Project description
Novel nanoimprint lithography process to mass produce augmented reality display optics
Roll-to-plate (R2P) nanoimprinting is a process often used in high-precision industries like electronics and optics. It uses a flexible stamp and a roller to imprint tiny, precise patterns onto a flat material. Netherlands-based company Morphotonics, with its patented R2P nanoimprinting technology, is poised to revolutionise the augmented reality (AR) industry by producing high-quality, low-cost waveguides for AR glasses. Morphotonics’ technology has shown promise in mass producing these essential components, as evidenced by interest from the main AR companies. Through the EIC-funded AR-R2P project, Morphotonics aims to refine its technology, validate its market readiness and establish a EUR 10 million European foundry for mass manufacturing of AR waveguides. This endeavour could potentially restore European control over AR optics hardware production.
Objective
Morphotonics has developed and patented a novel technology called Roll-to-Plate (R2P) nanoimprinting that can produce high-quality and low-cost waveguides used in the Augmented Reality (AR) glasses. Our technology is protected by 90 patents (26 already granted). Augmented Reality (AR) smartglasses are not yet mass manufactured for the consumer market especially because the AR industry struggles to mass produce low-cost high-quality waveguides. Our technology is very promising, as confirmed by our prestigious sampling customers (Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Vuzix etc.). With the EIC project, we want to fully mature our equipment and technology, and prove (via an external validation with a customer) that it meets the market specifications. Furthermore, we plan to request a 10 M€ equity component to set up a European foundry to mass manufactur AR waveguides. We expect that the foundry will be used mainly by European customers, who will then regain sovereignty over the AR hardware production.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended FinanceCoordinator
5503 LM Veldhoven
Netherlands
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.