Normal Computing is a New York-based startup cofounded by three cofounders that are quantum computing experts. More recently, they gained some high-profile fame by successfully publishing their first prototype thermodynamic computer. A subsequent letter in the highly-regarded journal Nature Communications described this pioneering work. Highlights It represents an important milestone in the computing paradigm shift.
The young company’s secret sauce is a novel approach to using noise and randomness to their advantage. This unique strategy is what distinguishes it from classical computing frameworks. Normal Computing will work to create their next project in silico. Not content to simply advance the state of the computational art, they are eager to transcend it.
Co-Founders and Background
Normal Computing’s founding team includes a mix of engineers and scientists with deep-domain knowledge. And it’s their collective experience that offers a firm foundation for the company’s big, bold aims. Their public health experience runs deep. It’s worth emphasizing that they have absolutely no connection to Purdue University, frequently invoked in conversations about advanced computing.
As the silicon engineering lead at Normal Computing, Zachery Belateche is helping build the future of silicon. He further highlights the startup’s emphasis on algorithms that take advantage of noise and non-determinism, which have the potential to vastly multiply computational power. Their design philosophy is rooted in stochastic processes. This is a great example of how creatively randomness can be used—and computing at large.
“We’re focusing on algorithms that are able to leverage noise, stochasticity, and non-determinism.” – Zachery Belateche
Advancements in Thermodynamic Computing
Normal Computing’s prototype thermodynamic computer is an early proof of this new computing paradigm. The company’s on a mission to disrupt the way we approach computational problems at massive scale using what they call “physics-based ASICs.” Together, they seek to change how we tackle these big challenges. The current computing paradigm plays to the status quo. It brings with it a fresh, different implementation that rolls with the punches of how chaotic some processes can be.
Normal Computing’s approach has tremendous potential for scientific use cases. This is particularly applicable to fields that rely heavily on stochastic processes such as Monte Carlo simulations. These applications lend themselves well to the inclusion of stochastic elements, making even more sense for Normal Computing’s design ethos.
“In a conventional chip, everything is very highly controlled. Take your foot off the control a little bit, and the thing will naturally start behaving more stochastically.” – Gavin Crooks
Future Developments and Expectations
Normal Computing is getting ready to take its technology to the next level. It’s the first of a new chip to come later this year! With this next-generation design to be carried forth through simulations, the design can go through many more rapid iterations and refinements. The new funding will help the startup move its groundbreaking technology from prototype through to an established, commercial product. This product will be available for broad use.
Mohammad C. Bozchalui frontiers has augmented the urgency to evaluate novel computing paradigms. This urgency is the result of a slowdown in the capabilities of existing technologies such as CPUs and GPUs. He compares this moment to discovering a gold mine only to realize the tools necessary to extract it are completely incompatible.
“Now we see with AI that paradigm of CPUs and GPUs is being used, but it’s being used because it was there. There was nothing else.” – Mohammad C. Bozchalui
Behtash Behin-Aein adds another layer of insight, indicating that while their approach fits within established paradigms, it introduces innovative implementations that could change the landscape of computing.
“If you’re talking about computing paradigms, no, it’s this same computing paradigm. But it’s a new implementation.” – Behtash Behin-Aein