Additive, Printed, Hybrid and Sustainable Electronics Innovations Day

As augmented reality (AR) smart glasses advance toward smaller, lighter, and more ergonomic designs, the integration of microLED displays introduces challenges in optical system design. Achieving a compact form factor while maintaining high image quality requires precise control over how light is extracted, coupled, and guided from microLED sources through the optical path to the visual user experience.
SCIL Nanoimprint Solutions has developed a high-precision nanoimprinting technology that enables the direct patterning of structures directly into inorganic high refractive index materials—critical for coupling light efficiently from microLED arrays into waveguides or combiners. This technique supports high-volume manufacturing of complex optical elements for both the microLED source (such as photonic crystals, plasmonics) and the waveguide combiner (slanted gratings with continuously varying depth and duty cycle), which are essential for optimizing light extraction and uniformity. The process offers great design flexibility and allows for multi-orientation patterning in a single imprint step, enabling compact, high-efficiency sources and optics that meet the challenging requirements of microLED-based optical systems. Combining advanced nanoimprint lithography with microLED display integration paves the way for scalable, high-throughput manufacturing of next-generation AR optics.

MicroLED is heralded as the future of display technology, promising to disrupt the market currently dominated by LCD and OLED technologies. The recent first-ever commercialisation of MicroLED smartwatch highlights how this technology is moving from the lab to the consumer market. Yet, to truly unlock the full potential of MicroLED, the industry must overcome key challenges in finding a ‘killer application’ while taking into accounts of the manufacturing costs.

In this presentation, we share ideas about how MicroLED technology can be indispensable in creating potential bestseller products, and how advanced laser technologies are driving the next wave of MicroLED manufacturing. Using lasers for mass transfer and bonding, manufacturers can achieve faster production, higher yields, and greater design flexibility — bringing MicroLED closer to mainstream adoption.

High-resolution, high-throughput laser lithography is emerging as a critical technology for bridging the gap between research and industrial adoption in advanced device manufacturing. Leveraging maskless, direct-write flexibility, modern systems integrate multi-beam parallelization, high-NA optics, and precision stage control to deliver deep-sub-micron resolution while maintaining large-area scalability.
These advancements open new opportunities in semiconductor and photonics markets where both speed and fidelity are essential. In microLEDs, laser lithography enables rapid prototyping and high-volume master fabrication for mass transfer processes. In advanced packaging, it supports redistribution layers and through-package vias with fine-pitch accuracy. For photonic components, grayscale lithography extends the platform to 3D topographies such as waveguides and microlens arrays, critical for AR/VR and optical communication systems. Here in this talk, we will go into the details how the parallel maskless laser lithography engines can provide real-time grayscale exposure while providing a deep sub-micron resolution and excellent overlay capabilities for applications in micro-optics, mask making and advanced packaging.
By combining throughput, resolution, and process versatility, next-generation laser lithography provides a cost-effective alternative to mask-based approaches, accelerating innovation from concept to pilot-line production.

The promise of Augmented Reality is vast, but a critical challenge remains: billions of potential users wear prescription glasses. Existing AR solutions often fall short, forcing uncomfortable workarounds or excluding those with vision correction altogether. This limits adoption and hinders the true potential of AR.


Direct Finished Lens Casting Technology creates thin and lightweight prescription lenses with integrated waveguide displays.
The Direct Finished Lens Casting Technology allows for the combination of prescription corrected lenses and integrated mechanical features while minimizing weight and volume.
Furthermore, it eliminates the need for edging and polishing, which in turn allows for complex freeform surfaces. Finally, the process is set-up to embed electronic components into the lens. Together this results in the most advanced prescription lenses for AR glasses.

