain its technological lead and secure strategic partnerships.
  • Ecosystem Integration:
    As noted by BrainChip’s CTO, the chip must fit within broader software and hardware ecosystems. Failure to integrate seamlessly could impede market penetration.
• Valuation & Catalyst Outlook:
  For ASX investors, the company’s stock could represent a high-growth, high-innovation opportunity if it can demonstrate both technical leadership and successful commercialization. Key upcoming catalysts might include:
  • Announcements of major licensing agreements or partnerships.
  • Successful deployment of Akifa 2.0 in real-world applications (e.g., automotive, wearables).
  • Third-party validation (competitive benchmarks, academic endorsements) of TENNs performance versus traditional models.

---

3. Conclusion​

Technical Perspective:
BrainChip’s approach—integrating a novel recurrent neural architecture (TENN) with a flexible, multi-bit, event-driven chip design—positions it at the frontier of neuromorphic and edge computing. Their solution addresses the limitations of both traditional convolutional networks and GPU-optimized recurrent networks by blending efficient training paradigms with a low-power, real-time inference engine.


Market/Investment Perspective:
From an ASX stock analyst’s viewpoint, BrainChip is innovating in a high-growth niche. Their IP licensing model, combined with a robust technology platform and a focus on edge applications, makes them a compelling long-term play. However, investors should remain cautious about execution risks, ecosystem integration challenges, and competitive pressures.


Overall, if BrainChip continues to validate its technology with strong performance metrics and strategic partnerships, it could be well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating demand for edge AI solutions—potentially offering significant upside to shareholders.

---

This analysis reflects the interplay between cutting-edge neuromorphic design and the evolving market for energy-efficient, real-time AI processing, making BrainChip a noteworthy candidate for both technical and investment scrutiny.

---

The podcast indicates that BrainChip isn’t in a research phase anymore—they’ve already shifted toward commercialization by focusing on IP licensing. In fact:

• Strategic Pivot:
  Tony Lewis explained that about two to three years ago the company transitioned from pure research into a commercialization model. Their goal became to package their neuromorphic designs (like their neural processing engine for TENNs) as IP that other chip makers can license.
• Proof-of-Concept Chips:
  Although they occasionally fabricate their own chips (like the Akida series) to validate and demonstrate the performance of their technology, the primary revenue driver is to license this IP rather than mass-produce chips themselves.
• Current Position:
  The discussion makes it clear that BrainChip’s business model is built around IP licensing for edge AI applications. This suggests that they are already well on their way—or even actively engaged—in pursuing licensing agreements, rather than being far away from this stage.

In summary, the podcast implies that BrainChip is not far removed from fully capitalizing on an IP licensing strategy. They have pivoted to this approach for the past few years and are using their chip designs as demonstrable proof of their technology’s viability in real-world, low-power edge applications.

---

The overall tone of the interview is decidedly positive. Key points that support this include:

1. Optimism About the Technology:
   The speakers consistently express enthusiasm and confidence in BrainChip’s neuromorphic approach, particularly with their TENNs architecture. They highlight significant breakthroughs—such as efficient training, low-power edge inference, and strong performance across various applications (e.g., eye tracking, ASR, and gesture recognition).
2. Business Model Confidence:
   The discussion on shifting toward an IP licensing strategy is presented as a mature, deliberate pivot rather than a fallback. BrainChip is portrayed as leveraging its technological advances to build a commercially viable model, emphasizing both the research accomplishments and the practical steps taken toward market penetration.
3. Competitive Positioning:
   The interview underscores BrainChip’s competitive advantage—especially in edge computing—by comparing their approach favorably against traditional methods and other emerging models (like Mamba). This comparative optimism suggests that the company believes its technology not only stands out but is also ahead of many current alternatives.
4. Future Prospects:
   The speakers are forward-looking, discussing upcoming iterations (such as Akida 2.0 and even a planned 16-bit architecture) and potential market applications. This forward momentum indicates a positive outlook for both technological and commercial growth.

In summary, the interview conveys excitement, confidence, and a strong belief in the technology’s potential—making it a positive conversation overall.

 

[SharesForBrekky]

Interesting like

Ahhhhh, you mean Jesse Chapman

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

 

[Bravo]

It'll be very interesting to see if we partner up with Anduril in the not too distant future.

The reason why I say this is because I just did a little bit of poking around and discovered that Dr. Chaffra Affouda (see below), who is currently a Business Development Director at Anduril, worked as Senior Principal Systems Engineer at Raytheon Intelligence & Space from Apr 2019 to Sep 2022 before joinnig Anduril.

