LirOptic Unveils Pioneering Optical Lens Technology
- Technology set to enhance functionality of optical lens systems used in multiple industry sectors
- UCD spin-out raising €3 million in seed funding to scale operations
LirOptic, a University College Dublin (UCD) spin-out company, which is raising €3 million in seed funding, has today announced the unveiling of its pioneering optical lens technology.
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.
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. This extra space enables manufacturers to integrate larger batteries, improved sensors, and additional cutting-edge functionalities, leading to smarter, more powerful devices.
CCMs are also essential in AR/VR headsets, MedTech, and space technology, and improvements in CCM performance directly translate into better user experiences across these applications.
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.
The 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.
LirOptic 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.
Pictured (l-r) are LirOptic co-founders, Joe O'Keeffe, Professor Dominic Zerulla and Simon Forsyth
Simon Forsyth, CEO and co-founder, LirOptic said, “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.
Over the last 6 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.”
He added, “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 €3 million 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).
Forsyth concluded, “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. We would like to thank and acknowledge, NovaUCD, ESA and Enterprise Ireland for the support we have received to date”.
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.
ENDS
18 February 2025
For further information contact Micéal Whelan, Communications and Media Relations Manager, UCD Research and Innovation, NovaUCD, e: miceal.whelan@ucd.ie or Simon Forsyth, LirOptic, e: simon.forsyth@liroptic.com.
Editors Notes
LirOptic (formerly known as PicoGlaze) aims to transform the optical lens system market by introducing groundbreaking solid-state, shape shifting, tuneable optical lens technology. The focus of LirOptic is on Compact Camera Module (CCM) applications across diverse industries, including consumer electronics, augmented and virtual reality, defence, space, and automotive. https://www.liroptic.com/