Applied Brain Research
Category: AI Chips / Semiconductors
Applied Brain Research develops neuromorphic AI chips and edge computing solutions, including the TSP1 neural network accelerator chip for low-power, high-performance AI capabilities in battery-powered devices. Applied Brain Research was founded in 2012. The company is led by Kevin Conley. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $3.6 million. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include Two Small Fish Ventures, Silicon Catalyst Ventures, Garage Capital, Raptor Group, Fast Forward AI Accelerator, OneEleven, Adrenaline Fund.
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $3.6 million
Value proposition
Enables natural voice interfaces, bio-signal classification, and real-time AI processing in edge devices through patented low-power neuromorphic computing technology.
Products and solutions
TSP1 Neural Network Accelerator Chip, Nengo Compiler and Runtime Platform, ABR Reach (robotic reaching application), Vision and Speech AI Applications, Neuromorphic AI Algorithms (spiking deep learning, reinforcement learning)
Unique value
Pioneers Neural Engineering Framework (NEF) and Semantic Pointer Architecture (SPA) for biologically inspired AI systems, integrating brain-like computation with neuromorphic hardware.
Target customer
Robotics, consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, and industrial automation industries requiring advanced AI processing with minimal power consumption.
Industries served
Robotics, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Healthcare, Industrial Automation
Technology advantage
Combines cutting-edge neuroscience research (e.g., Spaun brain model) with proprietary neuromorphic chip design, enabling superior energy efficiency and real-world adaptability compared to traditional AI solutions.
How they differentiate
Applied Brain Research differentiates itself through brain-inspired AI chip architectures optimized for edge computing, emphasizing energy efficiency, real-time processing, and partnerships with academic institutions for neuroscience-driven innovation.
Main competitors
IBM, Intel, BrainChip, Qualcomm, SynSense
Key partnerships
Silicon Catalyst (portfolio/incubator), ventureLAB (Hardware Catalyst Initiative), Communitech, FedDev Ontario (government funding), Intel Loihi (historical Nengo collaboration), University of Waterloo / Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience
Notable customers
Academic research institutions, Defense contractors (unspecified)
Major milestones
2012: Incorporated (Corporations Canada #8299072); neuromorphic/SSM focus, 2023-09: Appointed Kevin Conley as CEO, 2025-11: Raised over $3.6M initial/seed funding; Eva Lau appointed to Board, 2025-11: TSP1 first silicon demonstrated (EE Times), 2026-01: Closed oversubscribed Seed round led by Two Small Fish Ventures, 2026-01: Shipped first TSP1 development kits to Early Access Program
Growth metrics
Private company; no public financial metrics available.
Market positioning
Positioned as a specialized neuromorphic computing firm targeting industries requiring low-power, high-performance AI solutions, such as autonomous systems, IoT, and robotics.
Geographic focus
Global, with significant research activity in North America (e.g., Intel, IBM) and Europe (e.g., SpiNNaker projects in Germany/UK).
Patents and IP
Holds patents for super small/efficient AI networks derived from brain circuit research, including full-speech recognition and NLP implementations.
About Kevin Conley
Over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, previously served as CEO & President at Everspin Technologies, Senior VP at SanDisk, VP of Engineering at Corsair. Expertise in AI chip development, storage technologies, and semiconductor product development.
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Official website: https://www.appliedbrainresearch.com