_XPANCEO's Founder, Roman Axelrod, shared with[ Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/09/13/three-reasons-why-reading-scientific-literature-is-a-must-for-entrepreneurs/) why reading scientific literature is crucial for businessmen. We invite you to explore the entire article below:_
![photo_2023-09-21_17-48-53.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/photo_2023_09_21_17_48_53_9f482540ba.jpg)


I’m a founder in deep technology, and for myself and others in this industry, carefully reading scientific papers is a cornerstone of credibility that affirms our expertise and forties our standing. Initially, that was the primary reason I began immersing myself in scientific research on a regular basis. However, not much time elapsed before I’ve come to recognize the undeniable power of scientific literature in shaping and enhancing my professional journey as an entrepreneur.

Even if you’re not keen on algorithms or equations and your business is the least technology-related possible, the allure of scientific literature remains just as potent for you. In the pages of research papers and scholarly articles, a treasure trove of insights awaits, capable of revolutionizing businesses across the spectrum. From my perspective, there are three compelling reasons why scientific literature isn't just a choice, but a necessity for entrepreneurs from all walks of professional life.

### 1. Gaining A Fresh Perspective

Building a successful company takes time, often spanning three to seven years. During this journey, your thought patterns can become ingrained and result in a cognitive bias called "tunnel vision." This means your thinking becomes focused on only one perspective, just like a melody stuck on repeat in your mind. In contrast, various studies highlight that adaptiveness is one of the key traits of successful entrepreneurs.

This phenomenon can be explained by the concept of neuroplasticity. When we engage in similar activities every day, our brain builds rigid pathways to solve the same task in the same way. To break this cycle, one needs to actively disrupt existing neural pathways and build new ones. It's akin to creating fresh thinking patterns that enable us to view our business endeavors through a different lens. I've seen recommendations for diversifying your everyday life by traveling home on different routes to engage in unfamiliar actions; the same principle applies to intellectual endeavors. The more frequently you venture into new intellectual territories, the more adept you become at forging new neural pathways. This is where scientific literature steps in.

It's a way to explore uncharted territories of knowledge, which in turn reshapes your cognitive landscape. Delving into research papers on various topics from physics to psychology makes it possible to develop new patterns of thought and gain innovative insights. By integrating these concepts into your entrepreneurial journey, you're not only building a business but also sculpting a more agile and creative mindset. The process of embracing scientific literature isn't just about reading—it's about rewiring your brain for success.

### 2. Seizing An Early Advantage

With the business landscape becoming more and more digitalized, acquiring technological transformation becomes a mantra of success. Keeping in touch with the latest scientific developments is a key to remaining vigilant about the changing tides.

In my experience, any significant innovation often appears following this scenario: A scientist pioneers a novel approach to, say, artificial intelligence technology and publishes a paper about it. A bit later, a product manager who monitors innovations picks up on this groundbreaking concept, analyzes its potential application and has their company start the research-and-development process to get this technology adapted to the business's needs. Two or three years of development pass, and the company is ready to translate its innovation into action and sell to others.

Now, picture a different scenario: A businessman equipped with insights from scientific literature takes the helm of this transformation before anyone else. This person is not necessarily a deep tech entrepreneur—they can be a founder in any area, such as a banking company—but they still attract several engineers on their team and come up with a ready-to-go solution that distinguishes their enterprise from competitors. By harnessing the power of scientific literature and embedding research-derived concepts into your business strategy, you proactively position yourself to capitalize on these transformative shifts before they become commonplace.

### 3. Delivering Your Vision

Your role as an entrepreneur extends beyond building business processes; it's about building relations. The connections you forge are rooted in shared interests and stimulating conversations.

Envision this situation: You stand before a room of potential investors, your team members and strategic partners. The numbers and strategies on your presentation slides are undoubtedly important, but what truly captures their attention is your ability to articulate your vision that emerges from a clear narrative, proving the true value of your product. In the end, deals aren't merely sealed with contracts; they're formed with individuals who manage to deliver their vision and simply be a person one is interested in interacting with.

While diving into scientific literature equips you with a wealth of knowledge, the true magic happens when you weave that knowledge into a compelling narrative. When keeping the scientific landscape in mind, you're not just selling a product, you're selling a story—a narrative that intertwines cutting-edge concepts from research with real-world potential. It's the fusion of the tangible and the visionary that sparks interest and fosters genuine partnerships and just makes you a person who can prove that they see the perspective of their deed beyond everyday operations. By melding research-backed concepts with your entrepreneurial fervor, you captivate the imagination of your audience and invite them to be part of something truly extraordinary.

