UK software company VividQ develops technology for holography displays. With £5m in recent funding taking the company’s total investment to £22m, it will now look towards expansion.
“Spatial computing is rapidly growing as a consumer category, driven in part by the release of the Apple Vision Pro headset and advancements in generative AI from organisations such as Meta, which are pushing the extended reality (XR) industry beyond gaming to deliver immersive experiences across sports, entertainment and everyday activities, such as driving,” said Darren Milne, CEO of VividQ.
Together with Tom Durrant, Darren Milne founded VividQ in 2017, to specialise in creating 3D and holographic visual experiences using computer algorithms. The start-up’s software generates interference patterns using input data from game engines and other sources of 3D content. Using a spatial light modulator the interference pattern is illuminated with a light source – like a laser or LED – to form full-colour holographic images.
Immersive holography no longer science fiction
Milne simplifies VividQ’s computer-generated holography technology as something from science fiction – a 3D display technology capable of unlocking a new era of immersive experiences, integrated into the fabric of the world. “Scenes we know from films like Iron Man and Star Trek are becoming closer to reality. Our team has taken the technology that used to require immense amounts of computing power, and found solutions to implement computer-generated holography across consumer electronics,” said Milne.
"Scenes from films like Iron Man and Star Trek are becoming closer to reality"
“While some of the biggest brands are navigating significant technical challenges to achieve mass consumer adoption, VividQ’s technology provides the solutions they need to deliver consumer-grade immersive experiences,” said Milne. “Not only are we defining human-machine interaction beyond the headset – making science-fiction a reality, but we are also setting the standard for the future of holographic display technology.”
Investment funds expansion for VividQ and its partners
With the recent completion of over £5m in series A funding, bringing the company’s funding total to more than £22m, VividQ now plans to expand its presence in the US by opening a new US office in 2025, and will also follow through on its product development roadmap, making its proprietary technology available to global business partners.
The most recent funding round included new investors such as GameTech Ventures and Ruttenberg Gordon Investments, and was led by Foresight Group LLP. “VividQ has accelerated the commercialisation of their breakthrough computer-generated holography technology,” said Foresight Group Investment Director, Chris Wiles, “and is well placed to capitalise on the next generation of AR/VR hardware.”
"Holography will deliver a paradigm shift in consumer experiences"
Partnerships are already in place between VividQ and leading global consumer electronics brands such as JVCKenwood. The Japanese electronics company’s CTO, Yoshio Sonoda stated: “Holography will deliver a paradigm shift in consumer experiences, especially in a market like VR, where limitations in current technology are holding it back from delivering the kind of jaw-dropping experience that consumers want.”
“We are really pleased to be partnering with VividQ,” said Sonoda, about the pair’s multi-year deal. Seeking to ulimately eliminate screens from our digital experiences, VividQ is set to change how we see the world.