While he was at Raytheon, Dr. Affouda worked on developing multi-functional, neuromorphic infrared imaging sensors and cameras!

Prior to that he was with the US Naval Research Laboratory.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/technology/anduril-funding-valuation-28-billion.htm

A.I. Military Start-Up Anduril Close to Deal That Would Value It at $28 Billion​

The Southern California start-up, which builds flying drones and missiles, is set to raise up to $2.5 billion.

An employee demonstrates some of Anduril’s A.I. technology, in 2021.Credit...Philip Cheung for The New York Times

By Erin Griffith and Cade Metz
Reporting from San Francisco
Feb. 7, 2025
Sign up for the On Tech newsletter. Get our best tech reporting from the week. Get it sent to your inbox.

Anduril, an artificial intelligence military start-up, is set to complete a new round of funding that would double the value of the company to $28 billion, according to four people familiar with the negotiations.
The funding round, which is led by Founders Fund and has not yet closed, is raising up to $2.5 billion, the people said. Founders Fund alone plans to invest $1 billion, the largest check ever written by the firm, two of the people said.
Anduril designs and builds autonomous systems and weapons for the military and other government agencies, including flying drones, missiles, underwater vessels and surveillance equipment for monitoring both national borders and the battlefield. It is one of a new wave of companies building systems based on A.I. technologies for the government.
Founders Fund, started by the entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel, has backed Anduril since its start in 2017, and one of Anduril’s co-founders, Trae Stephens, is a partner at the firm. Mr. Thiel, who also co-founded Palantir, a military technology company, has long been a backer of Republican candidates, including President Trump in 2016 and JD Vance’s run for Senate in 2022.

Six months ago, Anduril raised $1.5 billion at a $14 billion valuation.
Founders Fund declined to comment. CNBC first reported details of the funding talks.
The latest influx of cash comes as defense technology start-ups are ebullient about their prospects. Enthusiasm for building technology for the U.S. military has grown in recent years in Silicon Valley, a reversal from more than a decade of shying away from those contracts. As recently as 2018, thousands of employees at Google signed a letter protesting the company’s military contracts.
That resistance has slowly shifted, as more venture capital firms pour money into the sector.
Mr. Trump is expected to turbocharge investments further. Palmer Luckey, Anduril’s founder, has supported the president since his 2016 campaign. He donated to Mr. Trump’s campaigns in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections, and has hosted fund-raisers.
On the night of the presidential election in November, Mr. Luckey posted a meme celebrating Mr. Trump’s victory. Elon Musk, the tech executive and a close adviser to the president, responded, saying it was “very important to open DoD/Intel to entrepreneurial companies like yours.”

​

Interview with Dr. Chaffra Affouda, Director of Business Development at Anduril Imaging - Photonics Project

Dr. Chaffra Affouda is a Business Development Director at Anduril Imaging, where his role is to grow the core technologies that will enable the next generation of infrared focal plane arrays and systems. He graduated from SUNY-Albany, Albany, NY in 2006 with a Ph.D. in Materials Science. He then...

photonicsproject.org

EXTRACT FROM THE INTERVIEW

Chaffra Affouda - Anduril Industries | LinkedIn

- Broad experience in product development & management of day and night vision… · Experience: Anduril Industries · Education: University at Albany, SUNY · Location: Washington · 433 connections on LinkedIn. View Chaffra Affouda’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

www.linkedin.com

 

[Diogenese]

What have I missed Diogenese?..

What's this about a "thinking" neuron and AKIDA 2.0 IP still being finalised now?

It was announced around 2 years ago now, that AKIDA 2.0 IP was available and now no announcement that they are still tinkering?..

Just an EETimes podcast thingo?

Isn't that something requiring an ASX release/correction, if something previously released on the ASX was incorrect?

Don't shoot the messanger. I'm an empty vessel making a lot of noise.

I think you're confusing Akida 2.0 with Akida 2.1.

It'll be very interesting to see if we partner up with Anduril in the not too distant future.

The reason why I say this is because I just did a little bit of poking around and discovered that Dr. Chaffra Affouda (see below), who is currently a Business Development Director at Anduril, worked as Senior Principal Systems Engineer at Raytheon Intelligence & Space from Apr 2019 to Sep 2022 before joinnig Anduril.

While he was at Raytheon, Dr. Affouda worked on developing multi-functional, neuromorphic infrared imaging sensors and cameras!

Prior to that he was with the US Naval Research Laboratory.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/technology/anduril-funding-valuation-28-billion.htm

A.I. Military Start-Up Anduril Close to Deal That Would Value It at $28 Billion​

The Southern California start-up, which builds flying drones and missiles, is set to raise up to $2.5 billion.

