Dutch nanoimprint startup secures €40M to push into data center optics
Morphotonics, a Netherlands-based company specializing in nanoimprint lithography, has raised €40 million in an extended funding round. The capital will scale production of display technology for smart glasses and new optical components for data centers. The company has doubled its workforce to 60 employees since September 2024.
Morphotonics' nanoimprint lithography approach differs from traditional photolithography by using a physical stamp to shape photosensitive materials, a method well-suited for producing optical waveguides used in AR displays. The company's business model pairs machine sales with process licensing, and it currently derives roughly 90 percent of its revenue from hardware. With 10 to 15 systems deployed globally, the startup aims to reach 50 installations within a few years, which would also expand its service-based income stream. Its customer base is concentrated in Asia, where display manufacturing is heavily clustered, and the company maintains local teams in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States.
Morphotonics' expansion could signal a maturing supply chain for smart glasses and data center optics, potentially lowering production costs and accelerating adoption of AR wearables among consumers. Its push into co-packaged optics may also support more energy-efficient data transmission, which could benefit cloud providers and the businesses and individuals relying on their services. However, the sector remains competitive, and the company's impact will depend on whether its technology gains broad industry acceptance and whether demand for these optical components continues to grow as projected.