Nvidia Backs Taiwan’s MetAI to Revolutionize Digital Twins and Physical AI
Nvidia is doubling down on the growing opportunities in robotics and industrial AI by expanding its Omniverse platform and launching tools like Mega, a Blueprint framework for creating digital twins. These efforts aim to simplify the operation of AI applications. As part of this initiative, Nvidia is investing in startups like Taiwan’s MetAI to accelerate the development of digital twin technology. MetAI recently raised $4 million in its seed round, with Nvidia making its first investment in a Taiwanese startup. Other investors include Kenmec Mechanical Engineering, Solomon Technology, SparkLabs Taiwan, Addin Ventures, and Upstream Ventures.
MetAI: Creating “SimReady” Digital Twins in Minutes
MetAI specializes in creating “SimReady” (simulation-ready) digital twins using AI and 3D technology. The company’s platform converts CAD files into fully functional 3D environments within minutes, significantly reducing the time and effort required to develop these environments.
This capability addresses a critical challenge in the next wave of AI, known as generative physical AI. This field relies on highly accurate simulated environments to train and validate robots and other autonomous systems before they are deployed. MetAI’s CEO and co-founder, Daniel Yu, emphasized the importance of their technology: “Digital twins have long been a barrier to entry for physical AI due to the months or even years of effort required for development.”
By leveraging AI-driven layouts and generative models, MetAI’s approach not only accelerates the creation of digital twins but ensures their usability in real-world applications like robotics and advanced automation.
A Strong Team and Vision
MetAI was founded by Daniel Yu, CTO Renton Hsu, and COO Dave Liu. Hsu’s background in 3D engineering and AI played a pivotal role in the startup’s formation. While working on enterprise AI software, Hsu discovered that digital twins could address the lack of sufficient data for training AI systems. He then extended this concept to 3D environments, combining AI and 3D technology to create robust synthetic data and solutions. This innovation won Hsu first place in an Nvidia competition, earning him the title of “Jetson AI Ambassador” in Taiwan.
Daniel Yu brings expertise in digital transformation projects, while Dave Liu focuses on scaling the business with a robust go-to-market strategy. Together, they’ve positioned MetAI as a leader in the digital twin space, targeting industries like advanced semiconductor manufacturing, smart warehouses, and industrial automation.
Competing in a Crowded Market
MetAI faces competition from major players like Siemens Digital Industries, Dassault Systemes, Hexagon AB, and smaller companies like Duality AI and Intangles. In the synthetic data sector, rivals include Sky Engine and Scale AI. However, MetAI differentiates itself with its focus on generative models and AI-driven layouts.
“Unlike competitors that prioritize operational efficiencies or IoT integrations, MetAI designs digital twins specifically for physical AI training and real-world implementation,” said Yu. This approach bridges the gap between simulation and reality, enabling faster, more effective AI training.
Industry Partnerships and Real-World Impact
The two-year-old startup has already partnered with leading enterprises in manufacturing and automation, generating revenue through project-based income, product subscriptions, and licensing fees. In 2023, MetAI collaborated with Kenmec to create digital twins for automated warehouses. Their technology reduced the simulation time from thousands of hours to just three minutes, delivering significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.
“MetAI’s integration with Nvidia Omniverse represents a transformative step forward for industrial digital twins and physical AI in simulations,” said Nico Caprez, corporate development manager at Nvidia. “Their ability to create scalable environments for AI training could set a new standard for industries ranging from manufacturing to robotics.”
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Growth
With the latest funding, MetAI plans to expand its R&D team to accelerate development and refine its solutions. The company also intends to establish a U.S. office and relocate its headquarters by the second half of 2025.
“Taiwan serves as our testing ground, where we collaborate with industry leaders to integrate deep vertical knowledge into our models,” said COO Dave Liu. “Given the demand for simulation-driven solutions, we’re expanding into the U.S. market to address high labor costs and operational complexities. Our strategy includes providing point solutions and end-to-end services, such as SaaS offerings and vertical AI agents for rapid real-world implementation.”
MetAI’s vision is to create dynamic virtual environments that operate like the real world, offering customized synthetic data for AI training. With a strong foundation and Nvidia’s backing, MetAI is poised to revolutionize digital twin technology and the broader field of physical AI.
