What’s new?
March ‘25 LirOptic in the news
Irish Optics Start-Up LirOptic Joins Luminate NY Accelerator
https://www.madein.ie/content/news/irish-optics-start-up-liroptic-joins-luminate-ny-accelerator
UCD spin-out LirOptic accepted into prestigious NY accelerator programme
https://businessplus.ie/ma/liroptic-luminate-ny/
Irish company LirOptic selected to become one of just 10 start-ups from across the world to participate in eighth round of Luminate NY accelerator programme
UCD spin-out LirOptic is NYC-bound
https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/liroptic-luminate-ny-accelerator/
Luminate selects 10 startups for 2025 NY Accelerator programme for optics, photonics and imaging
UCD spin-out company LirOptic seeks to raise €3m for optical lens technology
February ‘25 LirOptic in the news
UCD spin-out LirOptic unveils new optical lens technology as it targets €3m in new funding
LirOptic’s new tech brings cameras into sharper focus
https://www.siliconrepublic.com/start-ups/liroptic-lens-tech-announcement
UCD Spin Out Unveils Pioneering Optical Lens Technology
https://www.businesseye.co.uk/business-ie/ucd-spin-out-unveils-pioneering-optical-lens-technology/
LirOptic raising €3m to exploit camera tech breakthrough
https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/liroptic-seed-funding-lens-breakthrough/
Breakthrough innovation: LirOptic unveils pioneering optical lens technology
Jan ‘25
Photonics West - LirOptic launch Technology in San Francisco
On January 27, 2025, in San Francisco, the LirOptic team proudly launched their groundbreaking technology at the Consulate General of Ireland during the Photonics West Exhibition.
We have developed a pioneering optical lens technology that significantly enhances size, cost efficiency, and functionality across various applications, including consumer devices like smartphones, as well as industrial, medical, space, and surveillance technologies.
Our adjustable solid-state lens is a first-of-its-kind solution with no mechanically moving parts. This innovative technology offers features rarely seen in Compact Camera Modules (CCMs), such as optical zoom, variable focal lengths, advanced image correction, and the potential for substantial reductions in module size.
Since mid-2024, with invaluable support from Enterprise Ireland, UCD Nova, and the European Space Agency (ESA), we have been collaborating with a multinational consumer electronics company and a US-based firm in the XR space to integrate this new lens technology and enhance existing optical system performance.
Attending the Photonics West conference allowed us to introduce our technology to the global optical community and connect with potential customers and investors. We’re thrilled to report a resounding success on all fronts.
We extend our gratitude to the Consulate General's office in San Francisco, the Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC), and Enterprise Ireland for hosting the launch event. Special thanks also to Enterprise Ireland, UCD Nova, and ESA for their support throughout our journey.
June ‘24 LirOptic Partners with European Space Agency to Revolutionize Optical Technology
5th June 2024 – Dublin, Ireland – In a significant leap for the field of optical technology, LirOptic, the innovative company formerly known as PicoGlaze, has officially partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA). This collaboration comes under the ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) programme, which is designed to provide start-ups with vital commercial and technical support to leverage space technology for diverse applications beyond the realm of space.
LirOptic is at the forefront of developing a pioneering solid-state, tuneable optical lens technology. This breakthrough promises to enhance both the size and functionality of optical systems, an advancement that is particularly crucial for space-borne applications where payload capacity and physical space are at a premium.
The contract with ESA spans 24 months, during which LirOptic will focus on further refining its technology, working towards a series of defined milestones. The company has ambitious plans to create a specialized lens tailored for space applications, specifically aimed at enhancing adaptive optics for earth observation. This innovative free-form lens aims to correct pertubations caused by the Earth's atmosphere, allowing for clearer and more precise imaging from space.
By collaborating with ESA, LirOptic is poised to make significant strides in the development of space-specific optical systems, paving the way for advancements that could benefit both scientific research and commercial ventures. As the company embarks on this exciting journey, the implications for industries reliant on high-quality optical technology are immense, marking a new era in the intersection of space and optical innovation.
For more updates on our journey and to learn more about our products, visit www.liroptic.com.
July ‘24 LirOptic Secures Enterprise Ireland PSSF Funding to Drive Innovation and Growth
Above - Simon Forsyth & Prof. Dominic Zerulla
Below - Joe O’Keefe, Prof. Dominic Zerulla & Simon Forsyth
2nd July 2024 – Dublin, Ireland – LirOptic is thrilled to announce that it has successfully secured funding from Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF). This investment is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the company's mission to transform the optical lens technology landscape.
With this funding, LirOptic plans to establish the infrastructure necessary to attract world-class customers and additional investment, enabling significant scaling of its operations. This funding will help the company accelerate its growth trajectory and expedite the introduction of innovative solutions to the market.
Founded in 2020, LirOptic has developed groundbreaking solid-state, tuneable optical lens technology. This innovation promises substantial improvements in the size, cost-efficiency, and functionality of optical lens systems, with the potential to revolutionise a range of applications across multiple industries utilising Compact Camera Modules (CCMs). Key sectors include consumer electronics, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) cameras, defence, space, and automotive.
“We are excited to partner with Enterprise Ireland through the PSSF,” said Simon Forsyth, CEO and Co-Founder of LirOptic. “This funding not only validates our vision but also provides us with the resources needed to kickstart our ambitious plans. We look forward to enhancing our offerings and expanding our market presence.”
The PSSF initiative reflects Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting early-stage companies throughout Ireland. By providing essential funding and access to a network of industry experts, the program is designed to accelerate the growth of start-ups across the nation.
As LirOptic moves forward, the company is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead. It remains dedicated to bringing its revolutionary lens technology to market and making a significant impact in the development of optical systems for the future.
For more updates on our journey and to learn more about our products, visit www.liroptic.com.