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 è uno spin-off di Idiap Research Institute e EPFL. Creata a settembre 2016, Eyeware Tech SA ha collaborato con diversi partner industriali per prototipare e sviluppare applicazioni innovative di tracciamento oculare. Uno dei progetti presentati pubblicamente è il BionicWorkplace: un concept per un futuristico luogo di lavoro in fabbrica contenente un braccio robotico collaborativo sviluppato dall'azienda tedesca Festo e presentato all'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 di HTGF, ha dichiarato a proposito dell'investimento in 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.”

Il Dr. Dieter Kraft, amministratore delegato di TRUMPF Venture e membro del consiglio di Eyeware, ha anche commentato che:

“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.”

Per ulteriori informazioni, non esitate a contattarci all'indirizzo [email protected].

 

SUGLI OCCHIALI

Eyeware è una startup svizzera di visione artificiale che sviluppa software di tracciamento oculare 3D per fotocamere consumer con rilevamento della profondità. Eyeware è stato lanciato a settembre 2016, come spin-off dell'Idiap Research Institute, con la missione di portare il tracciamento oculare 3D sui dispositivi di consumo. In collaborazione con partner industriali, Eyeware sta portando sul mercato applicazioni di rilevamento dell'attenzione in diversi settori, tra cui robotica, automobilistico, sanitario, dispositivi di consumo e vendita al dettaglio.

www.eyeware.tech

INFORMAZIONI SU GRÜNDERFOND AD ALTA TECNOLOGIA
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

 

INFORMAZIONI SU 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

 

SUL GRUPPO SWISS STARTUP

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

 

SULLA BANCA CANTONAL DI ZURIGO

La Zurich Kantonalbank (ZKB) è la più grande banca cantonale della Svizzera e una delle più grandi banche svizzere, con un patrimonio totale di CHF 164 miliardi e oltre 5000 dipendenti.

www.zkb.ch