XPANCEO's Founder, Roman Axelrod, shared with<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/09/13/three-reasons-why-reading-scientific-literature-is-a-must-for-entrepreneurs/"> Forbes</a> why reading scientific literature is crucial for businessmen. We invite you to explore the entire article below:
<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/photo_2023_09_21_17_48_53_9f482540ba.jpg" alt="photo_2023-09-21_17-48-53.jpg">
I’m a founder in deep technology, and for myself and others in this industry, carefully reading scientific papers is a cornerstone of credibility that affirms our expertise and forties our standing. Initially, that was the primary reason I began immersing myself in scientific research on a regular basis. However, not much time elapsed before I’ve come to recognize the undeniable power of scientific literature in shaping and enhancing my professional journey as an entrepreneur.
Even if you’re not keen on algorithms or equations and your business is the least technology-related possible, the allure of scientific literature remains just as potent for you. In the pages of research papers and scholarly articles, a treasure trove of insights awaits, capable of revolutionizing businesses across the spectrum. From my perspective, there are three compelling reasons why scientific literature isn't just a choice, but a necessity for entrepreneurs from all walks of professional life.
<h3>1. Gaining A Fresh Perspective</h3>
Building a successful company takes time, often spanning three to seven years. During this journey, your thought patterns can become ingrained and result in a cognitive bias called &quot;tunnel vision.&quot; This means your thinking becomes focused on only one perspective, just like a melody stuck on repeat in your mind. In contrast, various studies highlight that adaptiveness is one of the key traits of successful entrepreneurs.
This phenomenon can be explained by the concept of neuroplasticity. When we engage in similar activities every day, our brain builds rigid pathways to solve the same task in the same way. To break this cycle, one needs to actively disrupt existing neural pathways and build new ones. It's akin to creating fresh thinking patterns that enable us to view our business endeavors through a different lens. I've seen recommendations for diversifying your everyday life by traveling home on different routes to engage in unfamiliar actions; the same principle applies to intellectual endeavors. The more frequently you venture into new intellectual territories, the more adept you become at forging new neural pathways. This is where scientific literature steps in.
It's a way to explore uncharted territories of knowledge, which in turn reshapes your cognitive landscape. Delving into research papers on various topics from physics to psychology makes it possible to develop new patterns of thought and gain innovative insights. By integrating these concepts into your entrepreneurial journey, you're not only building a business but also sculpting a more agile and creative mindset. The process of embracing scientific literature isn't just about reading—it's about rewiring your brain for success.
<h3>2. Seizing An Early Advantage</h3>
With the business landscape becoming more and more digitalized, acquiring technological transformation becomes a mantra of success. Keeping in touch with the latest scientific developments is a key to remaining vigilant about the changing tides.
In my experience, any significant innovation often appears following this scenario: A scientist pioneers a novel approach to, say, artificial intelligence technology and publishes a paper about it. A bit later, a product manager who monitors innovations picks up on this groundbreaking concept, analyzes its potential application and has their company start the research-and-development process to get this technology adapted to the business's needs. Two or three years of development pass, and the company is ready to translate its innovation into action and sell to others.
Now, picture a different scenario: A businessman equipped with insights from scientific literature takes the helm of this transformation before anyone else. This person is not necessarily a deep tech entrepreneur—they can be a founder in any area, such as a banking company—but they still attract several engineers on their team and come up with a ready-to-go solution that distinguishes their enterprise from competitors. By harnessing the power of scientific literature and embedding research-derived concepts into your business strategy, you proactively position yourself to capitalize on these transformative shifts before they become commonplace.
<h3>3. Delivering Your Vision</h3>
Your role as an entrepreneur extends beyond building business processes; it's about building relations. The connections you forge are rooted in shared interests and stimulating conversations.
Envision this situation: You stand before a room of potential investors, your team members and strategic partners. The numbers and strategies on your presentation slides are undoubtedly important, but what truly captures their attention is your ability to articulate your vision that emerges from a clear narrative, proving the true value of your product. In the end, deals aren't merely sealed with contracts; they're formed with individuals who manage to deliver their vision and simply be a person one is interested in interacting with.
While diving into scientific literature equips you with a wealth of knowledge, the true magic happens when you weave that knowledge into a compelling narrative. When keeping the scientific landscape in mind, you're not just selling a product, you're selling a story—a narrative that intertwines cutting-edge concepts from research with real-world potential. It's the fusion of the tangible and the visionary that sparks interest and fosters genuine partnerships and just makes you a person who can prove that they see the perspective of their deed beyond everyday operations. By melding research-backed concepts with your entrepreneurial fervor, you captivate the imagination of your audience and invite them to be part of something truly extraordinary.

Three Reasons Why Reading Scientific Literature Is A Must For Entrepreneurs

A transparent and well-defined strategic vision is crucial for business success. XPANCEO sets global goals and our founder, Roman Axelrod, discusses the importance of a clear vision in shaping the destiny of your business. We invite you to read the full article:

# **Three Practical Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Big Picture**

The concept of the "big picture" often attracts attention, yet it's true functional potency frequently lies concealed beneath its glamorous facade. If you search it on Google, you will find a variety of articles describing the benefits the company gets from developing this sort of vision in pretty vague terms: address everyday challenges, stay open-minded or more realistic, and adapt to changes easier. While all of this may be true, having the big picture has several much more practical benefits that shouldn’t be underestimated.

The practical importance of the big picture can be unveiled only when the comprehensive perspective is accurately defined. It's not solely about envisioning the future you aspire to achieve for your product; rather, it requires the creation of a meticulously crafted roadmap outlining the specific steps and strategies that will lead to that desired outcome.

The Deep Tech company I founded follows the biggest picture possible. Our goal is to develop a smart contact lens that will become a next-generation computing category, revolutionizing the whole concept of human – technology interaction. In only 16 months, we have gathered just under 40 scientists and engineers from the best universities and technology companies all over the world to our research and development team and are moving close to bringing the first prototype to life, which often takes other companies more than ten years.

In this article, I will share three practical reasons why having a clear strategic vision for the future, and how your product reshapes and defines it, is essential to run your business effectively.

**Direct impact on company valuation**

When it comes to attracting investments, the positioning of your business is not just an abstract beautiful story but a practical tool of high importance. Imagine there's this tech company that had developed an ultra-thin waveguide that has a whole range of promising properties clear to the expert community and their target audience. However, when their invention is evaluated by investors, the attention will be paid to:

- Value of the market of the waveguides
- The share of the market they will be able to take
- Number of units they will sell

So, it would be calculated that the company will capture a modest 3% percent of the market, sell a bunch of these waveguides, and their valuation lands at a neat sum, $X.


Now, let's pivot to a different scenario. Picture the same company that boldly declares, "We've developed a waveguide that then will be integrated into a cutting-edge smart contact lens, opening up a whole new realm of possibilities." Suddenly, the device has the potential to revolutionize how we perceive and interact with the world, and its value appears to be well beyond a tiny specific market, but rather can potentially create a whole new one.


The best example of the big picture at work is Apple. When they first introduced the iPod, they didn't merely sell a device, but introduced an ecosystem and a whole new way to consume music. Their device transcended mere music, ushering in a transformative shift in our perception and consumption of it. Investors and users didn't just see a device; they saw a movement, a shift in the way the world operated.


However, to create a grand vision that transcends the mundane, it’s not enough to vaguely describe the bright future you want for your product. Investors are looking for a company with a strategic direction and a clear and detailed roadmap, providing measurable to evaluate progress regularly. The big picture you’re drawing should show what you have already done, your aim, and what is your clear path to get there, proving each step to be achievable in a measurable time period.

For example, when I describe XPANCEO, I not only state how the smart lens is able to change the future but emphasize that we know how to develop it: we have a research and development team of almost 40 world-class scientists and engineers, a strong product expertise ,resulting in a very clear and specific roadmap, and plenty of executive will to bring it to life without being distracted by anything whatsoever. This kind of message resonates with people who want to see their contribution make a lasting impact on the market and society as a whole.