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A new kind of microLEDs’ array technology that aims to answer ultrahigh brightness, narrow optical aperture, low power consumption and small footprint requirements for Augmented Reality glasses applications will be discussed.
GaN sub-micrometer (“nano”) rods are grown directly on large size microelectronic silicon wafers with further LED structure resulting in self-standing “nanoLEDs”. NanoLEDs size allows to array them in such a way it builds a photonic crystal tuned to the desired emission wavelength and designed so that propagative modes are only allowed into a narrow cone normal to the array plane. It results in intrinsic directivity of light emission without a need for additional microlenses, meaning that instead of losing 90% of the light not entering the AR glasses optics (waveguides, for instance) most of it becomes useful raising significantly the overall system power efficiency. The number of nanoLEDs to maintain efficient photonic effect is discussed and leads to µm range subpixel capability, other advantageous consequences of such a resonant coupling are discussed, while single color arrays results are presented.
Furthermore, quantum well Indium composition can be modulated by playing on local fill-factor, basically size and pitch of the nanorods, thus changing the quantum well emission wavelength. By adding fill-factor constrain to photonic crystal design for directivity it is possible to grow in a single run three colors (R,G,B) patterns with most of above advantages, including directivity of light emission. Design trade-off and perspectives are discussed and results on actual microLEDs presented. This technology opens path to single chip >6000ppi RGB ultra-compact and highly efficient micro display designs.

High-yield and cost-effective microLED assembly processes still face major challenges to solve for successful market adoption by the display and lighting markets. We believe that achieving five-nine (or even six-nine) yield is within reach—enabled by 100% in-line quality control and in-cycle process selectivity for both placement and binning. ITEC has been working together with TNO-Holst to bring two key processes to market: LIFT2.0 for dispensing of interconnect materials and FAST-CT for laser component transfer.We developed the XG-Alpha, a lab tool that enables fast turn-around in sample making for MicroLED applications. It is a flexible platform combining laser-based micro-droplet dispensing and laser-based die transfer. The tool offers a flexibility in input materials, inline metrology for placement position-alignment, dynamic transfer gap control, and automatic setting of the laser spot dimensions. For quality inspection and process windowing, it is equipped with 100% automatic optical inspection of donor and receiver substrates, and single shot repair functionality.

This presentation discusses the features of this tool, how it aligns to the process development roadmap of TNO. Furthermore it is the beginning of ITEC’s journey toward building the XG-platform as an industrial enabler for next-generation MicroLED manufacturing. We invite industry partners to explore the XG-alpha tool for their specific applications and join us in shaping the future of MicroLED production.

Commercially available visible wavelength LEDs originated in the 1960s and yet sixty years later, there is still a huge amount of research and investment in this sector. Technological and environmental advances necessitate device miniaturisation, higher light output, reduced power consumption, faster switching and improved colour gamut. While advanced fabrication and processing techniques meet some of these new challenges, the complexity and associated costs of manufacturing microLEDs with such requirements have stalled the widespread adoption of microLEDs across various market sectors.
At Kubos Semiconductors we are focused on a material-level solution, using cubic-GaN, to overcome the fundamental technological limitations that have hindered market adoption. This presentation will explain the unique properties of cubic-GaN that make it a material of choice for future visible wavelength LEDs and microLEDs. Furthermore, we will explain how Kubos’ technology can enhance existing device performance and enable RGB wavelength from a common material platform with minimal capital investment and process adjustment, using existing semi-standard silicon toolsets at 200mm and above.

The rapid convergence of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies is reshaping how humans interact with machines. In this talk, I will explore the evolving requirements of Human–Machine Interfaces (HMI) to enable intuitive, seamless, and context-aware experiences across automotive, wearable, and consumer applications. I will discuss how AI-driven personalization, multimodal sensing, and real-time adaptive feedback are redefining user expectations, and why display and interaction technologies must evolve to meet the demands of extended reality (XR), connected mobility, and smart environments. By highlighting both the challenges—such as transparency, power efficiency, and safety—and the opportunities—such as microdisplay integration, natural interaction, and scalable architectures—this session will outline a roadmap for next-generation HMIs that bridge digital intelligence with human experience.

MicroLED displays are poised to revolutionize the automotive industry, delivering improved performance. As production techniques improve and costs decrease, microLED technology will become more pervasive in Head-Up Displays (HUDs), intelligent adaptive headlights, customizable exterior lighting, and cockpit displays.

Metrology of microLED next-generation automotive interfaces is of utmost importance to ensure their successful implementation. Performance metrics include emitter defects, luminance and color non-uniformity, and much more. Solutions for the calibration and testing of microLED products that streamline the quality control process must adequately meet the inspection challenges. These can include a non-uniformity correction process (demura) to actively balance the display to a target uniformity, while also testing for performance metrics to pass/fail the display, and hitting cycle time.

