The Neural Concept Startup Successfully Stepped From Bike To Formula 1 In Six Years

The Williams Racing team used AI aerodynamic services from the Neural Concept. (photo: x @WilliamsRacing)

JAKARTA - Swiss artificial intelligence (AI)-based startup Neural Concept and its founder, Pierre Baqué, has seen a major spike in six years, switching from pedal to Formula 1.

In 2018, the company's software helped develop the world's most aerodynamic bicycles. Currently, four of the 10 Formula 1 teams use the same technological evolution of this startup.

The Neural Concept's journey also involves contracts with aerospace suppliers such as Airbus and Safran, raising Series A funding of $9.1 million in 2022. The Swiss-based company, which now has 50 employees, is now focusing on Series B funding while helping F1 teams such as Williams Racing to dominate the world racing event again.

The Neural Concept core technology is the Neural Concept Shape (NCS), a machine learning-based system that provides aerodynamics and recommendations. This software is not only useful in the world of racing, but also in the automotive and aerospace industries.

The Neural Concept has teamed up with several global suppliers, including Bosch and Mahle, to optimize aerodynamic designs in electric cars, seeking maximum distance from available batteries.

Although the company is focused on aerodynamic applications, they are also starting to develop accident simulations to optimize car safety in a more efficient way.

The Neural Concept proved its superiority by helping the legendary Formula 1 team such as Williams Racing, which is in the rebuilding phase. Their system helps the team develop better aerodynamic designs, overcoming stringent test and budget constraints in racing.

The Concept Neural Story is proof of the rapid development of artificial intelligence, from bicycles to Formula 1 racing cars, bringing revolutionary innovations in the automotive and world racing industries.