Investment in Ximplic to make AI energy efficient

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, but its explosive growth comes at a cost: soaring energy consumption. Future Tech Ventures (FTV) has invested in Groningen-based startup Ximplic, a spin-off from the University of Groningen developing technology to dramatically reduce the energy consumption of artificial intelligence applications.

Ximplic develops patented Computing-in-Memory technology that fundamentally rethinks how computers process information. 90% of the energy consumed by AI comes from data moving between memory and processor. Ximplic enables computations to take place directly inside memory.

Making AI smarter and more sustainable

“Our mission is simple: make AI dramatically more energy efficient,” says founder and CEO Simranjeet Singh. “Today's computers were never designed for AI. We are developing the building blocks for a new generation of intelligent devices that can process more data, consume less energy and better protect users’ privacy.”

The technology is particularly relevant for battery-powered devices such as wearables, medical devices and smart sensors. By processing AI locally rather than relying on cloud computing, future products could operate longer on a single charge while keeping sensitive data closer to the user.

The company was founded by dr. Simranjeet Singh and Farhad Merchant, Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen. The technology is already attracting pilot partners exploring commercial applications.

“Building breakthrough technology is only half the challenge,” says Merchant. “Turning it into a successful company requires access to expertise, networks and the right investors. FTV has challenged us, sharpened our thinking and connected us to people who can help accelerate our growth. That support is invaluable at this stage.”

The first success story of a new fellowship programme

Ximplic is the first startup to emerge from the University of Groningen’s Deeptech Pioneer Fellowship programme, a recently launched initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic research and entrepreneurship. The fellowship gives researchers a funded year to turn promising inventions into viable companies. 

“Researchers often make discoveries with commercial potential, but rarely have the time to develop this into actual companies,” says Professor Matthias Heinemann, initiator of the programme. “This fellowship gives them the opportunity to take that next step. Simranjeet Singh was among the very first fellows, and seeing his company attract external investment so quickly is proof that the model works.”

Backing the future of AI hardware

“Ximplic is a textbook successful spin-off,” says Kyra Weaver, Investment Manager at Future Tech Ventures. “They’ve turned university research into a tool that solves a real problem –  compute’s energy bottleneck – and demand for that is only growing. What sets this team apart is rare: fresh out of academic research, but thinking and operating like a commercial business from the get-go. That’s exactly the kind of team we built Future Tech Ventures in Groningen to back – strong science, commercial instinct, and a real stake in where compute is headed next.” 

The investment will be used to further develop the technology, validate customer demand and strengthen Ximplic’s commercial capabilities. The company aims to demonstrate its technology in silicon within the coming years and ultimately enable a future in which AI is not only more powerful, but also far more sustainable.

About Future Tech Ventures

Future Tech Ventures is a Dutch early-stage investment fund supporting high-tech startups with societal and economic impact. With a €20 million fund, FTV provides founder-friendly capital (€50,000–€350,000), mentorship, and access to networks, aiming to help 50+ startups grow between 2024–2029. FTV focuses on bridging the gap between proof-of-concept and investable business in the Northern Netherlands.

About Ximplic

Ximplic is a Groningen-based deeptech startup developing breakthrough semiconductor technology for the AI era. Founded by Simranjeet Singh and Farhad Merchant as a spin-off from the University of Groningen in 2025 , the company develops patented Computing-in-Memory solutions that significantly improve the energy efficiency of AI systems. Ximplic’s technology enables chip designers to build faster, smarter and more sustainable AI-enabled products. Read more: www.ximplic.com

About the Deeptech Pioneer Fellowship

Initiated by Professor Matthias Heinemann at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, and co-financed by the ‘Nationaal Programma Groningen’, the Deeptech Pioneer Fellowship programme helps researchers transform promising scientific breakthroughs into viable businesses. The programme provides selected fellows with a dedicated year of funding, mentorship and entrepreneurial support, enabling them to focus on building startups around their innovations. The fellowship aims to accelerate deeptech entrepreneurship and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the Northern Netherlands. More information