According to a research publication in Allied Market Research, the global computer vision market size was valued at $9.45 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $41.11 billion by 2030. It represents a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 16.0% from 2020 to 2030. However, achieving such a feat wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution of top computer vision companies and startups.
While AI vision has evolved significantly over a short period, it’s not just the technology giants shaping the future of computer vision technology. Many computer vision (AI) companies are startups and smaller companies specializing in various computer vision applications.
With this comprehensive blog, we intend to acknowledge and highlight the role of businesses pioneering a challenging road ahead. But first, let’s have a quick overview of what computer vision is and how it works.
What is Computer Vision and How Does It Work?
Computer vision is a subset of artificial intelligence that can use computer algorithms to filter visual data. Digital images in videos and photos are continuously being added to an online database, using which appropriately coded machines can estimate what they are looking at.
The intention is to mimic human vision, which can capture light reflected from an object, identify the surrounding environment, analyze the information, and store it in memory.
In computer vision, machines can also do this and can make intelligent decisions based on what they see.
As interest in IT vision (a synonymous term for computer vision) grows, investors have begun to play an active role in the growth of more companies in the industry.
IT vision has applications in various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, energy, climate change, self-government, security, MedTech, etc. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and if machines can help review and decode data, aspects of operations such as quality control and medical diagnostics will reduce errors.
Our List of Top Computer Vision Companies and Startups to Look for in 2023
Businesses and startups in computer vision technology have been able to harness the power of artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems in various areas of our daily lives. This list gives you a glimpse of what the future has in store for the progression of computer vision in particular and artificial intelligence in general.
1. Oculus
It is one of those computer vision companies that need not much of an intro. The famous Oculus Rift grabbed countless titles in the early 2010s, but it could not withstand its fierce competition. Finally, Facebook (currently Meta) bought the startup in 2014 for an incredible $2 billion.
When the dust settled, Oculus spread its wings and started venturing into other budding technologies, including computer vision. Today, it has global departments that focus on computer vision research, machine learning, and haptics, striving to create products for new experiences. For example, Oculus VR headsets use computer vision to track players’ hands.
2. Verkada
Today, many modern commercial and residential buildings are equipped with additional security and surveillance setups. These include security cameras, intelligent doors, environmental sensors, and other access control systems.
Verkada is a startup that provides a cloud platform on which all of these systems can be controlled and monitored remotely.
The company was founded in 2016 by graduates of Stanford University and, thanks to its strong growth potential, has quickly attracted the interest of investors.
Verkada, which was included in Forbes’ $ 1 billion startup list in 2019, achieved this success the following year with a $ 1.6 billion award by 2020.
It sells products such as security cams and access control systems that rely on computer vision for authenticating users and identifying threats.
3. Hawk-Eye Innovations
Hawk-Eye combines sports with computer science, using AI vision to analyze players’ decisions. Their system can process the data received from the players in real-time with the movement of the ball or even the car. The statistics derived from these data form the basis of a range of products and services designed to revolutionize the sport by determining the impartiality of the game and its improved transmission.
4. RevolveAI
RevolveAI is a rapidly growing artificial intelligence startup specializing in areas like computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing.
They are a team of experts and professionals capable of developing and building innovative machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions for businesses worldwide. They are driven to create intelligent solutions to everyday problems.
They boast a genuinely global clientage. Their portfolio covers a diverse mix of cutting-edge AI tech-novations, ranging from virtual try-on apps for eCommerce retailers to 3D human modeling for security concerns. The major industries they cater to include security, fashion, agriculture, retail eCommerce, etc.
5. NAUTO
NAUTO’s core objective is to make driving safer for everyone through computer vision. Its state-of-the-art artificial intelligence assesses real-time risks by capturing the driver’s attention, vehicle’s movement, and other such contextual data.
With the help of this crucial data, the driver gets extra time to react and avoid or stop before something unwanted happens.
More than 400 brands use the artificial intelligence-powered NAUTO fleet insurance platform, and the system has handled more than a billion miles of driver images.
