Many promising ideas originate and thrive well outside of Silicon Valley and other American tech centers. In fact, international startups often focus on needs and interests that U.S. tech-investment hotspots might overlook. These companies not only drive change in their regions but also push the boundaries of what’s possible globally, introducing fresh perspectives, solutions, and technologies that address critical needs across borders.
Adalat AI
For streamlining the courtroom transcription process
Indian courts have a backlog of more than 50 million cases that take, on average, 12 years to resolve. On top of that, not many courtroom stenographers can keep up with what is said in real time, leading to slow and inaccurate transcriptions which can negatively affect the outcome of cases. Speech-to-text legal transcription service Adalat AI automates the transcription process. This has led to faster case processing and more accurate write-ups. The software, powered by open-source AI models from OpenAI, has been trained on legal data and can identify legal jargon, latin phrases, and colloquial Hindi phrases. The software is currently deployed in more than 1,000 courtrooms in India.
Aethir
For redistributing computing resources to improve efficiency
Singapore-based Aethir creates a decentralized network that redistributes unused computing resources to make companies in the AI and gaming industries more efficient. To do this, Aethir uses the computing power of several data centers to pool resources across clients from different industries and for different regions. Aethir’s approach makes organizations more efficient and helps reduce energy costs. The company, which is backed by Nvidia, Qualcomm, and China Mobile, works with more than 100,000 server nodes around the world.
Flawless
For helping Hollywood crack the language code
As audiences around the world have access to global content, London-based 4-year-old generative AI company Flawless gives them the most authentic viewing experience possible. The company uses technology to leverage datasets and advanced video information, allowing Hollywood to create perfectly lip-synced, immersive experiences in any language. The tool is able to change an actor’s performance from one language to another, meaning any film in any language can now be translated visually, rather than simply dubbed over. Directors and editors can also use the tools to tweak performances and dialogue in postproduction, which saves money and the need for reshoots.
PhysicsX
For giving engineers and scientists the means to test their designs
PhysicsX uses AI to run simulations for engineers in the automotive, aerospace, and material sciences industry. The company’s tools let engineers create and test configurations and designs in real time. PhysicsX does this by creating new techniques to predict the behavior of 3D geometries across different physical environments (like fluids or solids) before manipulating them to improve their performance. The company’s cofounder, Robin Tuluie, understood firsthand the pain points that PhysicsX could solve; he spent a large part of his career at Renault and then Mercedes, as head of R&D and chief scientist. His designs helped his teams win four Formula One world championships.
The companies behind these technologies are among the honorees in Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech awards for 2024. See a full list of all the winners across all categories and read more about the methodology behind the selection process.
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