Romanian Founder in NATO’s DIANA Accelerator. Grayscale AI Selected to Join the Prestigious Acceleration Programme

Mihai-Alexandru Cristea 06/12/2023 | 16:01

Grayscale AI, a pioneering company at the forefront of developing advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions founded in 2020 by Romanian entrepreneur Dragos Stanciu, announced its acceptance into the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Acceleration Programme by NATO.

 

DIANA, NATO’s innovation accelerator, focuses on diverse tech domains: big data, AI, autonomy, quantum, biotech, human enhancement, energy, propulsion, novel materials, advanced manufacturing, hypersonics, and space. Prioritising dual-use technologies applicable to both civilian and defence, DIANA aims to address security challenges through innovation. The accelerator underscores the importance of recognising diverse ecosystems and actively contributes to shaping a secure future.

This marks a significant milestone for Grayscale AI as it joins a select group of innovative startups dedicated to advancing deep tech solutions for the Alliance. Founded in 2020 with a vision to shape the future of autonomous drones through neuromorphic AI, Grayscale AI has quickly gained recognition for its groundbreaking work in enabling robots to perceive and understand their environment. The company’s founder and CEO, Dragos Stanciu, brings a unique background in neuroscience, utilising mathematical models derived from this expertise to drive innovation in the field of robotics.

Grayscale AI is a US / UK-based company founded in 2020, specialising in advanced machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence solutions. With a focus on shaping the future of autonomous drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) through neuromorphic computing and AI, the company is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient solutions at the intersection of Computer Vision, Neural Computation, and Robotics.

Founder Dragos Stanciu is the driving force behind Grayscale AI and a visionary leader at the forefront of revolutionising robotics. With a background in software engineering, computational neuroscience, and robotics from leading research institutions like the University of Edinburgh and ETH Zürich, Dragos has been a pioneer in brain-inspired AI for drone navigation using cutting-edge neuromorphic sensors.

As the CEO of Grayscale AI, Dragos leads the charge in combining neural computation, robotics, and computer vision. Under Dragos’s leadership, Grayscale AI has garnered industry recognition, winning prestigious competitions and securing VC backing from Techstars. Notably, the company has won $50,000 from the US Army as part of the xTech programme and has received a £100,000 UK government grant for groundbreaking neuromorphic vision testing.

“I am thrilled that Grayscale AI is participating in the NATO DIANA programme. We are excited to implement our novel neuromorphic computing technology within NATO’s invaluable innovation network. The global demand for increased investments in deep tech is evident, and it’s commendable to see NATO assuming a leading role in driving this initiative.” — Dragos Stanciu, founder of Grayscale AI.

Grayscale AI’s focus on real-time localisation and mapping, sensor fusion, and visual motion estimation positions it at the intersection of Computer Vision, Neural Computation, and Robotics. The company’s expertise extends to developing optimisation-driven AI, challenging traditional computing architecture limitations.

As a participant in the DIANA Acceleration Programme, Grayscale AI gains access to a range of valuable resources and opportunities:

  • Grants and Support: Financial support for technology development and demonstration, facilitating participation in the DIANA accelerator programme.

  • Accelerator Network: Access to DIANA’s extensive network of accelerators across the Alliance, providing a platform for collaboration and growth.

  • Test Centre Access: Utilisation of DIANA’s 90+ test centres across the Alliance to de-risk, demonstrate, and validate their dual-use technological solutions.

  • Mentorship: Guidance from scientists, engineers, industry partners, end-users, and government procurement experts to further refine and optimise their technologies.

  • Investor Network: Integration into an investor network for trusted third-party funding.

  • Operational Environments: Opportunities to showcase and demonstrate their technology in real-world operational environments.

  • Market Pathways: A pathway to market within the NATO enterprise and access to 31 Allied markets.

Grayscale AI’s acceptance into the DIANA programme reflects the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. The company’s solutions, already tested in real-world scenarios by industry leaders such as HORIBA MIRA, AVL, and Smart Mobility Living Lab London, have also captured the interest of the US Departments of Energy and Defense, the UK Ministry of Defence and key automotive and aerospace partners.

In the coming months, Grayscale AI looks forward to leveraging the opportunities presented by the DIANA Acceleration Programme to further advance its mission of revolutionising autonomous systems through cutting-edge technology. The startup is excited about the potential collaborations within the DIANA community and the broader impact of their innovations on civilian and defence applications.

The DIANA Acceleration Programme is a prestigious initiative from NATO that brings together startups, operational end-users, scientists, and systems integrators to advance deep tech solutions with dual-use applications for the Alliance. With a focus on emerging disruptive technologies, DIANA provides selected companies with grants, mentorship, access to test centres, and a network of accelerators to support their growth and innovation.

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