Cornelis Networks: Solving the Toughest Computing Problems
Cornelis provides high-performance networking solutions for supercomputers
Cluster computing refers to a computer setup where individual computers or “nodes” are connected to a network and perform as a single entity. Modern supercomputers use cluster computing architecture to help solve complex problems by providing faster computational speed and better data integrity. Genomics, quantum mechanics, public health, climate research, and energy exploration are only some of the many fields that require this type of advanced computing power.
Alumni Ventures Group portfolio company Cornelis Networks is one of the few cluster computing providers servicing the needs of large enterprises and research labs. The company develops high-performance interconnects — a physical piece of computing infrastructure where multiple ports converge to establish data connections — between computers, networks, and applications, enabling them to operate as a single supercomputing cluster.
Solving Real-World Problems
Cornelis Networks delivers the benefits of cluster computing to leading scientific, government, and commercial organizations. According to a study by the International Data Corporation (IDC), some of the breakthroughs of supercomputing technology include:
- Enabling the NOAA’s weather and severe storm predictions
- Aiding in the development of military spacecrafts
- Helping plan and execute NASA missions
- Helping researchers discover new therapies for combating different viruses
- Reducing fuel consumption by developing more efficient engines
- Lowering the cost of cancer care and heart disease treatments
IDC also reported that 97% of companies that adopted supercomputing state that they “could no longer compete or survive without it.”
Company Growth and Support
The current generation of interconnects cannot process and transmit data fast enough. Cornelis is working towards developing the next generation of interconnects to meet the need for ultrafast, highly efficient data transmission. In pursuing this goal, the company has partnered with Intel to secure significant financial and operational resources, as well as a deep IP portfolio.
In addition to strong support from Intel, Cornelis is progressing toward securing non-dilutive grants from the U.S. government, which will further help the company develop its next-generation product.
How We Are Involved
AVG’s Chestnut Street Ventures (for Penn alumni and friends) was introduced to Cornelis by a member of our community when the company was still seeking a lead investor. After meeting the founder, our investment team helped Cornelis find its lead investor by making a number of introductions to relevant VCs from within their network.
Chestnut Street and sibling funds deployed capital in a $20 million Series A round led by Downing Ventures and joined by Intel Capital.
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