An Irish start-up, born from cutting-edge academic research, has been handpicked for a prestigious accelerator programme in the United States – and it’s the only firm from Ireland to make the cut.
LirOptic, based in Dublin and spun out from University College Dublin (UCD), is developing groundbreaking shapeshifting optical lenses.
These lenses, which are solid-state, tunable, and radically compact, are the result of pioneering research led by Professor Dominic Zerulla and his team in UCD’s Physics Department.
The company was founded by Professor Zerulla alongside seasoned high-tech director Simon Forsyth and well-known optical entrepreneur Joe O’Keeffe. With the backing of NovaUCD – UCD’s innovation hub – the trio is now bringing their revolutionary tech to market.
LirOptic’s technology is a game-changer for Compact Camera Modules (CCMs), widely used in smartphones and similar devices. By slashing the size of these modules while boosting their performance, LirOptic is opening up a world of new possibilities for device makers.
“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,” a LirOptic spokesperson explained.
“This extra space enables manufacturers to integrate larger batteries, improved sensors, and additional cutting-edge functionalities, leading to smarter, more powerful devices,” they added.
LirOptic is now set to scale new heights. The company has secured a spot in the highly competitive Luminate NY Accelerator Programme in Rochester, New York. It’s the only Irish name among the ten international finalists selected for this year’s cohort.
Running until October, the programme offers each selected company an initial investment of $100,000. At the end, they’ll all have the opportunity to compete for up to $2 million in additional funding.
“Congratulations to the 10 forward-thinking companies selected to take part in Luminate NY’s eighth cohort,” said Hope Knight, President and CEO of Empire State Development.
“The seven-month program is designed to help founders improve their investor readiness and connect them with the vast OPI resources that can help them speed the commercialisation of their technologies.”
Simon Forsyth, CEO and co-founder of LirOptic, described the selection as a “massive opportunity.”
“The programme will afford us unprecedented access to industry leaders, mentors, and potential investors, providing us with new insights, tools, and resources, essential as we work to scale the business,” he said.
“Such engagement with top-tier mentors and potential investors is invaluable, while our participation will also help us attract talented employees who share our vision,” he added.
“In short, this programme is a catalyst for collaboration, learning, and scaling, and it will undoubtedly accelerate our journey toward excellence.”
LirOptic’s inclusion in the Luminate NY Accelerator marks a major milestone not only for the company but also for Ireland’s growing deep-tech sector.
With its visionary technology and access to top-tier global networks, LirOptic is well on its way to redefining the optics industry – and putting Irish innovation firmly on the global map.
