The project 3DPrintedOptics (862549) aimed at commercializing 3D Printing Technology of microoptical elements, benefiting society through advances in medical technology and novel sensor technology that can be used for example in novel mobility solutions such as autonomous vehicles. The project has achieved and exceeded all its initial goals.
The project resulted in demonstrating prototypes of novel optical endoscopes and novel optical sensors which are at sizes below 1 mm and even fit directly onto optical fibers.
The project outcome resulted in the foundation of a spinoff company (Printoptics TGU) which will be converted into Printoptics GmbH at 1 January 2022.
The company is the world leader in the entire value chain from optical design of such 3D printed microoptics to rapid manufacturing of prototypes, which then can be tested by the end user which is the typical customer of the company. Subsequently, the company aims at production of small to medium size series of the microoptical products. Eventually, the company aims at creating the capability of printing larger series and entire products for the related industries, as well as generating licensed processes on standardized 3D microprinting machines.
The project has resulted in further funding (Exist for the German Startup). Also, the project has resulted in funding by BMBF (QR.X) for use of the developed technology in quantum technology, namely linking single photon emitters into single mode optical fibers. Furthermore, the project has lead to funding by ICM Baden Württemberg about integrating novel 3D printed sensor optics in future mobility solutions.
The project has already led to several industrial collaborations and a number of customers for the startup company from the medical and sensor industry that had microoptics and microoptical series developed, designed, printed, measured and
validated. The project has also led to several scientific papers and conference presentations as well as filing of patents. Furthermore, dissemination via the EU CORDIS website has been carried out. Furthermore, the project resulted in presentation for potential investors about the technology, the market size, and the market potential. It is planned to aim at an EIC Transition grant where the applicant, the company Printoptics and several of the industrial users aim at creating new products using the developed technology.
