AI D-A-M-N/European AI Startup Launches Ultra-Compact Fly Brain Model

European AI Startup Launches Ultra-Compact Fly Brain Model

European AI Startup Launches Ultra-Compact Fly Brain Model

San Sebastián-based Multiverse Computing has introduced two groundbreaking ultra-small AI models named after animal brain sizes: "SuperFly" (94M parameters) and "ChickBrain" (3.2B parameters). The company, specializing in quantum physics-inspired model compression, aims to bring advanced AI capabilities to everyday IoT devices.

Quantum-Inspired Compression Technology

The startup's proprietary CompactifAI technology uses quantum physics principles to dramatically reduce model sizes without sacrificing performance. Founder Román Orús explains: "Our compression differs fundamentally from traditional methods - it's a more refined algorithm rooted in quantum physics."

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Model Specifications and Capabilities

  • SuperFly: Compressed from Hugging Face's 135M-parameter SmolLM2-135 model to just 94M parameters (comparable to a fly's brain). Designed for resource-constrained devices, it enables voice-controlled appliances with minimal processing power.
  • ChickBrain: Derived from Meta's Llama3.18B model, this 3.2B-parameter model maintains reasoning capabilities while being small enough to run offline on a MacBook.

Surprisingly, ChickBrain outperforms its source model in multiple benchmarks including MMLU-Pro (language), Math500/GSM8K (math), and GPQA Diamond (general knowledge).

Commercial Applications and Partnerships

The company is currently negotiating with major manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, Sony, and HP (an existing investor). Multiverse offers:

  1. Direct model sales to device makers
  2. API-based compression services via AWS at competitive rates

Existing clients include BASF, Ally Financial, Moody's, and Bosch, primarily for image recognition applications.

Industry Implications

This development signals a significant shift from cloud-based AI to edge computing solutions, offering:

  • Faster response times
  • Enhanced privacy protections
  • Reliable offline functionality

The company recently secured €189 million ($215M) in funding led by Bullhound Capital, bringing total investments to $250M since its 2019 founding.

Key Points:

  • Quantum compression enables smaller AI models without performance loss
  • 94M-parameter SuperFly brings AI to simple IoT devices like appliances
  • 3.2B-parameter ChickBrain outperforms larger models in benchmarks
  • Active partnerships with major tech companies underway
  • Represents broader industry move toward edge computing solutions