In this case, **the valuation of the same company will be increased by several times** compared to the situation when they just developed a new technology without providing a clear picture of why it deserves attention. See Tesla as a reference: its’ [market valuation](https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/TSLA/tesla/market-cap?ref=hackernoon.com) went from $1.8B in 2012 to $1000B in 2021.

**Key to attracting exceptional talent**

The recruitment of top-tier professionals is hardly achieved through endeavors of banality. At some point of professional development, money and material perks work may only serve as an additional motivation but can’t distinguish the offer from dozens of others the best candidates get. But the opportunity to play a role in building something that will transform the future can.


When your company has a global goal and the resources to suggest to the finest minds, you can refrain from mere discourse revolving around the salary and working hours. Instead, you should build a narrative, one that unveils your inception and articulates your aspirations. When hunting a candidate, describe your vision of the future and explain the role they can play in reaching the goal. And this can even make your offer more desirable for a person than running their own business.


Moreover, it’s vital to determine the motivation of the individual and explain how your global perspective can help them get it met. Being an integral part of a collective that develops something extraordinary bears a distinction of honor. However, it is the role of the founder of such a project to offer what an individual seeks. These motivations span an array from financial aspirations to the allure of recognition, from the desire to contribute to a transformative narrative to the prospect of collaborating alongside intellectual luminaries, and even from being able to spend more time with one’s family. Even if their goal is the latter one, the company that sets high goals will be the best fit for them because their impact on the team would mean much more than their lack of desire to come into the office.


As a result, you will gather a team of professionals committed to unwavering integrity. And later, you will not only achieve the results you’re striving for but also may find yourself thinking of opening a side project with your CPO just because it’s something they are a fan of, which is where I find myself now.

**Commitment for a long-term development**

The virtue of pursuing a substantial goal lies in the reduced tendency for individuals to leave their endeavors prematurely. In a project that proves its’ magnitude, the abandonment of objectives becomes a rarity, even in the face of adversity. I personally know people who continued to work in a failing startup just because they firmly believed in the project. Even though his story is far from being an inspiration, it illustrates how powerful of a motivation the big picture can be.

I recall a situation where a group of research colleagues, including a friend of mine, set out to launch a startup and develop a particular component. However, they decided to put this idea on hold because they felt it wasn't globally impactful enough to satisfy their scientific curiosity. As a result, they shifted their focus to other research areas, diverting their attention from this project, even though similar technology was enough to revolutionize several industries, they didn’t even consider.


I have noticed a direct correlation: the more accomplished a scientist or an engineer, the grander and more enduring their ambitious undertakings tend to become. This phenomenon arises because they aspire to create something transformative for the world and recognize that achieving this necessitates time and dedicated effort. Thomas Edison serves as an illustrative example; his relentless pursuit of a functioning light bulb was characterized by numerous attempts before success finally graced his endeavors.


This dedication becomes particularly pronounced within the realm of R&D team. But other employees also want their deed to matter in the long run, even though their inspiration may be a bit different. For me as the founder, the motivation revolves around constructing an expansive and accomplished company possessing a truly innovative product able to transform the future. For Valentyn, it's the prospect of translating scientific explorations into tangible products. Others aspire to craft outstanding research papers or etch their names into the annals of history through participating from the very beginning in the product that will change the way people live.


In essence, it's the monumental nature of the undertaking that fosters commitment. When individuals invest a considerable amount of time, they develop a vested interest not just in the project's completion, but in the legacy, they are crafting. They yearn to carve their names onto the historical timeline, to etch their contributions into the narrative of human advancement.


You can read the original article on HackerNoon [here](https://hackernoon.com/three-practical-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-big-picture).

