STMicroelectronics, Metalenz Expand Partnership for Metasurface Optics in I

Published Date : 7/11/2025 

STMicroelectronics and Metalenz have announced a new licensing agreement to drive the adoption of metasurface optics in biometrics, LIDAR, and smartphone applications. The collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge optical technology for consumer, automotive, and industrial markets, with a focus on high-volume use cases like gesture recognition and object detection. Industry forecasts predict a $2 billion market for metasurface optics by 2029, positioning the partnership as a key player in this emerging field. 

STMicroelectronics and Metalenz have taken a significant step forward in the development of metasurface optics by expanding their licensing agreement. This partnership is designed to simplify the integration of advanced optical technologies into a wide range of applications, including biometrics, LIDAR, and camera-assist systems for smartphones. The collaboration highlights a shared vision to push the boundaries of optical innovation and meet the growing demands of industries that rely on precision and scalability. n nThe new agreement allows STMicroelectronics to further integrate Metalenz’s proprietary intellectual property (IP) into its 300mm semiconductor and optics manufacturing processes. This move is expected to enhance the company’s ability to deliver high-precision, cost-effective solutions for complex applications. By combining STMicroelectronics’ semiconductor expertise with Metalenz’s metasurface technology, the partnership is poised to address challenges in fields like robotics, gesture recognition, and object detection. These use cases are increasingly critical in sectors such as automotive, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. n nMetalenz’s PolarID face biometrics system has already gained traction in the smartphone industry, offering secure and efficient authentication solutions. The company’s CEO, Rob Devlin, has also explored potential medical diagnostic applications for its technology, expanding the scope of metasurface optics beyond traditional use cases. This versatility underscores the adaptability of the technology and its potential to revolutionize multiple industries. STMicroelectronics’ existing integration of Metalenz’s IP into its FlightSense modules has already demonstrated success, with over 140 million units shipped since 2022. n nThe market for metasurface optics is projected to grow rapidly, with a forecasted value of $2 billion by 2029, according to Yole Group. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for compact, high-performance optical components in devices ranging from smartphones to autonomous vehicles. STMicroelectronics’ leadership in combining optics and semiconductor technology has positioned it as a key player in this market. Alexandre Balmefrezol, EVP and GM of STMicroelectronics’ Imaging sub-group, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, stating that the expanded license agreement will enable new opportunities in consumer, industrial, and automotive segments. n nThe partnership’s focus on 3D sensing and optical technology has already yielded practical applications, such as STMicroelectronics’ Human Presence Detection system used in Windows Hello. This technology is a prime example of how metasurface optics can enhance user experience and security in everyday devices. Devlin highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that STMicroelectronics’ technology leadership and Metalenz’s IP expertise solidify their position as dominant forces in the metasurface market. This synergy is expected to drive further advancements in optical solutions for emerging applications. n nAs the demand for advanced optical technologies continues to rise, the STMicroelectronics-Metalenz partnership is setting a new standard for innovation. Their combined efforts to scale production and reduce costs will be critical in making metasurface optics accessible to a broader range of industries. With a focus on high-volume, complex applications, the collaboration is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing market for optical components. This partnership not only highlights the potential of metasurface optics but also underscores the importance of strategic alliances in driving technological progress. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of the STMicroelectronics and Metalenz partnership?

A: The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of metasurface optics in industries such as biometrics, LIDAR, and consumer electronics by combining STMicroelectronics’ semiconductor expertise with Metalenz’s optical technology.

Q: What applications are benefiting from this collaboration?

A: The collaboration is driving advancements in biometrics, LIDAR, gesture recognition, object detection, and robotics, with a focus on high-volume use cases in consumer, automotive, and industrial markets.

Q: How does the new license agreement impact STMicroelectronics?

A: The agreement allows STMicroelectronics to leverage Metalenz’s IP in its 300mm semiconductor and optics manufacturing, enhancing its ability to deliver precision optical solutions for complex applications.

Q: What market projections support this partnership?

A: Market forecasts predict a $2 billion growth in the metasurface optics market by 2029, driven by demand for compact, high-performance optical components across multiple industries.

Q: What role does Metalenz’s PolarID technology play in this partnership?

A: Metalenz’s PolarID system is a key component of the collaboration, offering secure face biometrics for smartphones and exploring potential applications in medical diagnostics and other emerging fields. 

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