3D eye tracking startup Eyeware closes its first round of CHF 1.9M in venture funding. Expert in computer vision, Eyeware develops software that enables consumer devices, cars, and robots with 3D cameras to sense and analyze users’ attention.

The Swiss deep-tech startup Eyeware announced today the closing of its seed financing round of 1.9M CHF ($1.9M). Eyeware develops 3D eye tracking software for depth sensing enabled consumer devices. The seed round was led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), in partnership with TRUMPF Venture GmbH, Swiss Startup Group, and Zurich Kantonalbank.

Eyeware ist ein Spin-off des Idiap Research Institute und der EPFL. Eyeware Tech SA wurde im September 2016 gegründet und hat mit mehreren Industriepartnern zusammengearbeitet, um Prototypen zu entwickeln und innovative Eye-Tracking-Anwendungen zu entwickeln. Eines der öffentlich präsentierten Projekte ist der BionicWorkplace: ein Konzept für einen futuristischen Fabrikarbeitsplatz mit einem kollaborativen Roboterarm, der vom deutschen Unternehmen Festo entwickelt und auf der Hannover Messe 2018 vorgestellt wurde.

More recently, Eyeware technology was presented as part of an automotive solution during CES 2019. Eyeware software can use autograde time-of-flight cameras to estimate the attention of drivers for in-cabin monitoring and infotainment systems. The proposed system can reduce the number of road accidents caused by drivers who lose attention at the wheel.

The Eyeware team will use the capital to bring the 3D eye tracking development kit ready for integration into consumer applications. Eyeware is also looking to expand its corporate partnerships in the US and China.

Speaking about the investment, Dr. Kenneth Funes, Founder & CEO of Eyeware, said:

“Our vision is to enable communication with machines naturally and intuitively, just like you would with a friend standing in front of you. Eye tracking and attention sensing is a game-changing technology for human-machine communication, as it will make interaction with our devices faster, more intuitive, and more accessible.

“Eyeware technology is the result of intensive research, and we are confident to be opening the doors for exciting new opportunities in eye tracking applications for daily use. We have been extremely fortunate to receive the support of a well-connected and experienced group of investors that shares our vision and is committed to working with us to achieve it.”

Axel Nitsch, Investment Manager beim HTGF, sagte über die Beteiligung an Eyeware:

“Eyeware’s revolutionary approach to enabling attention understanding in industrial and consumer applications brings state-of-the-art technology to a next level. We strongly believe that the extraordinary team around Kenneth will be able to change the landscape of human-machine interaction. HTGF is very happy to be part of this journey.”

Dazu auch Dr. Dieter Kraft, Geschäftsführer von TRUMPF Venture und Vorstandsmitglied von Eyeware:

“Attention sensing by eye tracking is the missing link in multimodal human-machine interaction. We are delighted to support the Eyeware team and help to bring the product to market.”

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ÜBER BRILLEN

Eyeware ist ein Schweizer Computer-Vision-Startup, das 3D-Eye-Tracking-Software für Consumer-Kameras mit Tiefenmessung entwickelt. Eyeware wurde im September 2016 als Spin-off des Idiap Research Institute mit der Mission gestartet, 3D-Eye-Tracking auf Verbrauchergeräte zu bringen. In Zusammenarbeit mit Industriepartnern bringt Eyeware Anwendungen zur Aufmerksamkeitserkennung in mehreren Branchen auf den Markt, darunter Robotik, Automobil, Gesundheitswesen, Verbrauchergeräte und Einzelhandel.

www.eyeware.tech

ÜBER HIGHTECH GRÜNDERFONDS
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is a seed investor that finances high-potential, tech-driven startups. With EUR 892.5 million in total investment volume across three funds and an international network of partners, HTGF has already helped forge 500 startups since 2005. HTGF’s focus is on high-tech startups in various sectors, including software, hardware, and life sciences/chemistry.

www.htgf.de

 

ÜBER TRUMPF VENTURE

The high-tech company TRUMPF offers production solutions in the machine tool and laser sectors. With our corporate venture capital arm TRUMPF Venture, we are both a strategic partner and a venture capital investor for startups with an industrial focus. The TRUMPF group has about 13,400 employees in nearly all Europe, North and South America, and Asia and achieved sales of 3.6 billion euros in fiscal 2017/18.

www.trumpf.com

 

ÜBER DIE SCHWEIZER STARTUP-GRUPPE

The SWISS STARTUP GROUP is a privately financed Swiss venture platform to scout, analyze, accelerate and invest in the most promising early-stage startups. SSUG has created a unique business execution platform where top early-stage startups, venture investors, corporate partners, academic partners, and mentors meet, exchange, accelerate, and invest within the last years.

www.swissstartupfactory.com

 

ÜBER ZÜRICH KANTONALBANK

Die Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) ist die größte Kantonalbank der Schweiz und eine der größten Schweizer Banken mit einer Bilanzsumme von CHF 164 Milliarden und mehr als 5.000 Mitarbeitern.

www.zkb.ch