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

A transparent and well-defined strategic vision is crucial for business success. XPANCEO sets global goals and our founder, Roman Axelrod, discusses the importance of a clear vision in shaping the destiny of your business. We invite you to read the full article:
<h1>Three Practical Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Big Picture</h1>
The concept of the &quot;big picture&quot; often attracts attention, yet it's true functional potency frequently lies concealed beneath its glamorous facade. If you search it on Google, you will find a variety of articles describing the benefits the company gets from developing this sort of vision in pretty vague terms: address everyday challenges, stay open-minded or more realistic, and adapt to changes easier. While all of this may be true, having the big picture has several much more practical benefits that shouldn’t be underestimated.
The practical importance of the big picture can be unveiled only when the comprehensive perspective is accurately defined. It's not solely about envisioning the future you aspire to achieve for your product; rather, it requires the creation of a meticulously crafted roadmap outlining the specific steps and strategies that will lead to that desired outcome.
The Deep Tech company I founded follows the biggest picture possible. Our goal is to develop a smart contact lens that will become a next-generation computing category, revolutionizing the whole concept of human – technology interaction. In only 16 months, we have gathered just under 40 scientists and engineers from the best universities and technology companies all over the world to our research and development team and are moving close to bringing the first prototype to life, which often takes other companies more than ten years.
In this article, I will share three practical reasons why having a clear strategic vision for the future, and how your product reshapes and defines it, is essential to run your business effectively.
Direct impact on company valuation
When it comes to attracting investments, the positioning of your business is not just an abstract beautiful story but a practical tool of high importance. Imagine there's this tech company that had developed an ultra-thin waveguide that has a whole range of promising properties clear to the expert community and their target audience. However, when their invention is evaluated by investors, the attention will be paid to:
<ul>
<li>Value of the market of the waveguides</li>
<li>The share of the market they will be able to take</li>
<li>Number of units they will sell</li>
</ul>
So, it would be calculated that the company will capture a modest 3% percent of the market, sell a bunch of these waveguides, and their valuation lands at a neat sum, $X.
Now, let's pivot to a different scenario. Picture the same company that boldly declares, &quot;We've developed a waveguide that then will be integrated into a cutting-edge smart contact lens, opening up a whole new realm of possibilities.&quot; Suddenly, the device has the potential to revolutionize how we perceive and interact with the world, and its value appears to be well beyond a tiny specific market, but rather can potentially create a whole new one.
The best example of the big picture at work is Apple. When they first introduced the iPod, they didn't merely sell a device, but introduced an ecosystem and a whole new way to consume music. Their device transcended mere music, ushering in a transformative shift in our perception and consumption of it. Investors and users didn't just see a device; they saw a movement, a shift in the way the world operated.
However, to create a grand vision that transcends the mundane, it’s not enough to vaguely describe the bright future you want for your product. Investors are looking for a company with a strategic direction and a clear and detailed roadmap, providing measurable to evaluate progress regularly. The big picture you’re drawing should show what you have already done, your aim, and what is your clear path to get there, proving each step to be achievable in a measurable time period.
For example, when I describe XPANCEO, I not only state how the smart lens is able to change the future but emphasize that we know how to develop it: we have a research and development team of almost 40 world-class scientists and engineers, a strong product expertise ,resulting in a very clear and specific roadmap, and plenty of executive will to bring it to life without being distracted by anything whatsoever. This kind of message resonates with people who want to see their contribution make a lasting impact on the market and society as a whole.
In this case, the valuation of the same company will be increased by several times compared to the situation when they just developed a new technology without providing a clear picture of why it deserves attention. See Tesla as a reference: its’ <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/TSLA/tesla/market-cap?ref=hackernoon.com">market valuation</a> went from $1.8B in 2012 to $1000B in 2021.
Key to attracting exceptional talent
The recruitment of top-tier professionals is hardly achieved through endeavors of banality. At some point of professional development, money and material perks work may only serve as an additional motivation but can’t distinguish the offer from dozens of others the best candidates get. But the opportunity to play a role in building something that will transform the future can.
When your company has a global goal and the resources to suggest to the finest minds, you can refrain from mere discourse revolving around the salary and working hours. Instead, you should build a narrative, one that unveils your inception and articulates your aspirations. When hunting a candidate, describe your vision of the future and explain the role they can play in reaching the goal. And this can even make your offer more desirable for a person than running their own business.
Moreover, it’s vital to determine the motivation of the individual and explain how your global perspective can help them get it met. Being an integral part of a collective that develops something extraordinary bears a distinction of honor. However, it is the role of the founder of such a project to offer what an individual seeks. These motivations span an array from financial aspirations to the allure of recognition, from the desire to contribute to a transformative narrative to the prospect of collaborating alongside intellectual luminaries, and even from being able to spend more time with one’s family. Even if their goal is the latter one, the company that sets high goals will be the best fit for them because their impact on the team would mean much more than their lack of desire to come into the office.
As a result, you will gather a team of professionals committed to unwavering integrity. And later, you will not only achieve the results you’re striving for but also may find yourself thinking of opening a side project with your CPO just because it’s something they are a fan of, which is where I find myself now.
Commitment for a long-term development
The virtue of pursuing a substantial goal lies in the reduced tendency for individuals to leave their endeavors prematurely. In a project that proves its’ magnitude, the abandonment of objectives becomes a rarity, even in the face of adversity. I personally know people who continued to work in a failing startup just because they firmly believed in the project. Even though his story is far from being an inspiration, it illustrates how powerful of a motivation the big picture can be.
I recall a situation where a group of research colleagues, including a friend of mine, set out to launch a startup and develop a particular component. However, they decided to put this idea on hold because they felt it wasn't globally impactful enough to satisfy their scientific curiosity. As a result, they shifted their focus to other research areas, diverting their attention from this project, even though similar technology was enough to revolutionize several industries, they didn’t even consider.
I have noticed a direct correlation: the more accomplished a scientist or an engineer, the grander and more enduring their ambitious undertakings tend to become. This phenomenon arises because they aspire to create something transformative for the world and recognize that achieving this necessitates time and dedicated effort. Thomas Edison serves as an illustrative example; his relentless pursuit of a functioning light bulb was characterized by numerous attempts before success finally graced his endeavors.
This dedication becomes particularly pronounced within the realm of R&amp;D team. But other employees also want their deed to matter in the long run, even though their inspiration may be a bit different. For me as the founder, the motivation revolves around constructing an expansive and accomplished company possessing a truly innovative product able to transform the future. For Valentyn, it's the prospect of translating scientific explorations into tangible products. Others aspire to craft outstanding research papers or etch their names into the annals of history through participating from the very beginning in the product that will change the way people live.
In essence, it's the monumental nature of the undertaking that fosters commitment. When individuals invest a considerable amount of time, they develop a vested interest not just in the project's completion, but in the legacy, they are crafting. They yearn to carve their names onto the historical timeline, to etch their contributions into the narrative of human advancement.
You can read the original article on HackerNoon <a href="https://hackernoon.com/three-practical-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-big-picture">here</a>.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Three Practical Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Big Picture

## Recently, XPANCEO's Founder Roman Axelrod and Co-Founder, Scientific Partner Valentyn Volkov discussed with Wamda's reporter Triska Hamid how they're collaborating in Dubai to develop the next generation of computing via an invisible and weightless smart contact lens. This lens reinvents the whole concept of human-technology interaction and redefines the way we experience both real and digital worlds including social media, content consumption, and gaming. Here is the part of the article for you to read:

![505cc7e52c873dc.png](https://assets.xpanceo.com/505cc7e52c873dc_facd333feb.png)

In a lab in Dubai, an international entrepreneur and a known in his community material scientist are working together on a project that may very well revolutionise how the world will interact with technology. Their mission: develop smart contact lenses that fuse biotechnology and electronics to unlock a realm of possibilities seen only in science fiction. 

Roman Axelrod and Valentyn Volkov founded their startup, XPANCEO, back in 2021 to develop these smart contact lenses. A year later, both men packed up with their team and headed straight to Dubai, where they are pursuing their research and development (R&D).

The initial idea for smart contact lenses came from Axelrod, who, after successfully exiting his AI and robotics startup, wondered what the computer of the future would look like.

_“Today, the smartphone is the most popular computer of humanity, but they are insufficient in terms of the goals humanity has set for the next 100 years"_ , says Axelrod who adds that smartphones are _"old, outdated and simply bad. The best device is one that is invisible, weightless, and absolutely private. One infinite screen that connects all devices. So I started looking for people to help with this mission."_

His search led him to Volkov, a world expert in nanophotonics and advanced materials, with over 20-years of experience in the field.