6. SenseTime
SenseTime, a multinational company operating in China, aims to impact human society through AI tools positively. Academic research is one of their strongest suits, and their contribution to AI research is enormous. One of the successes of SenseTime is the development of an AI system that detects objects better than the human eye. Some of their other research interests have already strengthened several industries in the automotive, education, finance, and healthcare sectors.
7. InData Labs
InData Labs has an experienced foundation in computer vision, artificial intelligence, and custom software development. Its advanced business-focused solutions in predictive analytics, computer vision, NLP, data acquisition, and OCR have transformed many industries.
The company’s portfolio includes several industries, including marketing and advertising, digital healthcare, logistics, supply chain, retail, etc.
The team running the company boasts significant experience in computer vision, deep learning, and big data solutions.
8. CureMetrix
CureMetrix helps to improve the quality of radiology. The company focuses on developing future medical imaging technologies for healthcare providers and patients. In particular, CureMetrix provides breast health solutions to the healthcare industry to improve mammography results.
The company relies on computer vision technology to create its unique CAD software: cmTriage (FDA approved). The radiologist’s mammography worklist gets a triage code notification from the software. The algorithm detects the presence of a suspicious area of interest and allows the expert to modify its to-do list based on immediacy factors.
In fact, artificial intelligence and augmented reality are playing a vital role in bettering the healthcare sector, and the future of augmented reality in healthcare seems really bright.
9. Shield AI
Shield AI uses AI techniques for a variety of military applications. They mainly use powerful artificial intelligence software and artificial intelligence systems to power drones and assist pilots in spaces without GPS or other communications. The company also specializes in using AI to assist military personnel in executing tactically challenging maneuvers.
10. Descartes Labs
Descartes Labs collects geospatial data and uses it to promote sustainable mining and agriculture. Agencies use their knowledge of artificial intelligence to understand where and when such activities are CO2 neutral and have minimal impact. In addition, its expertise is also used for defense intelligence and supply chain forecasting around the world.
11. MegVii
MegVii is the shorter version for mega-vision, the company powering Face++, China’s 1st facial recognition platform. It also backs up a deep learning framework used for training 3rd party algorithms, Brain++.
MegVii Computer Vision helped beat companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook in the image recognition competitions at the International Computer Vision Conference. Thanks to this, they were crowned the champions in the field in 2017 and 2018.
12. Anduril
Anduril is an American defense technology company that uses a powerful combination of artificial intelligence and computer vision. Its mission is to create cutting-edge products that address critical national security challenges.
The company produces hardware and software that protects those who serve on the frontlines. Anduril’s hardware is powered by the company’s own AI infrastructure called Lattice.
It resorts to a combination of machine learning, inspection systems, and mesh networking to process live data into an autonomous operating picture. Its hardware arrays include Sentry Tower, Anvil sUAS, and Ghost4 sUAS.
13. Athena Security
The United States was devastated by 417 incidents of mass shootings in 2019. Although law enforcement agencies put in best to respond to these situations, there will always be limitations in anticipating or preventing such scenarios using conventional strategies.
The solution to this can be improved surveillance based on artificial intelligence and computer vision technology. Systems capable of detecting dangerous weapons or high-risk individuals can help anticipate and prevent mass shootings.
This is precisely what Athena Security is trying to do. The company has worked tirelessly to develop and implement computer vision technology that can detect weapons in real-time and then alert police to a probable threat.
14. Tractable
Tractable’s artificial intelligence platform scans photos and videos of disaster scenes to assess the extent of the financial damage involved in a situation.
This helps first responders better understand what they are dealing with and pace up the subsequent claims processes for the affected.
15. Zivid
Zivid is another leading company that follows the latest trends in computer vision and combines them into pioneering solutions. Its primary purpose is to create products that give robots the capability to see like humans.
Zivid has recently introduced a new product under the Zivid Two brand, replacing its predecessor, the Zivid One+ line. Both products have 3D CV cameras that efficiently give you excellent 3D image quality. Also, all the hardware runs its own SDK and GUI.
16. Vizseek (Imageinestics)
Google has revolutionized the way we search and process information online. Over time, the advancement and involvement of natural language processing (NLP) have increased the prevalence of Internet searchers using voice recognition technology by 40%.
