3D imaging and sensing is a key part in the technological revolution of autonomous vehicles, next-generation consumer electronics and human-machine interface. 3D imaging and sensing is a rapidly growing market within mobile phones, automotive, industrial and medical domains, where applications like gesture sensing, face recognition and obstacles avoidance are driving the initial demand. 3D sensing is still at an early stage as the accuracy and range of the sensors need to be improved. At the same time, the cost and overall size of the optical modules needs to reduced. To achieve this, the classical and complex lens modules need to be replaced by a single flat optical lens. NIL Technology ApS (NILT) has developed a highly advanced flat diffractive lens solution for optical components, as well as replication methods for high-volume-production of these components. Flat optics based on diffractive optical elements have enormous potential to solve the presented challenges in 3D sensing technologies by providing smaller and cheaper lenses with better performance. These are key factors for full market deployment. The next step for NILT is to scale this innovation and expand our current mastering services with optical design and replication services, addressing the increased customer need for advanced flat optical elements. The objective of the SUPERvisionary project is to enable NILT to capture a larger part of the value chain and establish NILT as the leading global partner for advanced optical elements. NIL Technology (NILT) is specialised in design and replication nanostructured of masters for high-tech industries, focusing on sensor, imaging and display applications. NILT was established in 2006 and is based in Denmark and with offices in Sweden and Switzerland. The company has a diverse customer base and served already more than 400 different customers globally.

Treatment decisions for many pathological conditions, including inflammatory, degenerative, autoimmune, infectious diseases, and cancer, are largely based on microscopy study of the surgically excised tissue specimens (histology). OPTIPATH provides a new paradigm for gathering objective optical tissue-dependent data, which is essential to overcoming the diagnostic challenges of inter-observer variability and limited sensitivity and specificity. OPTIPATH will offer non-destructive, label-free, real-time, 3D-presentation of tissue samples. This is enabled by (i) revolutionary nano-photonic optical metasurfaces (OMS) for simultaneous single-shot acquisition of spectral and polarimetric information, and adaptive OMS actuated by thin-film piezoelectric Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) for (ii) rapid Vector Vortex Beam (VVB) shaping of light, and (iii) rapid confocal 3D imaging. The wealth of objective diagnostic data provided will be interpreted using Machine Learning (ML) / Deep Learning (DL), and is essential to overcome inter-observer variability in diagnosis and provide actionable insights to the clinician. By utilizing optical markers present in unprepared tissue histological procedures can be dramatically sped up, offering real-time diagnosis in operation theatres and pathology departments. By offering timely and accurate diagnosis, OPTIPATH will enable early diagnosis and improved prognosis of recovery.

In the frame of previous FP6 and FP7 projects with involvement of IZADI-NANO2INDUSTRY consortium members nanotechnologies have demonstrated their effectiveness for enhancing materials and manufacturing processes performance up to a certain level tested in intended environment (TRL 5). Different nanotechnology based strategies have been addressed to develop methods to improve thermoplastics and metallic parts using current industrial manufacturing processes. Three strategies appear promising to be further implemented in real component manufacturing production plants: master-batches for thermoplastics, master-pellets for metals and nanostructured powders for metallic coatings. IZADI-NANO2INDUSTRY project proposes different solutions based on KETs such as nanotechnology, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing. The project aims to implement the master-batches, the master-pellets and the nanostructured powders in three innovative PILOTS, developed and installed at three existing production plants that will effectively manufacture real components (B-pillar, Swash plate and Valve plate) integrating safe-by-design approaches into the developments stages. The project follows to develop inherently safer production methods. IZADI-NANO2INDUSTRY is an industry driven project with up to 44% of the budget devoted to SMEs. It proposes solutions that will generate new market opportunities for European Automotive, Construction and Agricultural Machinery sectors offering to OEMs new added-value products. IZADI-NANO2INDUSTRY project is supported by the government of the regions where the PILOTS will be installed. The project addresses an innovation action that is in line with the Basque Country, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna region’s RIS-3 Smart Specialization Strategy.