_“I initially had the impression that Roman was quite eccentric. However, after engaging in conversation with him, I found it challenging to disengage. It soon became apparent that my initial perception was inaccurate, and I developed a genuine curiosity about his interesting ideas,”_ Valentyn says.

At the time, Volkov was director of the Centre for Photonics and 2D materials exploring the optical properties of [van der waals](https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Intermolecular_Forces/Van_der_Waals_Forces#:~:text=Van%20der%20Waals%20forces'%20is,and%20stronger%20dipole%2Ddipole%20forces.) and 2D atomically thin materials. Joining Axelrod was a risk, but one that would allow him to discover and invent a new type of computer and bring Axelrod’s vision to life.

#### A new computer

Technology typically has 10-year cycles before a revolutionary new device or gadget comes out to disrupt consumer habits. These cycles reflect a continuous search for efficiency, adaptability, and a more natural way to interact with technology. From desktop computers to smartphones and smart watches, devices are getting smaller and more powerful. It would be easy to dismiss smart contact lenses as fantasy but it was not too long ago when many dismissed the need for mobile phones, believing that the landline was sufficient. When Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, critics believed its lack of physical buttons would spell its demise. Since then, consumers have become dependent on their phones and now smart watches have become common, interacting with mobile phones to provide real time data on the user’s health and wellbeing.

_“The next big thing that will come out is an XR/spatial computing device operated by sight, voice, gestures, and mind,”_ says Axelrod. _“We have two possible options, either anything as a screen or eyes as a screen. From my point of view, it will evolve simultaneously. In five to 15 years from now, we will be able to use any surface as a screen and also deliver content directly to the retina.”_

XR, or extended reality, is an umbrella term that encompasses various immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated environment, augmented reality overlays digital information onto the real world, and mixed reality merges digital objects with the physical environment in a way that they interact and coexist.

Currently, such experiences are provided through headsets and goggles like Meta’s Oculus range and Apple’s Vision Pro, but these headsets present a physical barrier with the real world and too much of an immersive experience to make them a viable “computer” for daily life.

For Axelrod, such gadgets are a _“dead end. The form factor is very important. One shouldn’t look like an idiot with a limited range of view”._

[Google’s Glass was intended to offer an AR experience](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/052115/how-why-google-glass-failed.asp) without a bulky headset, but _“it was built by techies for techies,”_ says Axelrod. _“The hardware itself for 2011 was decent, but you looked like an idiot, an alien and there was nothing to do with those glasses. It was great hardware, but I couldn’t do anything with it.”_  For a wearable to succeed, _“the product has to offer a use case that is so convenient that the average Joe will consider using this new product instead of cellphones.”_

The use cases for smart contact lenses are many, from XR in gaming and education to healthcare and sports, scenarios where real-time feedback and data is important. The concept is not novel. In 2014, Google revealed it was working on smart lenses to measure blood sugar, [before cancelling the project four years later](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46262520), while both Samsung and Sony have filed patents for smart lenses. In the US, InWith Corporation and Innovega are startups developing smart contact lenses. Mojo Vision, which has raised more than $226 million, recently put its plans on hold to [develop lenses and instead pivoted to micro-LED technology](https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/06/mojo-vision-puts-contact-lens-production-on-hold-as-it-lays-off-75-of-staff/). Sensimed is currently the only company with the approval to sell its smart contact lenses, which measure eye pressure to determine glaucoma.

XPANCEO’s approach differs from its competitors in that it is working to create a new material for its lenses, one thin enough to fit comfortably on the eye, with enough computing power to enable different use cases like enhancing the user’s vision in lowlight, as well as a battery life to last the whole day.

![Untitled.png](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Untitled_ac9c373a12.png)

_“The perfect contact lens should be like the normal one we have right now,”_ says Volkov. _“We are building the gadget of tomorrow with the work tools of today. You improve your skills during the process and we are trying to use the best of our skills. Sometimes it works, sometimes we have a problem. The idea is great which makes it a good motivation.”_

The first iteration of XPANCEO’s contact lenses will allow for lowlight and enhanced vision. The second will focus on health with the ability to track markers like stress, blood sugar, body temperature and dry eyes. The third iteration will offer full functionality, with the ability to show visual content on the lenses. But there are both technological and biological hurdles to overcome. XPANCEO is essentially trying to shrink a smartphone down into a contact lens that is compatible with the biological environment of the human eye.

Even if Volkov and his team manage to develop a new material to enable this, it may be years before regulatory approvals can allow such a device onto the market, especially if it is classed as a medical device. Concerns over privacy will also need to be addressed since the lenses will have the ability to record video and take pictures, but this issue can be overcome if the lenses turn a different colour when that happens, alerting others that the user is recording.

The company has a few financial backers and will soon start raising investment to fund its research and development and launch its prototype.

_“We have a very strong research team. The aim is to not only create this new level gadget, but to produce a quite a lot of knowledge,”_ says Volkov. _“We are going to use new materials. The Stone Age finished not because they ran out of stones, but because new materials were discovered. It is important to put on the table the prototype, because if you have nothing then you have nothing to improve.”_

The company is partnering with two universities in the UAE to gain access to their labs and provide an opportunity for their students to work with XPANCEO. Such collaborations are essential if a deeptech ecosystem can thrive in the region. Both founders are keen to contribute to the knowledge economy of the UAE, [ranking 8th in the country in the Nature Index](https://www.nature.com/nature-index/country-outputs/United%20Arab%20Emirates) which highlights the most prolific institutions in high-quality research publishing. 

_“When you do something related to new materials, to serious science, to new gadgets, you will be seen on the radars of government and big tech companies. We are not here to create the next delivery of pet food or fintech, we are doing something very serious in material science and if we succeed, we understand we will be a target for big tech companies and armies around the world,”_ says Volkov. _“The UAE is the new Switzerland. Such a company cannot emerge from less developed countries, it has to emerge from one of the top places in the world. Here, we can be sure to have enough time to create and develop a new company, we will not be badly acquired or face unforeseen challenges that may occur in certain regions."_

You can read the original article by Wamda [here](https://www.wamda.com/2023/08/worlds-smartest-contact-lenses-emerge-dubai).