At the same time, image data has come a long way since the widespread introduction of the internet. That’s why VizSeek (owned by Imaginestics) has developed a visual search engine in hopes of revolutionizing the internet in the same way that Google once did.
VizSeek allows users to search for products or parts in a database using a picture or even a hand-drawn sketch. The U.S. Air Force is also investing in this concept due to its immense potential.
17. Airobotics
Airobotics brings artificial intelligence to the skies by creating advanced aerial surveillance drones. The team behind the company has experience not only in artificial intelligence and computer vision but also in electronics and aeronautical hardware design. This amalgam will allow the company to provide a fully automated solution for collecting and processing aeronautical data on its platform to acquire action-oriented knowledge for industrial users.
18. CEVA Inc.
CEVA Inc. is another of the most notable computer vision technology companies in the global tech market. Founded in 2002, the company has become a renowned wireless and intelligent detection technology provider. CEVA provides core DSPs, platforms, and AI processors almost anywhere globally. The hardware aids various applications like image enhancement, sensor fusion, inspection systems, and other advanced applications.
The company serves a wide range of end markets, including mobile, consumer, automotive, and industrial.
19. Bossa Nova Robotics
It’s no coincidence that many of the best computer vision companies and startups stem from prominent universities. Like Descartes Labs, Bossa Nova Robotics was launched in 2005 by Carnegie Mellon University students.
They initially produced prototypes of robotic toys as an offshoot of the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. However, these first products did not gain a place in the market. The company eventually made headlines when Walmart partnered with it in 2014 to implement robotic assistants in its stores.
Unfortunately, the Walmart partnership ended in 2021, at least in part, due to the COVID pandemic. The retailer decided to keep its human staff to reinforce the supplies. However, Bossa Nova continues to be a leader in advanced robotic technology with advanced AI image recognition, offering up to 95% field accuracy.
20. Trigo
Trigo optimizes grocery stores’ output by combining AI-equipped hardware with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Customers at Trigo-connected stores will not be queuing at the checkout. Instead, they can scan the products directly over the phone, pay for them and leave when they are finished. In 2021, Trigo started working with Google Cloud to accelerate growth and expand its offering.
21. gNext
gNext Labs is a business data analytics company that allows you to use video and image data and convert it into valuable business and operational information. This patented SaaS cloud system creates high-precision point clouds and 3D models as digital replicas for various industrial processes. Machine learning and artificial intelligence allow for the automatic detection of functions and predictive analysis.
22. Onfido
With the rapid growth of e-commerce, online financial services, and work-from-home setups, security implications, and threats have also increased in recent years. Online fraud has reached alarming levels using advanced identity theft and social engineering techniques.
Businesses need a reliable and secure way to identify employees and customers online. Founded by several Oxford students in 2012, Onfido (pronounced On-feed-oh) initially focused on improving the effectiveness of the controls used by recruiters in the financial sector.
At the same time, Onfido has expanded its Know Your Customer (KYC) offering to financial services companies that use computer vision solutions to recognize faces from a mobile camera. The company received more than $182 million from investors in 16 different rounds of financing.
23. Movidius
California company Movidius manufactures chips that are specifically designed for computer vision. They create products like Myriad X with a unique Neural Compute Engine for artificial intelligence workloads.
The company offers its AI accelerator as a USB device for the Edge, referred to as Neural Compute Stick 2. Intel acquired the company in 2018, which now runs as one of its subsidiaries, with all its chips bearing the Intel Movidius moniker.
24. Nyris
Nyris is a promising computer vision and AI technology company that provides SaaS solutions to businesses worldwide. The company’s primary product is a visual search engine that understands the content of images. In technical terms, the engine functions as a simple API that supports visual search.
In addition to computer vision, the company has impressive experience in image recognition, including artificial intelligence and neural networks. This link allows almost instantaneous visual searches from more than 50 countries.
Nyris’ concept is based on the e-commerce landscape, where intelligent search improves user experience, engagement, customer loyalty, and conversion rates. Today, the company’s presence has expanded to the manufacturing and automotive industries.
