DURHAM – Infinia ML, the machine learning startup led by serial entrepreneur Robbie Allen and Dr. Larry Carin, Duke University’s vice provost for research, is formalizing its relationship with Duke through a plan to offer lectures from executives and ML advice for Duke startups.
It’s the first such deal for Infinia ML, which has a growing roster of clients seeking help in making machine learning part of their business processes. And there may be more such partnerships in the future.
“We’re not ready to officially announce it yet but we do have more exciting news like this in the works – look for something in the next month or so,” James Kotecki, Director of Marketing & Communications for Infinia, tells WRAL TechWire.
Infinia ML, which is also based in Durham, will work initially with Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering.
The company is helping jump-start the partnership with $25,000.
Robbie Allen
Infinia ML’s connections with Duke made the university a “perfect partner for us,” Kotecki adds.
“Our company emerged from the Duke University machine learning lab of Dr. Carin, who is our Chief Scientist, a Duke professor, and Duke’s Vice Provost for Research. … [M]any members of our team have strong Duke connections. Beyond this, Duke clearly understands the value of machine learning for the businesses of the future.”
Machine learning uses statistical techniques to give computer systems the ability to “learn” with data, without being explicitly programmed, according to Wikipedia. Infinia aims to provide “automation solutions and predictive analytics to enterprise businesses.”
The company launched just a year agao and has already raised $10 million in venture capital. Its team includes authors of over 550 published papers, earned 31 patents, written 11 books, and includes seven PhD holders.
Allen and Carin have both emerged as leaders in the field. Allen’s company Automated Insights, which he sold, focused on robotic writing of news and sports as well as other content production.
“Machine learning is driving business value across a wide variety of industries and use cases, but we believe the most exciting applications are yet to come,” Allen said. “We’re excited to help the next generation of Duke entrepreneurs build the next generation of machine learning solutions, products, and businesses.”
Other Infinia ML members from Duke include Assistant Professor Ricardo Henao, visiting Faculty Member Hongteng Xu, PhD graduate Ya Xue, and Postdoctoral Associate Ikenna Odinaka.
Kotecki says Infinia ML sees the Duke program as a way to spread the knowledge of machine learning and what it can do.
“Machine learning is already a transformational technology for business, and we want to help accelerate that transformation,” he explains. “When we train the next generation of entrepreneurs, we’re helping our future clients, partners, and employees to advance our industry and our region.”
Infinia ML leaders such as Allen and executive chairman Mike Salvino will be offering lectures, work with Duke startups and also back the work of Steve McClelland, Duke Engineering’s engineer in residence.
“Machine learning is an evolving and important tool that’s changing how businesses approach and solve problems,” McClelland said in the announcement, which was made Wednesday. “Understanding its strengths, limitations and opportunities helps entrepreneurs deliver unique solutions, value and services to customers. Duke students will benefit from access to Infinia ML’s experience in applying these tools to solve real-world problems.”