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<h2>Recently, XPANCEO's Founder Roman Axelrod and Co-Founder, Scientific Partner Valentyn Volkov discussed with Wamda's reporter Triska Hamid how they're collaborating in Dubai to develop the next generation of computing via an invisible and weightless smart contact lens. This lens reinvents the whole concept of human-technology interaction and redefines the way we experience both real and digital worlds including social media, content consumption, and gaming. Here is the part of the article for you to read:</h2>
<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/505cc7e52c873dc_facd333feb.png" alt="505cc7e52c873dc.png">
In a lab in Dubai, an international entrepreneur and a known in his community material scientist are working together on a project that may very well revolutionise how the world will interact with technology. Their mission: develop smart contact lenses that fuse biotechnology and electronics to unlock a realm of possibilities seen only in science fiction.
Roman Axelrod and Valentyn Volkov founded their startup, XPANCEO, back in 2021 to develop these smart contact lenses. A year later, both men packed up with their team and headed straight to Dubai, where they are pursuing their research and development (R&amp;D).
The initial idea for smart contact lenses came from Axelrod, who, after successfully exiting his AI and robotics startup, wondered what the computer of the future would look like.
“Today, the smartphone is the most popular computer of humanity, but they are insufficient in terms of the goals humanity has set for the next 100 years&quot; , says Axelrod who adds that smartphones are &quot;old, outdated and simply bad. The best device is one that is invisible, weightless, and absolutely private. One infinite screen that connects all devices. So I started looking for people to help with this mission.&quot;
His search led him to Volkov, a world expert in nanophotonics and advanced materials, with over 20-years of experience in the field.
“I initially had the impression that Roman was quite eccentric. However, after engaging in conversation with him, I found it challenging to disengage. It soon became apparent that my initial perception was inaccurate, and I developed a genuine curiosity about his interesting ideas,” Valentyn says.
At the time, Volkov was director of the Centre for Photonics and 2D materials exploring the optical properties of <a href="https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Intermolecular_Forces/Van_der_Waals_Forces#:~:text=Van%20der%20Waals%20forces'%20is,and%20stronger%20dipole%2Ddipole%20forces.">van der waals</a> and 2D atomically thin materials. Joining Axelrod was a risk, but one that would allow him to discover and invent a new type of computer and bring Axelrod’s vision to life.
<h4>A new computer</h4>
Technology typically has 10-year cycles before a revolutionary new device or gadget comes out to disrupt consumer habits. These cycles reflect a continuous search for efficiency, adaptability, and a more natural way to interact with technology. From desktop computers to smartphones and smart watches, devices are getting smaller and more powerful. It would be easy to dismiss smart contact lenses as fantasy but it was not too long ago when many dismissed the need for mobile phones, believing that the landline was sufficient. When Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, critics believed its lack of physical buttons would spell its demise. Since then, consumers have become dependent on their phones and now smart watches have become common, interacting with mobile phones to provide real time data on the user’s health and wellbeing.
“The next big thing that will come out is an XR/spatial computing device operated by sight, voice, gestures, and mind,” says Axelrod. “We have two possible options, either anything as a screen or eyes as a screen. From my point of view, it will evolve simultaneously. In five to 15 years from now, we will be able to use any surface as a screen and also deliver content directly to the retina.”
XR, or extended reality, is an umbrella term that encompasses various immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated environment, augmented reality overlays digital information onto the real world, and mixed reality merges digital objects with the physical environment in a way that they interact and coexist.
Currently, such experiences are provided through headsets and goggles like Meta’s Oculus range and Apple’s Vision Pro, but these headsets present a physical barrier with the real world and too much of an immersive experience to make them a viable “computer” for daily life.
For Axelrod, such gadgets are a “dead end. The form factor is very important. One shouldn’t look like an idiot with a limited range of view”.
<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/052115/how-why-google-glass-failed.asp">Google’s Glass was intended to offer an AR experience</a> without a bulky headset, but “it was built by techies for techies,” says Axelrod. “The hardware itself for 2011 was decent, but you looked like an idiot, an alien and there was nothing to do with those glasses. It was great hardware, but I couldn’t do anything with it.” For a wearable to succeed, “the product has to offer a use case that is so convenient that the average Joe will consider using this new product instead of cellphones.”
The use cases for smart contact lenses are many, from XR in gaming and education to healthcare and sports, scenarios where real-time feedback and data is important. The concept is not novel. In 2014, Google revealed it was working on smart lenses to measure blood sugar, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46262520">before cancelling the project four years later</a>, while both Samsung and Sony have filed patents for smart lenses. In the US, InWith Corporation and Innovega are startups developing smart contact lenses. Mojo Vision, which has raised more than $226 million, recently put its plans on hold to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/06/mojo-vision-puts-contact-lens-production-on-hold-as-it-lays-off-75-of-staff/">develop lenses and instead pivoted to micro-LED technology</a>. Sensimed is currently the only company with the approval to sell its smart contact lenses, which measure eye pressure to determine glaucoma.
XPANCEO’s approach differs from its competitors in that it is working to create a new material for its lenses, one thin enough to fit comfortably on the eye, with enough computing power to enable different use cases like enhancing the user’s vision in lowlight, as well as a battery life to last the whole day.
<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Untitled_ac9c373a12.png" alt="Untitled.png">
“The perfect contact lens should be like the normal one we have right now,” says Volkov. “We are building the gadget of tomorrow with the work tools of today. You improve your skills during the process and we are trying to use the best of our skills. Sometimes it works, sometimes we have a problem. The idea is great which makes it a good motivation.”
The first iteration of XPANCEO’s contact lenses will allow for lowlight and enhanced vision. The second will focus on health with the ability to track markers like stress, blood sugar, body temperature and dry eyes. The third iteration will offer full functionality, with the ability to show visual content on the lenses. But there are both technological and biological hurdles to overcome. XPANCEO is essentially trying to shrink a smartphone down into a contact lens that is compatible with the biological environment of the human eye.
Even if Volkov and his team manage to develop a new material to enable this, it may be years before regulatory approvals can allow such a device onto the market, especially if it is classed as a medical device. Concerns over privacy will also need to be addressed since the lenses will have the ability to record video and take pictures, but this issue can be overcome if the lenses turn a different colour when that happens, alerting others that the user is recording.
The company has a few financial backers and will soon start raising investment to fund its research and development and launch its prototype.
“We have a very strong research team. The aim is to not only create this new level gadget, but to produce a quite a lot of knowledge,” says Volkov. “We are going to use new materials. The Stone Age finished not because they ran out of stones, but because new materials were discovered. It is important to put on the table the prototype, because if you have nothing then you have nothing to improve.”
The company is partnering with two universities in the UAE to gain access to their labs and provide an opportunity for their students to work with XPANCEO. Such collaborations are essential if a deeptech ecosystem can thrive in the region. Both founders are keen to contribute to the knowledge economy of the UAE, <a href="https://www.nature.com/nature-index/country-outputs/United%20Arab%20Emirates">ranking 8th in the country in the Nature Index</a> which highlights the most prolific institutions in high-quality research publishing.
“When you do something related to new materials, to serious science, to new gadgets, you will be seen on the radars of government and big tech companies. We are not here to create the next delivery of pet food or fintech, we are doing something very serious in material science and if we succeed, we understand we will be a target for big tech companies and armies around the world,” says Volkov. “The UAE is the new Switzerland. Such a company cannot emerge from less developed countries, it has to emerge from one of the top places in the world. Here, we can be sure to have enough time to create and develop a new company, we will not be badly acquired or face unforeseen challenges that may occur in certain regions.&quot;
You can read the original article by Wamda <a href="https://www.wamda.com/2023/08/worlds-smartest-contact-lenses-emerge-dubai">here</a>.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Will the world's smartest contact lenses emerge in Dubai?