An employee demonstrates some of Anduril’s A.I. technology, in 2021.Credit...Philip Cheung for The New York Times

By Erin Griffith and Cade Metz
Reporting from San Francisco
Feb. 7, 2025
Sign up for the On Tech newsletter. Get our best tech reporting from the week. Get it sent to your inbox.

Anduril, an artificial intelligence military start-up, is set to complete a new round of funding that would double the value of the company to $28 billion, according to four people familiar with the negotiations.
The funding round, which is led by Founders Fund and has not yet closed, is raising up to $2.5 billion, the people said. Founders Fund alone plans to invest $1 billion, the largest check ever written by the firm, two of the people said.
Anduril designs and builds autonomous systems and weapons for the military and other government agencies, including flying drones, missiles, underwater vessels and surveillance equipment for monitoring both national borders and the battlefield. It is one of a new wave of companies building systems based on A.I. technologies for the government.
Founders Fund, started by the entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel, has backed Anduril since its start in 2017, and one of Anduril’s co-founders, Trae Stephens, is a partner at the firm. Mr. Thiel, who also co-founded Palantir, a military technology company, has long been a backer of Republican candidates, including President Trump in 2016 and JD Vance’s run for Senate in 2022.

Six months ago, Anduril raised $1.5 billion at a $14 billion valuation.
Founders Fund declined to comment. CNBC first reported details of the funding talks.
The latest influx of cash comes as defense technology start-ups are ebullient about their prospects. Enthusiasm for building technology for the U.S. military has grown in recent years in Silicon Valley, a reversal from more than a decade of shying away from those contracts. As recently as 2018, thousands of employees at Google signed a letter protesting the company’s military contracts.
That resistance has slowly shifted, as more venture capital firms pour money into the sector.
Mr. Trump is expected to turbocharge investments further. Palmer Luckey, Anduril’s founder, has supported the president since his 2016 campaign. He donated to Mr. Trump’s campaigns in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections, and has hosted fund-raisers.
On the night of the presidential election in November, Mr. Luckey posted a meme celebrating Mr. Trump’s victory. Elon Musk, the tech executive and a close adviser to the president, responded, saying it was “very important to open DoD/Intel to entrepreneurial companies like yours.”

​

Interview with Dr. Chaffra Affouda, Director of Business Development at Anduril Imaging - Photonics Project

Dr. Chaffra Affouda is a Business Development Director at Anduril Imaging, where his role is to grow the core technologies that will enable the next generation of infrared focal plane arrays and systems. He graduated from SUNY-Albany, Albany, NY in 2006 with a Ph.D. in Materials Science. He then...

photonicsproject.org

EXTRACT FROM THE INTERVIEW


View attachment 77435

Chaffra Affouda - Anduril Industries | LinkedIn

- Broad experience in product development & management of day and night vision… · Experience: Anduril Industries · Education: University at Albany, SUNY · Location: Washington · 433 connections on LinkedIn. View Chaffra Affouda’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

www.linkedin.com

View attachment 77436

That's the "Before" picture ...

This is "After":

"No ... sorry! That should have been to the left."

 

[Xray1]

Yes. The forecast 16-bit version for many more algorithms and the "thinking" neurons are exciting prospects ... and the expected completion of Akida 2 architecture is something we've been hoping for for a while.

Diogenese ............What a pity and a great loss, that AI_Inquirer has left this forum with his rather extensive knowledge and willingness to share information here at TSE ..... But was forced to leave due to some questionable posters here in the past having a go at him for not towing the Co line of only posting positive things about Akida.

I note, that back on the 24 Oct 2023 .... AI enquirer questioned where Akida 2 was up to...see below post of his:

• " Oct 24, 2023
• • Add bookmark
  • #68,480
• Something that has been particularly frustrating for me is prior to the launch of 2.0 it was repeated that EAP customers had already been actively evaluating 2.0, and the official release of 2.0 marked its general availability.
  
  When the release came out it said 2.0 was available for ‘early access’ only.
  
  Now in this 4C: “focusing on the ongoing development and availability of the 2nd Generation Akida technology platform to lead customers”.
  
  I'm skeptical that they have a fully developed second-generation product, and the suggestion that customers were delaying decision on IP deals for the 2.0 release seems quite misleading. "......
  
  Accordingly, imo it seems to me, that A1_Inquirer was once again correct on his assumptions from way back in Oct 2023 that Akida 2 was still on the development phase.