History

By leveraging more than a decade of academic research work and leading edge partnerships in the field of micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS), Lemoptix positions itself as a leading developer of next generation laser scanning and microprojection systems.

Lemoptix, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, was incorporated in 2008 as a spin-off from the renowned Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne).

Development of first MOEMS- mirror based monochrome laser scanning microprojector
Research on the topic of MOEMS mirrors was carried out at the EPFL Institute of Microsystems, led by Prof. Philippe Renaud and the Center of MicroNanoTechnology (CMI) already in 1998. The first laser scanning 2-D projector was conceived at the time, leading to a doctoral thesis on the topic  (Two-dimensional thermally actuated optical microprojector, Gerhard Lammel).

First industrial projects and public funding lead to further development of microprojection technology
First industrial mandates in 2003 and in 2005 confirmed customer interest in the EPFL Institute of Microsystems- developed scanning micromirror technology. Cross-border collaboration with institutions bringing in necessary additional competencies, such as optics, was started and a project formed.

Solid academic and financial support from private investors lead to the incorporation of Lemoptix
The initial business plan created by the co-founders raised considerable interest amongst supporting public institutions and private investors. The founding team pursued and completed the development of the first microprojector prototype and refined the business plan, leading to the incorporation of the company in November 2008. Early 2009, the Swiss business angel group Go Beyond, complemented by a few high-level private investors, provided the necessary financial support. In 2009 Lemoptix obtained the CTI Startup Label awarded by the Innovation Promotion Agency of the Swiss Confederation (CTI) and shortly afterwards entered into collaborations with academic partners in the framework of CTI grants for research and development work.

Lemoptix develops first contracts and gains additional funding
During the course of 2010, the successful introduction of the Lemoptix LSCAN micromirror platform enables the company to sign its first custom development agreeements. Shortly after, the first customer prototypes incorporating and validating Lemoptix LSCAN technology are completed. Go Beyond and other private investors participate in a second financing round in 2010.