Intel Capital, the venture arm of chip giant Intel, has invested $38m in 12 technology startups across a range of innovative technologies, including big data analytics, autonomous machines, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
The announcement was made at the chip maker’s annual Intel Capital Global Summit.
The companies that secured investment focus on creating solutions for seniors and disabled people using the Internet of Things.
The startups also undertake advanced audio for 360-degree virtual reality systems and human-like vision systems for connected cars.
Among the investments Intel has made include autonomous machines firms such as Chronocam, Embodied, and Perrone Robotics.
Chinese firms Eazytec, Grand Chip Microelectronics and US companies Paxata and StealthMine have secured investments for data and connectivity.
Other investments include in sports and health categories in companies like CubeWorks, Kinduct, and K4Connect.
Immersive audio firm Dysonics and cloud-based virtual reality solutions provider InContext Solutions have also secured undisclosed investments from Intel Capital.
Intel senior vice president and Intel Capital president Wendell Brooks said: “Innovation is exploding as the world transforms into an increasingly smart and connected place, where billions of devices will be made even smarter by intelligence in the cloud.
“We’re excited to team with these visionary entrepreneurs developing breakthrough technologies to transform lives and industries.”
Intel Capital supports innovative startups targeting computing and smart devices, cloud, datacenter, security, the Internet of Things, wearable and robotic technologies and semiconductor manufacturing.
The company invested over $11.8bn since 1991 in 1,478 companies globally, and 617 portfolio firms have gone public or been acquired.
The 17th annual Intel Capital Global Summit in San Diego, California is expected to draw about 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors and business luminaries for an event that hopes to shape the future of technology.
