Spectral Edge

Spectral Edge, an acqui-hired company, was established in 2011 in Cambridge, UK, by Robert Edward Meredith Swann and Graham Finlayson. The venture originated as a spin-out from the University of East Anglia, building on academic research in imaging science.

The founders' journey began in the academic world, with their research forming the basis of the company's core technology. The company's leadership was later strengthened by the appointment of Rhodri Thomas, formerly of SwiftKey, as CEO in 2017, and Dr. Ilya Romanenko from ARM Holdings as CTO, who led a research and development team that included several PhDs specializing in image fusion and machine learning.

Spectral Edge operated in the image processing and enhancement sector, developing technology for mass-market devices. Its business model centered on licensing its patented image fusion technology to companies in sectors such as smartphones, security, automotive, and broadcasting. The firm secured a total of $7.97 million in funding across four rounds, with its first round on July 18, 2014, and culminating in a $5.3 million Series A on April 10, 2018, led by investors Parkwalk and IQ Capital.

The company's main offering was a machine learning-based technology that improved image quality on phones in real-time. This was achieved by algorithmically combining a standard photograph with an infrared one to enhance clarity, detail, and color accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions. This image fusion process was designed to be embedded at a pixel level in either software or silicon. Another developed product was Eyeteq, a device that processed stream video to make it more perceivable for viewers with colorblindness. A significant milestone was the company's acquisition by Apple in December 2019, with the technology expected to be integrated into the iPhone's camera functions.

Keywords: image fusion, computational photography, machine learning imaging, image enhancement, infrared imaging, computer vision, smartphone camera technology, image processing software, real-time imaging, color correction, low-light enhancement, video enhancement, embedded technology, imaging science, artificial intelligence imaging, acqui-hired, university spin-out, imaging algorithms, mobile imaging, security cameras