The automotive industry poses an interesting opportunity for microLED developers who can provide a compelling solution for next-generation automotive displays and lighting. Proper implementation of metrology will help microLED developers to deliver the quality of product needed for succeed in this market.

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Perovskite solar cells are promising candidates for next-generation solar technology, but their transition from laboratory research to large-scale commercial production presents significant challenges. Scaling these technologies requires addressing issues related to efficiency, material costs, resource consumption, and long-term sustainability—all of which affect the overall cost-effectiveness and viability of manufacturing processes. While early research focuses on innovation and technological development, achieving commercialization demands solutions that ensure both scalability and processing flexibility. By employing advanced techniques and equipment—such as laboratory-scale sheet coaters and roll-to-roll coaters—researchers and manufacturers can better address these challenges and facilitate the successful commercialization of perovskite solar technologies.

A key challenge in scaling perovskite solar cells (PSCs) lies in the high-throughput and uniform deposition of thin films such as SnO₂ electron transport layers on flexible substrates. Conventional ALD provides excellent film quality but suffers from low throughput due to slow pump–purge cycles and limited area. Spatial ALD overcomes this by separating precursor exposures, enabling deposition rates over two orders of magnitude faster in combination with a roll-to-roll format. With web speeds support up to 80 m·min⁻¹, substrate widths up to 1.5 m, and deposition temperatures between 50–150 °C for flexible polymer and metal foils, the key challenge can be resolved. This presentation will introduce the fundamentals of spatial ALD and illustrate how the roll-to-roll implementation enables translation from laboratory-scale film optimization to gigawatt-scale PSC manufacturing, with emphasis on scalable SnO₂ deposition and how the SparkNano Omega system addresses the throughput, uniformity, and substrate compatibility requirements critical for industrialization.

IPVF is developing perovskite technologies in the Paris-Saclay area (France) as part of its comprehensive R&D program on photovoltaics, semiconductors and photonics. In 2025, IPVF is building a new lab2fab technological platform to produce 30x60 cm² perovskite modules. 500 m² of cleanrooms are dedicated to the pursuit of best efficiencies, with the possibility to test new materials and new processes at each stage of the fabrication. We will present the line as well as upcoming and expected outcomes, as the platform may also be used by our partners.

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As energy demands rise, organic photovoltaics (OPVs) offer a versatile, rapidly manufactured solution with a low energy payback time and low carbon footprint. Lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent, OPVs are applicable in agrivoltaics, building integration technologies, and for low intensity light harvesting for IoT devices.

This talk will highlight our work in developing scalable active-layer materials for industrially produced OPV panels. Here, we will present our newest active layer blend, which has been designed to deliver over 10% power conversion efficiency at the module level. The novel active layer exhibits exceptional stability under continuous light-soaking tests and has a scalable and reproducible synthesis allowing for production at the high volumes which are critical for mass production of OPV. Initial results, including batch to batch reproducibility, device performance and stability testing will be discussed alongside the targeted applications for this unique technology.

PINA’s printable ZnO and SnO₂ nano inks maximize perovskite solar cell efficiency by 20%, boost durability by 50%, and enable cost-effective, scalable production on glass and flexible substrates.
A key barrier to the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) lies in translating high laboratory efficiencies into stable, large-area devices manufactured at scale. The performance and lifetime of PSCs critically depend on the electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL), which must combine high optoelectronic quality with compatibility for industrial coating methods. PINA Creation addresses this challenge with advanced ZnO and SnO₂ nano inks—water-based and alcohol-based formulations engineered for slot-die, roll-to-roll, inkjet, blade, and spin coating on both glass and flexible substrates. Our low-temperature (<150 °C), high-transparency (>85%), cost-effective ETLs have been shown to improve solar cell efficiency by up to 20% and increase durability by 50% compared to traditional materials. By enabling scalable, high-performance, and eco-friendly ETL solutions, PINA bridges the gap between lab-scale prototypes and commercial perovskite module production.

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have demonstrated remarkable efficiency gains in a relatively short timeframe, setting the stage for their potential in large-scale production. However, as companies strive to scale PSC to large area processing (1x2 meters panels or larger) for mass production (single junction and 4-terminal), several challenges emerge.

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