Samsung to acquire UK-based startup Oxford Semantic

• Smartphone leader seeks to harness power of knowledge graph technology to deliver hyper-personalised AI experiences across its product portfolio.

Samsung Electronics has announced the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK-based startup specialising in knowledge graph technology.

The strategic acquisition positions Samsung at the forefront of the evolving landscape of personalised AI experiences, as it seeks to harness the power of knowledge graph technology to enhance the user experience across its diverse product portfolio.

Established in 2017 by a team of distinguished professors from the University of Oxford, Oxford Semantic Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer in the field of knowledge representation and semantic reasoning.

The company’s flagship product, RDFox, has garnered widespread acclaim for its ability to effectively process and integrate dynamic real-world data into coherent knowledge graphs.

The innovative technology offers a unique approach to data management, akin to the way humans acquire, store, and reason over knowledge, paving the way for more sophisticated and personalized AI solutions.

Knowledge graph technology is a complex and challenging discipline, owing to the intricate computations involved in converting vast amounts of data into a cohesive and interconnected web of related ideas.

However, Oxford Semantic Technologies has successfully navigated these technical hurdles, developing a robust and commercially viable solution that has captured the attention of organisations across various industries, including finance, manufacturing, and e-commerce.

Samsung’s decision to acquire Oxford Semantic Technologies is a strategic move that aligns with the company’s broader vision of delivering hyper-personalised AI experiences to its global customer base.

By integrating Oxford Semantic Technologies’ cutting-edge knowledge graph technology with Samsung’s expertise in user experience and data processing, the company aims to revolutionise the way consumers interact with and benefit from their devices.

The integration of personal knowledge graph technology with Samsung’s on-device AI capabilities, as exemplified in the upcoming Galaxy S24 series, promises to unlock new frontiers in user personalisation. By continuously learning and adapting to users’ preferences and usage patterns, these personal knowledge graphs will enable a tailored experience that seamlessly anticipates and caters to individual needs, all while ensuring the security of sensitive personal data on the device.

The acquisition extends beyond the realm of mobile devices, as Samsung envisions the application of personal knowledge graph technology across its diverse product portfolio, including televisions and home appliances.

By transforming these devices into intelligent, context-aware companions, Samsung aims to redefine the boundaries of the smart home and enhance the overall user experience.

The collaboration between Samsung and Oxford Semantic Technologies is a testament to the synergies that can arise when industry leaders and cutting-edge startups come together.

Peter Crocker, the CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies, has expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that the integration of Samsung’s expertise in user experience and data with the advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology developed by Oxford Semantic Technologies will result in even more sophisticated personalization for Samsung’s customers.