Morphotonics raises €40M+ to scale nanoimprint tech for smart glasses

Morphotonics, a Dutch startup specializing in nanoimprint lithography equipment, has secured over €40 million in Series B funding. The round reflects growing investor interest in scalable hardware solutions for consumer electronics, particularly in the smart glasses market.

Series B funding round closes at €40M+

Morphotonics, a Dutch company developing nanoimprint lithography (NIL) equipment, has closed a Series B funding round exceeding €40 million, according to THE BRIDGE. The round included participation from both new and existing investors.

Investors back deep-tech manufacturing

The new investor in this round was Invest-NL, a Dutch public investment fund. Existing investors 3M Ventures, Innovation Industries, and BOM also participated, alongside additional backers such as the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, Ernij Next, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Funds to scale light guide production

The funds will be allocated to expanding production capacity and advancing product development for Morphotonics’ "Cypris" platform. This platform focuses on mass-producing light guides, a critical component in smart glasses, using the company’s proprietary nanoimprint lithography technology.

How Morphotonics’ technology works

Morphotonics employs nanoimprint lithography (NIL), a process that transfers fine patterns onto substrates using a mold. The company’s Roll-to-Plate technology, which wraps a flexible stamp around a cylindrical roller to transfer patterns, is provided as a bundled solution alongside its equipment. This approach aims to simplify adoption for manufacturers.

Scaling for consumer electronics

According to THE BRIDGE, Morphotonics is working to scale its technology for mass production at a level comparable to consumer electronics. The company is collaborating with device and component manufacturers in China, Taiwan, the U.S., and Europe to refine its processes for high-volume applications.

Earlier funding milestone

In September 2024, Morphotonics announced the first closing of its Series B round, which exceeded $10 million. Innovation Industries and BOM acted as co-leads in that initial tranche.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This funding round signals growing confidence in deep-tech hardware solutions for consumer electronics, particularly in the smart glasses market. For founders, Morphotonics’ approach—bundling proprietary technology with equipment—offers a playbook for startups in niche manufacturing: vertical integration can de-risk adoption for customers while creating a defensible moat.

The involvement of public and institutional investors like Invest-NL and the European Investment Bank also highlights how governments and regional funds are increasingly backing capital-intensive hardware startups. This trend could ease fundraising for other deep-tech startups, but it also comes with strings: investors will likely push for scalable, high-volume applications beyond early adopters.

Key takeaways

• Morphotonics raised over €40 million in Series B funding, led by new investor Invest-NL.
• The company specializes in nanoimprint lithography (NIL) for mass-producing light guides used in smart glasses.
• Funds will accelerate production expansion and development of the "Cypris" platform.
• Morphotonics’ Roll-to-Plate technology is provided as a bundled solution, combining hardware and process expertise.
• The company is partnering with manufacturers across China, Taiwan, the U.S., and Europe to scale production.

FAQ

What is nanoimprint lithography (NIL)?

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is a manufacturing process that transfers fine patterns onto a substrate using a mold. It is used to create precise, nanoscale structures for applications like light guides in smart glasses.

How does Morphotonics’ Roll-to-Plate technology work?

Roll-to-Plate is a method where a flexible stamp is wrapped around a cylindrical roller and rolled onto a substrate to transfer patterns. This approach is designed to enable high-volume production of optical components.

Why is this funding significant for the smart glasses market?

Morphotonics’ technology aims to enable mass production of light guides, a critical component in smart glasses. Scaling this production could reduce costs and accelerate adoption of augmented reality devices in consumer markets.

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