Young Irish business LirOptic is scaling up to capitalise on its breakthrough lens technology that could revolutionise cameras in smartphones.
UCD spin-out business LirOptic is in the process of raising €3m to scale its operations on the back of its breakthrough in optical lens technology.
LirOptic’s solid-state, shape-shifting tuneable lens technology offers optical system designers a groundbreaking tool for developing the next generation of optical systems. This innovation is essential for meeting the evolving demands of smartphones and AR/VR devices, which push the limits of traditional design methodologies.
“At LirOptic, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible utilising our optical lens technology, and we’re very excited about the future ahead”
The breakthrough innovation, which operates without mechanically moving parts, reduces the size, and significantly improves the performance of Compact Camera Modules (CCMs), which are for example used in smartphones, by enhancing functionality features such as optical zoom, variable focal lengths, superior image correction, and reduced module stack size.
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This technology not only improves smartphone cameras, allowing for higher-quality imaging, better zoom capabilities, and enhanced low-light performance, but also frees up valuable space within smartphones by reducing the size of CCMs.
The extra space enables manufacturers to integrate larger batteries, improved sensors, and additional cutting-edge functionalities, leading to smarter, more powerful devices.
LirOptic’s technology was originally developed by Professor Dominic Zerulla following ground- breaking research carried out by him and his team, over many years at the UCD School of Physics.
The business was subsequently co-founded by Professor Zerulla, Simon Forsyth, an experienced director in high-tech engineering and medical device industries, and serial optical entrepreneur Joe O’Keeffe, to commercialise the technology, with the support of NovaUCD, where the company is now headquartered.
The formal launch unveiling of the LirOptic technology took place recently in San Francisco, at the Consulate General of Ireland, at an event held during the Photonics West Exhibition, the world’s premier event for photonics and optics technologies, at which LirOptic was exhibiting.
“We are delighted to announce the unveiling of our adjustable solid-state lens technology, a first-of-its-kind solution which is poised to bring the future of optics into sharper focus by transforming CCM lens design used in consumer electronics to space and medical applications,” Forsyth said.
“Over the last six months we have collaborated with a multinational consumer electronics company and a US-based firm in the XR space to integrate our new lens technology and enhance existing optical system performance.”
“Attending the recent Photonics West conference in California allowed us to introduce our technology to the global optical community and potential customers. It also allowed us to connect with investors as the company is currently raising €3m in seed funding to grow and scale our operations.”
LirOptic, also an ESA BIC Ireland client company, has previously secured funding from Enterprise Ireland through the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF).
“At LirOptic, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible utilising our optical lens technology, and we’re very excited about the future ahead,” Forsyth said. “We would like to thank and acknowledge, NovaUCD, ESA and Enterprise Ireland for the support we have received to date.”
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