Celestial AI buys Rockley Photonics patents for $20m

Celestial AI has bought the silicon photonics intellectual property of Rockley Photonics, including worldwide issued and pending patents, for $20m.

This gives Celestial AI one of the strongest IP portfolios in the field of silicon photonics for optical compute interconnect, bringing their total IP portfolio to more than 200 patents globally.

The Rockley patent portfolio is comprised of three main technology categories including optoelectronic systems-in-package, electro-absorption modulators (EAMs) and optical switch technology, all relevant for multiple AI data centre infrastructure applications where Celestial AI is developing a photonic substrate for these applications. The value of the deal was disclosed in the 2023 accounts filed last week.

Rockley was an early pioneer in silicon photonics with foundational IP that dates back to 2014, predating the foundation of many market competitors. The company changed direction with the launch of a biosensing wristband in December 2023 and a change of management in February 2024. The company had cash of $13m in June 2024 after accumulated losses of $450m.

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The acquired IP directly aligns with Celestial AI’s core technology roadmap and enhances the deployment and commercialization strategy of the company’s Photonic Fabric technology platform.

“The addition of Rockley’s IP into our technology platform further accelerates the growth of Celestial AI’s highly valuable intellectual property portfolio and amplifies the strength of our position. These patents fit well into our expanding Photonic Fabric patent portfolio spanning advanced packaging, thermally stable Silicon photonics, and system architectures for optical compute interconnect,” said Dave Lazovsky, Founder and CEO of Celestial AI.

“This acquisition reflects Celestial AI’s commitment to protecting Photonic Fabric-based solutions that are being implemented in our customers’ AI data centre infrastructure.”