![XRAY1.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/XRAY_1_d2173f513d.jpg)

**Unveiling Hidden Realities**

In recent years, Augmented Reality (AR) has revolutionized the way we perceive and interact with our surroundings. While typically we talk about 'adding' more visual data to the user's field of view, one fascinating application of AR-enabled smart contact lenses involves 'removing' some objects a user sees and leveraging multiple sources of visual and other data to enable them to "see through walls."

Through the combination of computer vision, live and archived footage from various visual data sources (CCTV, device cameras, cloud-stored photos, aerial and satellite footage), thermal imaging, depth sensors, and other data sources, smart contact lenses can reconstruct the environment beyond physical barriers. This breakthrough opens up a host of exciting possibilities across various sectors:

Safety and Security:
AR-enabled CCTV systems can enhance safety measures in critical scenarios. For instance, firefighters responding to a burning building can utilize smart contact lenses to see through smoke and walls, gaining real-time information on potential hazards and trapped individuals.

Construction and Architecture:
In the construction industry, smart contact lenses can empower architects, engineers, and construction workers to visualize the hidden infrastructure within walls, enabling precise planning, minimizing errors, and optimizing space utilization.

Law Enforcement:
AR contact lenses can assist law enforcement agencies by enabling them to perceive the environment more comprehensively. This technology can provide valuable insights during hostage situations, helping officers assess the layout and the location of potential threats.

Urban Planning:
City planners can leverage smart contact lenses to gain insights into the hidden infrastructure, such as sewage systems, underground cables, or potential structural weaknesses, facilitating informed decision-making and reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

Of course, while the potential applications of AR and seeing through walls are vast, it is essential to address ethical concerns and overcome challenges associated with this technology. The sooner AR is recognized as a common technology, the sooner we can develop legal frameworks aimed at protecting individuals' rights and privacy. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the AR overlays and maintaining a seamless user experience will be critical to widespread adoption.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/XRAY_1_d2173f513d.jpg" alt="XRAY1.jpg">
Unveiling Hidden Realities
In recent years, Augmented Reality (AR) has revolutionized the way we perceive and interact with our surroundings. While typically we talk about 'adding' more visual data to the user's field of view, one fascinating application of AR-enabled smart contact lenses involves 'removing' some objects a user sees and leveraging multiple sources of visual and other data to enable them to &quot;see through walls.&quot;
Through the combination of computer vision, live and archived footage from various visual data sources (CCTV, device cameras, cloud-stored photos, aerial and satellite footage), thermal imaging, depth sensors, and other data sources, smart contact lenses can reconstruct the environment beyond physical barriers. This breakthrough opens up a host of exciting possibilities across various sectors:
Safety and Security:
AR-enabled CCTV systems can enhance safety measures in critical scenarios. For instance, firefighters responding to a burning building can utilize smart contact lenses to see through smoke and walls, gaining real-time information on potential hazards and trapped individuals.
Construction and Architecture:
In the construction industry, smart contact lenses can empower architects, engineers, and construction workers to visualize the hidden infrastructure within walls, enabling precise planning, minimizing errors, and optimizing space utilization.
Law Enforcement:
AR contact lenses can assist law enforcement agencies by enabling them to perceive the environment more comprehensively. This technology can provide valuable insights during hostage situations, helping officers assess the layout and the location of potential threats.
Urban Planning:
City planners can leverage smart contact lenses to gain insights into the hidden infrastructure, such as sewage systems, underground cables, or potential structural weaknesses, facilitating informed decision-making and reducing the risk of costly mistakes.
Of course, while the potential applications of AR and seeing through walls are vast, it is essential to address ethical concerns and overcome challenges associated with this technology. The sooner AR is recognized as a common technology, the sooner we can develop legal frameworks aimed at protecting individuals' rights and privacy. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the AR overlays and maintaining a seamless user experience will be critical to widespread adoption.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XRay Vision in Smart Contact Lenses

![ART2.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/ART_2_3431761dd2.jpg)

**Turning the Whole World into a Canvas**

A less commercially impactful but undeniably exciting application for AR smart contact lenses is in the field of art. We anticipate that both digital artists and fine arts experts will be early adopters of these lenses, and we can envision a multitude of ways in which they can incorporate them into their work.

Augmented reality provides a fresh space for artists to express themselves, enhance their artworks, or envelop their creations in interactive experiences. AR is liberating traditional works of art from the confines of galleries, breathing new life and relevance into them. By making the art experience more akin to a collaboration between viewer and artist rather than a mere lecture, AR allows artists to design interactive encounters where viewers can actively engage with their artwork, transforming passive observers into active participants.

