Buzzy AI startup Multiverse creates two of the smallest high-performing models ever

A leading AI startup in Europe has made headlines by introducing two remarkably compact AI models, whimsically named after the brains of a chicken and a fly. Multiverse Computing asserts that these innovations are among the smallest high-performance models available, capable of handling tasks like chat, speech, and even reasoning. Designed for integration into Internet of Things (IoT) devices, these tiny models can also function locally on smartphones, tablets, and computers. According to co-founder Román Orús, the models can be compressed sufficiently to operate directly on devices such as iPhones and even Apple Watches. Headquartered in Donostia, Spain, Multiverse Computing was co-founded by Orús, a prominent figure in quantum computing, along with Samuel Mugel and Enrique Lizaso Olmos. The company recently secured €189 million (approximately $215 million) in funding, bringing its total investments to around $250 million since its inception in 2019. This financial boost is largely attributed to their proprietary model compression technology known as "CompactifAI." Orús explains that CompactifAI is a unique quantum-inspired compression algorithm that minimizes the size of AI models while maintaining their performance. This technology allows Multiverse to produce compressed versions of popular open-source models, including well-known small models like Llama 4 Scout and Mistral Small 3.1, as well as the latest releases from OpenAI. The newly launched models, humorously categorized as the "Model Zoo," include SuperFly and ChickBrain. SuperFly, a trimmed-down version of Hugging Face’s SmolLM2 135, features 94 million parameters, likened to the size of a fly's brain. This model is engineered for on-device training, facilitating voice command functionalities for home appliances, such as initiating a quick wash cycle on a washing machine. ChickBrain, on the other hand, is a more robust model with 3.2 billion parameters and enhanced reasoning capabilities. Despite its larger size, it operates efficiently on devices like a MacBook without the need for internet access. Impressively, ChickBrain outperforms its original counterpart in various benchmarks, showcasing its advanced language and reasoning skills. While Multiverse doesn't claim that its models will dethrone the largest AI models on performance benchmarks, the startup emphasizes its ability to reduce model size without compromising quality. Currently, Multiverse is in discussions with major tech companies including Apple, Samsung, Sony, and HP, which recently participated in their funding round. In addition to their model offerings, Multiverse provides compression technology for diverse machine learning applications, assisting clients such as BASF, Ally, and Bosch. Their compressed models are also available through an API hosted on AWS, enabling developers to access cutting-edge technology at competitive token fees.