From humble beginnings with pedal bicycles to the high-octane world of Formula Oneracing, Neural Concept, co-founded by CEO Pierre Baqué, has made amazing progress in just six years. Beginning in 2018, the startup's unique software was instrumental in creating the world's most aerodynamic bicycle. Fast forward to present, and four of the ten Formula One teams have implemented this advanced technology.
Under Baqué's leadership, Neural Concept increased its scope, signing contracts with major aircraft suppliers such as Airbus and Safran, and reached a critical milestone with a $9.1 million Series A fundraising round in 2022. The company, situated in Switzerland, now employs 50 people and is preparing for a Series B round while assisting classic Formula One teams such as Williams Racing in their quest for sport dominance.
Initially, Baqué used this technology for human-powered bicycles. In 2018, while working at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne's Computer Vision Laboratory, he employed machine learning to solve three-dimensional design problems, resulting in the world's most aerodynamic bike.
The Neural Concept Shape (NCS) is a machine learning method that aids in aerodynamic design within the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This tool speeds up the design process, allowing engineers to avoid potential aerodynamic inefficiencies and explore new design options.
Despite its delayed uptake in more traditional industries, NCS has applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The technique is critical for creating efficient battery-cooling systems and other automotive improvements, resulting in considerable increases in vehicle range and efficiency.
Formula One remains the ultimate testing ground for such technologies, as evidenced by the Netflix series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive," which has brought the sport to a wider audience. The covert character of Formula One is clear, with only one of the four teams working with Neural Concept disclosing their partnership. Nonetheless, the technology is critical for teams such as Williams Racing, allowing them to expedite their aerodynamic design processes and obtain a competitive advantage despite strict testing requirements and budget constraints.
Looking ahead, AI has several potential uses in Formula One and beyond, ranging from race strategy to car settings. Neural Concept continues to investigate new areas, such as more efficient electric motors and greater crash simulation capabilities, pushing the limits of AI in automotive technology.
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