Myrias Optics, a cutting-edge technology firm rooted in research from the Watkins Group at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has successfully secured a $3 million seed investment in a funding round led by Asia Optical Inc. This strategic infusion of capital will empower Myrias Optics to advance its pioneering work in the development of all-inorganic printed meta-optics.
The company’s innovative approach to meta-optics has garnered significant attention, prompting increased customer demand and interest in Myrias Optics’ structure, materials, and process technology platform. The seed investment round also attracted participation from key stakeholders, including UMass Amherst, Tenon Ventures, and HOSS Investment Inc.
Myrias Optics specializes in the creation of all-inorganic printed meta-optics, positioning itself as a trailblazer in the field. The $3 million seed investment will be instrumental in meeting the surging demand for the company’s groundbreaking technology across various sectors, including augmented reality/virtual reality, consumer electronics, machine vision, advanced robotics, automotive light detection and ranging, defense, and aerospace.
Founded by UMass faculty member James Watkins, Myrias Optics has ambitious plans to manufacture optics in Western Massachusetts and expand its workforce significantly. The company’s CEO, Patrick Tan, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Asia Optical, emphasizing their joint effort to develop and deploy a new class of optics. This innovation aims to create products that are not only compact and lightweight but also easier to assemble at considerably lower costs compared to existing processes.
In a move to further catalyze the development and adoption of optical technologies, the Watkins Group received a $5 million award from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. This grant will enable UMass Amherst to establish the Advanced Optics Fabrication and Characterization Facility—a pioneering resource that will be open to industry partners and researchers across the state. With these strategic initiatives, Myrias Optics is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the evolution of optical technology in Massachusetts and beyond.
