Computational design software startup nTopology Inc. said today it has secured a significant investment of an undisclosed amount from NVentures, the venture capital arm of Nvidia Corp.
The funding comes as nTop revealed that it’s integrating its software with the chipmaker’s accelerated computing platform to turbocharge design processes, so engineering teams can create “advanced products” at much faster speeds than before.
The startup is the creator of an advanced computational design software tool that leverages algorithms powered by engineering logic to solve complex problems. Its toolset includes generative design, topology optimization, automation capabilities, bundled with an “unbreakable” geometry engine that’s uniquely able to handle the complexities of advanced manufacturing in various industries.
With its software, engineers in industries such as the automotive and aerospace sectors can control lattice parameters at every point in space using an approach known as “field-driven design.” This is a novel process that makes it easier to manipulate and control complex geometries with more precision than traditional computer-aided design software, aiding engineers in the design of complex parts for machines and so on.
The challenge for nTop is that its software is so powerful that it needs access to some of the most advanced computing infrastructure to be able to process its complex modeling operations and simulations in close to real time. That’s why it’s teaming up with Nvidia, integrating its platform with the Nvidia OptiX ray-tracing framework and Nvidia Omniverse graphics platforms, so teams can not only accelerate but better visualize how their designs will appear in the real world.
As a proof-of-concept, nTop says it has integrated the Nvidia OptiX ray-tracing framework with its software to enable more realistic rendering. Meanwhile, it’s leveraging Nvidia’s Omniverse platform so its users can bring their designs into a more immersive 3D collaboration environment, where they can see and interact with live digital twins of their parts and assemblies.
According to Mohamed Siddeek, corporate vice president of Nvidia and head of NVentures, these advanced simulation capabilities are necessary to create physically accurate designs. “In collaboration with Nvidia, the team at nTop is showcasing the benefits of accelerated computing in computational design, building incredible tools for engineering teams to design and deliver innovative products,” he said.
The startup said the main practical benefit is that, as engineers make alterations to their designs in its platform, they will be instantly reflected in their digital twins inside Omniverse, without any meshing required for the transfer.
Bradley Rothenberg, co-founder and chief executive of nTop, said this proof-of-concept is a key breakthrough that will enable engineers to iterate on their designs much faster than before. “We are seeing strong interest from customers and partners and are looking forward to sharing more capabilities later this year,” he added.