Spanish Startup Releases Free AI Model at Half the Size

Artificial intelligence just became more accessible for businesses everywhere, thanks to a breakthrough from a Spanish startup solving one of AI's biggest problems.

Multiverse Computing has released a free compressed AI model called HyperNova 60B that delivers nearly the same power as much larger models while using half the memory. The Basque company's secret weapon is CompactifAI, a compression technology inspired by quantum computing that shrinks AI models without sacrificing performance.

The new model, now available for free on Hugging Face, takes up just 32GB compared to the 60GB of OpenAI's original model it derives from. That might sound technical, but it matters because smaller models mean lower costs, faster responses, and AI tools that more companies can actually afford to use.

Multiverse has already proven its technology works in the real world. Major organizations like Spanish energy company Iberdrola, German manufacturer Bosch, and even the Bank of Canada trust their compressed models for everyday operations.

The startup's timing couldn't be better. As businesses scramble to adopt AI without breaking the bank, demand for efficient alternatives to expensive American tech has exploded. Multiverse's approach offers the power of frontier AI models at a fraction of the cost and size.

The company is now in talks to raise 500 million euros at a valuation above 1.5 billion euros, which would make it Spain's Basque region's first unicorn. While they haven't confirmed revenue figures, reports suggest their annual recurring revenue hit 100 million euros in January.

The Ripple Effect

Multiverse's breakthrough extends far beyond one company's success. By making powerful AI more affordable and accessible, they're democratizing technology that was previously only available to tech giants with massive budgets.

European companies and governments are particularly excited about having alternatives to U.S. tech. The Spanish government's technology agency invested in Multiverse's 215 million dollar funding round last year, and the company recently partnered with Spain's Aragón region to deliver what they call "sovereign solutions" across the AI stack.

The company plans to open source even more compressed models in 2026, supporting a wider range of uses. That means developers, researchers, and businesses of all sizes will have access to cutting-edge AI without needing expensive infrastructure.

More accessible AI means more innovation everywhere, from small startups solving local problems to researchers tackling global challenges with tools that were once out of reach.