The products we are aiming to manufacture are WLCs (Wafer Level Cameras) capable of high-quality image acquisition.
An overview of the tasks we have performed during this phase-1 project and the results achieved include:
• We held meetings and negotiations with several potential suppliers of CMOS-image sensors, and obtained quotations for encapsulated devices, bare-die sensors and sensor-wafers with different number of Mega-pixels and different technologies.
• We held meetings and negotiations with several potential suppliers of optical layers, packaging and testing services, as well as quotations to manufacture optical wafers, assemble optics and electronics, dicing, packaging and testing the final devices.
• We took the final decision of who are going to be our first suppliers for the main blocks mentioned above: CMOS-sensors, optical layers, packaging and test.
• We run a thorough set of optical simulations using the design rules of the chosen optical foundry that confirm (provide the evidence) that the concepts at the start of the project can become a successful outcome producible in volume with the appropriate level of quality.
• We took the final decision on the structures to manufacture and the product priorities: number of optical layers on top of the MLA for the several products in the product-line (entry-level, intermediate and premium-level products). We prioritized an intermediate-product aimed at “face-looking” cameras for laptops, tablets and mobile phones (selfies,…).
• We prepared a detailed Product Roadmap, including our priorities and Project Plans.
• We prepared detailed Marketing and Sales Plans, including preferred channels and priorities for customers and products.
• We prepared a detailed Business Plan, including targeted volumes, and actions to make it real.
• We thoroughly updated a state-of-the-art analysis that proves we have the freedom to operate; we developed new ideas already protected by a new patent. We came to the conclusion that our first patent (extended to PCT and published recently) is worth pursuing by extending it to the main countries of the world during the coming months.
• We also assessed the resources needed to develop the product and take it to market success minimizing the risks of the project.
As a summary conclusion we can state that the preliminary concepts that started our project are technologically and economically viable to develop a product that can give us a competitive advantage in one of the largest markets a start-up (or even an established company) can address.