25. Orbital Insight
The name says it all for them. Orbital Insight specializes in the use of computer vision for geo-analytics. The company uses satellites, drones, balloons, and geolocation data from mobile phones to analyze human activity and provide companies and governments with essential connections on behavior. Orbital Insight has partnered with several major outfits, including the World Bank and the U.S. Department of Defense, to improve their geospatial data and help them better understand global supply chains, and geopolitical events, and address security issues.
26. Neuromation
Neuromation resorts to advances in AI for a variety of applications. Some of its key competencies include:
- Managing facial recognition and home security systems with computer vision
- Classification of inventory management facilities in warehouses
- Medical imaging-based on artificial intelligence for cancer detection and MRI
- Optimizing supply and production chain management using robots with artificial intelligence and data-based analysis
In addition, Neuromation also manages the artificial intelligence market to buy and use trained models for various workflows.
27. Standard Cognition
Like Trigo, Standard Cognition uses artificial intelligence with image recognition to lend store shoppers the opportunity to shop checkout-free. Their technology does not require changes in the store, with on-premises deployments to maintain customer privacy.
In addition to effortless shopping, their AI system provides store owners with a real-time view of product performance and inventory changes.
28. TriVision
This Danish machine learning company provides intuitive vision solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industry using the latest IT and camera technology. TriVision is committed to the initial implementation of inspection systems to help companies meet production and control requirements.
Its customers also ensure product quality and optimize production through vision-based automated quality control.
Their inspection systems address errors in product packaging, labeling, or coding to identify a wide range of problems.
29. AnyClip
AnyClip uses computer vision to turn videos into usable assets by extracting data from images and movements that occur within them. The actions and patterns captured in the images are then used as context for commercial use.
This data is then processed on its fully automated artificial intelligence platform to gather the marketing, merchandising, distribution, and analytical knowledge that companies can exploit.
In addition, the extracted data is cataloged in an easily searchable manner and can be reused later.
30. Regna
Regna uses artificial intelligence to create high-performance sportswear perfectly suited to the individual body. They resort to an “Avatar to Pattern” technology to take accurate measurements from full-body photos and use them to create their custom and professionally developed clothing.
31. Ubble
It is a startup that uses computer vision to improve internet security. In less than three years, Ubble has become a major player in online identity verification. Ubble’s patented real-time video recognition technology is one of a kind.
The company aims to provide citizens with comfort and security when using personal identities in the digital world and build a sense of trust between online services and their users. Ubble protects users from identity theft and the theft or misuse of their personal information.
The company also protects service providers from fraud and improves conversions during their user experience.
32. Zebra Medical Imaging
Zebra-Med allows radiologists to make faster and more accurate diagnoses with artificial intelligence. The company processes millions of images and clinical data to form advanced algorithms that can accurately detect abnormalities in the body.
The Zebra-Med algorithms help radiologists prioritize patients, implement preventive measures, and optimize their workflows for a safe and cost-effective diagnosis and treatment.
Setups like Zebra Med serve as a testament to how AI-based computer vision is transforming the healthcare landscape in recent times.
33. Sensifai
Sensifai is a startup that uses computer vision for a complete video recognition system that can be used to tag videos and images, i.e., for keywords, music, humor, objects, celebrities, scenes, events, etc.
Sensifai and DAI-Labor have teamed up to develop vehicle tracking through several city traffic cameras. This project, supported by the European Data Incubator, aims to integrate the data collected by the network of traffic cameras into the driving of autonomous vehicles.
The pilot city is Berlin, where a network of traffic cameras and GPU servers is implemented. Sensifai first developed a vehicle detection system in this project, followed by vehicle tracking and re-identification iterations.
The Bottom Line
Of course, this is not “the ultimate list of companies and startups” relying on computer vision and AI technology. However, the list undoubtedly highlights the contenders that represent some of the most exciting successes in this area in recent years.
Dozens of other startups are appearing in this industry, and there are many new jobs in the computer vision market.
Along with these startups, established SaaS, robotics companies, social media companies, and semiconductor companies are pushing the boundaries of computer vision technology in exciting new directions.
Fueled by the continuing interest of investors and large companies, computer vision technology seems destined for glory, making our lives better in countless ways for now and the foreseeable future.
