Tønsberg A new company in Tønsberg is betting on smart glasses as the next big market for its technology. Polight, a startup based in the coastal town 100 kilometers southwest of Oslo, has developed small polymer lenses designed to consume minimal power. These lenses are central to the company’s strategy to supply components for augmented reality devices that are becoming lighter and more energy efficient.
The global market for smart glasses is expanding rapidly. Analysts project annual growth of more than 20 percent through 2030. Polight’s lenses target this segment by offering lower power consumption than traditional glass optics, a key factor for battery powered wearables. The company says its polymer lenses can be produced in high volumes without losing optical precision.
Polight was founded in 2022 by a team with backgrounds in optics and polymer science. It operates from a small production facility near Tønsberg’s harbor. The company has already secured pre orders from two international manufacturers of smart glasses. These orders cover lenses for consumer models expected to launch in early 2025.
Norway’s government supports the sector through innovation grants. Polight received 3.5 million NOK last year to scale up production and hire additional staff. The company plans to double its workforce to 25 employees by the end of 2024.
Industry watchers see Polight as one of several Nordic firms trying to carve out a niche in advanced optics. The region’s expertise in precision engineering and clean energy aligns with the needs of wearable device makers seeking sustainable components.
Source: tu.no