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 est une spin-off de l'Idiap Research Institute et de l'EPFL. Créée en septembre 2016, Eyeware Tech SA a collaboré avec de multiples partenaires industriels pour prototyper et développer des applications innovantes d'oculométrie. L'un des projets présentés publiquement est le BionicWorkplace : un concept de lieu de travail d'usine futuriste contenant un bras robotique collaboratif développé par l'entreprise allemande Festo et présenté à la Hannover Messe 2018.

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 chez HTGF, a déclaré à propos de l'investissement dans 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.”

Le Dr Dieter Kraft, directeur général de TRUMPF Venture et membre du conseil d'administration de Eyeware, a également déclaré :

“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.”

Pour plus d'informations, n'hésitez pas à nous contacter au [email protected].

 

À PROPOS DES LUNETTES

Eyeware est une start-up suisse de vision par ordinateur qui développe un logiciel de suivi oculaire 3D pour les caméras grand public avec détection de profondeur. Eyeware a été lancé en septembre 2016, en tant que spin-off de l'Institut de recherche Idiap, avec pour mission d'apporter le suivi oculaire 3D aux appareils grand public. En collaboration avec des partenaires industriels, Eyeware attire l'attention du marché sur des applications de détection dans de multiples secteurs, notamment la robotique, l'automobile, la santé, les appareils grand public et la vente au détail.

www.eyeware.tech

À PROPOS DE GRÜNDERFONDS HIGH-TECH
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

 

À PROPOS DE 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

 

À PROPOS DE SWISS STARTUP GROUP

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

 

À PROPOS DE LA BANQUE CANTONALE DE ZURICH

La Banque cantonale de Zurich (ZKB) est la plus grande banque cantonale de Suisse et l'une des plus grandes banques suisses, avec un total d'actifs de 164 milliards de francs et plus de 5 000 employés.

www.zkb.ch