Vitrealab raises $11M Series A to scale PIC-based AR display technology
Vienna-based deeptech company Vitrealab has raised $11 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate the development and industrialisation of its photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology for augmented reality displays.
The round was led by LIFTT Italian Venture Capital and LIFTT EuroInvest, with participation from Constructor Capital, aws Gründungsfonds, Gateway Ventures, PhotonVentures, xista Science Ventures, Moveon Technologies and Hermann Hauser Investment.
Founded in 2018 as a spin-out from the University of Vienna’s Quantum Group, Vitrealab develops PICs for laser–LCoS-based AR light engines. Its technology aims to improve brightness, energy efficiency and form factor in AR glasses, addressing key challenges in next-generation wearable displays.
Vitrealab operates a vertically integrated development model, with in-house cleanroom facilities and proprietary laser writing technologies that allow the company to design and fabricate its own photonic devices. This approach supports faster iteration cycles and scalability from advanced prototypes to volume production, while enabling close collaboration with OEMs and technology partners.
“The successful closing of our Series A is a strong validation of our technology and our vision for scalable AR display systems,” said Jonas Zeuner, CTO and co-founder of Vitrealab. “This funding enables us to move from advanced prototypes to industrial-grade solutions and further push the boundaries of photonic integrated circuits in display applications.”
The new funding will be used to develop further and industrialise Vitrealab’s Quantum Light Chip, strengthen customer partnerships, and advance next-generation AR display architectures toward market readiness.
LIFTT, founded in 2019, focuses on technology transfer and deeptech investments and manages a portfolio of more than 50 startups and innovative SMEs. In 2024, LIFTT partnered with the European Investment Bank to launch a €100 million investment vehicle supporting highly innovative European companies in sectors including deeptech, life sciences and cleantech.
