DAVOS, Switzerland – LightSolver, a company at the forefront of developing a novel high-performance computing (HPC) paradigm based on laser technology, has been selected as a 2025 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
This prestigious recognition places LightSolver within an exclusive cohort of 100 early-stage technology companies from around the globe, singled out by the WEF for their significant potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges through innovative solutions. The announcement highlights the growing importance of unconventional approaches to computation as traditional methods face inherent physical limitations.
Pioneering a New Computing Paradigm
At the heart of LightSolver’s innovation is its proprietary all-optical Laser Processing Unit™ (LPU). Unlike conventional electronic processors that rely on the flow of electrons, the LPU leverages the complex interactions of lasers to perform computations. This optical approach enables the system to process information at the speed of light, offering a fundamentally faster and more scalable solution for problems requiring massive computational resources.
The technology is particularly well-suited for tackling complex computational tasks that are currently highly demanding or intractable for even the most powerful traditional computers. These include challenging areas like combinatorial optimization, which involves finding the best possible solution from a vast number of potential options (critical for logistics, finance, and drug discovery), and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) simulations, vital for designing and testing complex systems in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive.
LightSolver’s approach offers the promise of accelerating research and development across multiple sectors, potentially unlocking new possibilities in areas previously constrained by computational bottlenecks. The ability to solve these problems faster and more efficiently could lead to significant advancements and cost reductions.
The World Economic Forum’s Recognition
The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers community comprises select start-ups and scale-ups from around the world that are involved in the design, development, and deployment of new technologies and innovations, and are poised to have a significant impact on business and society. The selection process is rigorous, evaluating companies based on their innovation, potential impact, leadership, and relevance to the WEF’s global agenda.
Being named a 2025 Technology Pioneer is a significant endorsement of LightSolver’s technology and its potential to contribute meaningfully to the global economy and society. It signals that the company is seen as a leader in developing the next generation of computing capabilities necessary to address future challenges.
Origins and Deep Expertise
LightSolver was founded in 2020 by Dr. Ruti Ben-Shlomi, who serves as CEO and co-founder, and Dr. Chene Tradonsky. Both founders originated from the renowned Weizmann Institute, a leading multidisciplinary research institute. Their background, rooted in deep scientific research, is reflected in the composition of the company’s team.
Over two-thirds of LightSolver’s personnel hold PhDs in physics, mathematics, and computer science. This concentration of advanced scientific and technical expertise underscores the company’s capability to develop highly complex, foundational technology and navigate the intricate challenges associated with pioneering a new computing paradigm.
Engaging with the Global Agenda
As a 2025 Technology Pioneer, LightSolver will actively engage with the World Economic Forum’s global community. Specifically, the company is set to join the Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This platform is dedicated to exploring and shaping the trajectory of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and now, optical computing.
Participation in the Centre will provide LightSolver with a unique opportunity to collaborate with policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society organizations from around the world. This engagement is intended to help the company scale its innovative technology more effectively and contribute its unique perspective to global discussions about the governance, ethics, and potential applications of advanced computing, thereby helping to shape the global agenda on emerging technologies.
Funding and Future Prospects
The recognition from the WEF follows significant earlier support for LightSolver’s development efforts. The company has previously secured investment from entities including TAL Ventures, a venture capital firm, demonstrating early investor confidence in their technology.
Furthermore, LightSolver received a substantial €12.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC). This significant grant funding from a major European Union body highlights the perceived strategic importance and potential impact of LightSolver’s optical computing technology on a global scale.
The confluence of significant scientific backing, strategic investment, substantial grant funding, and now, the prestigious World Economic Forum recognition, positions LightSolver as a key player to watch in the evolving landscape of high-performance computing and the broader field of disruptive technologies aimed at solving complex global problems.
