Spectral Edge appoints new CTO, accelerating development of smartphone imaging technology

Dr Ilya Romanenko joins from ARM/Apical, bringing expertise in computer vision and image processing

Cambridge, UK -- November 7, 2017 -- As part of its growth strategy, Spectral Edge (www.spectraledge.co.uk), experts in computational photography using image fusion, today announced that Dr Ilya Romanenko has joined the company as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He will lead an expanded Research and Development (R&D) team in its Cambridge office, which will combine Spectral Edge’s proven Phusion image processing technology with a new approach based on Deep Learning. This will result in an exciting new range of imaging products designed for integration into smartphones.

Previously, Ilya played a key role in R&D leadership for 12 years at Apical, which specialised in developing next generation camera and display subsystems. Apical’s products have shipped in over 1.5 billion smartphones and other devices, delivering market-leading image quality and new user experiences. After the company was acquired by ARM in 2016 he became R&D Director for ARM’s computer vision team.

Ilya brings a proven track record of developing deployable products, based on his expertise in image processing, computer vision, Deep Learning and IP development to Spectral Edge, along with extensive experience in creating and running R&D teams. His appointment follows that of new CEO Rhodri Thomas, who joined from SwiftKey/Microsoft in February 2017, adding to Spectral Edge’s world-class senior management team.

Spectral Edge aims to improve the viewing experience of images, videos and TV content by delivering the perfect picture for each individual viewer. This is done with patented image fusion technology which can combine visible and invisible information (such as infrared and thermal) in real-time on smartphones and other consumer electronics, to enhance detail, aid visual accessibility, and create ever more beautiful pictures. It helps smartphone manufacturers build devices that automatically take more vivid, natural looking photos every time, allowing manufacturers to deliver noticeably superior standard images to end users.

“Spectral Edge is built on impressive fundamental technology, which sits at the intersection of the image processing and computer vision fields, meaning I can use my knowledge and expertise in both to move the company forward,” said Dr Ilya Romanenko, CTO, Spectral Edge. “It is already delivering significant benefits to companies in the broadcast market, and I am confident that working with the team we can bring this technology to life, particularly within products in the mobile sector, improving the user experience and bringing a new quality to existing products.”

“Ilya’s appointment is a further major step in Spectral Edge’s growth, bringing world-class R&D leadership and experience to our team,” said Rhodri Thomas, CEO, Spectral Edge. “Image processing is now a vital part of differentiation in smartphone development and I’m delighted to welcome Ilya on board as we develop our IP and support our customers in delivering market-leading visual experiences to their consumers.”

About Spectral Edge

Spectral Edge develops and licences embedded IP for automatically enhancing photo and video content, helping its customers differentiate themselves through more detailed, more beautiful and natural-looking images. Based on its patented image fusion algorithms, its IP products are designed for integration into smartphones, consumer electronics devices and content delivery networks.

Built on original research from the Colour and Vision Group (part of the School of Computing Sciences) at University of East Anglia (UEA), UK, Spectral Edge is based in Cambridge, UK and targets the mobile and broadcast markets.

Website: http://www.spectraledge.co.uk/