The integration of AR technology pushes the boundaries of artistry and introduces innovative techniques and possibilities:

Shared Virtual Spaces: Artists can leverage AR to enter shared virtual spaces, where they can collaboratively build and manipulate digital artworks. These shared spaces serve as blank canvases, enabling artists to layer their creations and seamlessly merge their individual styles.

Dynamic Art Exhibitions: AR-enabled devices and lenses offer a unique opportunity for artists to curate dynamic and ever-evolving exhibitions. Art installations can adapt and transform as viewers explore them, responding to their movements, actions, and personal preferences.

Collaborative Performance Art: Performers wearing AR-enabled contact lenses can create mesmerizing visual spectacles by integrating virtual elements into their performances. These lenses can synchronize with music, choreography, and other artistic elements, enhancing the overall experience.

Furthermore, AR technology will ignite advancements in art education by providing students with enhanced visualization capabilities. AR can overlay digital content, such as 3D models, animations, or historical context, directly onto real-world artworks. This immersive experience allows students to explore art in new dimensions, gaining deeper insights and understanding.

Students can interact with virtual elements, such as dissecting and examining the layers of famous paintings or sculptures, understanding brushstrokes, or even virtually stepping into the artist's studio. This interactive learning approach fosters creativity and critical thinking skills.

AR-enabled smart contact lenses offer a groundbreaking platform for artistic collaboration, unlocking new dimensions of creativity and expression. Artists can leverage this technology to collaborate across distances, create interactive installations, and push the boundaries of traditional art forms. As this technology continues to evolve, addressing challenges and ensuring accessibility, artists can look forward to an era of boundless collaboration and artistic exploration, where imagination knows no bounds.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/ART_2_3431761dd2.jpg" alt="ART2.jpg">
Turning the Whole World into a Canvas
A less commercially impactful but undeniably exciting application for AR smart contact lenses is in the field of art. We anticipate that both digital artists and fine arts experts will be early adopters of these lenses, and we can envision a multitude of ways in which they can incorporate them into their work.
Augmented reality provides a fresh space for artists to express themselves, enhance their artworks, or envelop their creations in interactive experiences. AR is liberating traditional works of art from the confines of galleries, breathing new life and relevance into them. By making the art experience more akin to a collaboration between viewer and artist rather than a mere lecture, AR allows artists to design interactive encounters where viewers can actively engage with their artwork, transforming passive observers into active participants.
The integration of AR technology pushes the boundaries of artistry and introduces innovative techniques and possibilities:
Shared Virtual Spaces: Artists can leverage AR to enter shared virtual spaces, where they can collaboratively build and manipulate digital artworks. These shared spaces serve as blank canvases, enabling artists to layer their creations and seamlessly merge their individual styles.
Dynamic Art Exhibitions: AR-enabled devices and lenses offer a unique opportunity for artists to curate dynamic and ever-evolving exhibitions. Art installations can adapt and transform as viewers explore them, responding to their movements, actions, and personal preferences.
Collaborative Performance Art: Performers wearing AR-enabled contact lenses can create mesmerizing visual spectacles by integrating virtual elements into their performances. These lenses can synchronize with music, choreography, and other artistic elements, enhancing the overall experience.
Furthermore, AR technology will ignite advancements in art education by providing students with enhanced visualization capabilities. AR can overlay digital content, such as 3D models, animations, or historical context, directly onto real-world artworks. This immersive experience allows students to explore art in new dimensions, gaining deeper insights and understanding.
Students can interact with virtual elements, such as dissecting and examining the layers of famous paintings or sculptures, understanding brushstrokes, or even virtually stepping into the artist's studio. This interactive learning approach fosters creativity and critical thinking skills.
AR-enabled smart contact lenses offer a groundbreaking platform for artistic collaboration, unlocking new dimensions of creativity and expression. Artists can leverage this technology to collaborate across distances, create interactive installations, and push the boundaries of traditional art forms. As this technology continues to evolve, addressing challenges and ensuring accessibility, artists can look forward to an era of boundless collaboration and artistic exploration, where imagination knows no bounds.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Turning the Whole World into a Canvas

![Social4.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Social4_975bb4e905.jpg)

**XR To Bring 'Social' Back Into 'Social Media’**

Social media are not exactly popular these days. The conversation surrounding them is overwhelmingly negative: we no longer discuss their capacity to connect people, but rather focus on their shortcomings and detrimental effects on society and the individual. Where did it all go wrong? And are social networks beyond redemption?

Let’s analyze this: the fundamental problem is the social networks' inherent business model that centers on capturing and retaining your attention. However, they fail to offer much 'added value' for your real-life social experiences. Instead, they end up competing for your time and attention against your real-life social connections. The scenario is all too familiar: children glued to their individual screens at a party, spectators of a significant event viewing it through the cameras and screens of their phones, and people detracting from the enjoyment of a gathering by trying to document it rather than participating. Individuals are torn between life happening here and now, and their 'social' interaction online. And because social networks can afford to hire incredibly intelligent individuals, resisting the allure is a formidable challenge.

The idea of incorporating this into an XR device like a smart contact lens might seem like it would only amplify the negative aspects of social media. However, if you contemplate the difference between a small screen and the XR user experience for a moment longer, you'll understand why we believe that with mass adoption of XR computers, social media could finally become what their early adopters hoped it would be.

Instead, imagine a social network that lets you share your experiences with your friends without needing to oscillate between the 'tasks' of experiencing and sharing. You can invite others in and let them see and hear something the way you perceive it, all while remaining as engaged as you would be without any gadget or app. You can direct their attention to whatever you wish: your child in the middle of a dance recital, that underappreciated bass line, the tune that plays in your mind when you see that view. They can join your experience live and interact with you as naturally as if they were present, or they can view it later and catch up with you in a way more akin to current methods. This isn't a 'metaverse' where you need to escape from your real life, but rather your real life, enhanced.

Upon closer inspection of this scenario, it doesn't require a revolution in how social networks function, but rather a revolution in the devices we use to access social media. We need to break free from handheld devices with screens, and the need to 'operate' them to accomplish anything. Imagine a screen that spans your entire field of view, a user interface that is utterly intuitive for a human, video and audio capture capability that follows your focus, all packed into a design that is both literally and figuratively transparent and invisible.

A spatially and contextually aware wearable XR computer can finally turn social media into an enhancement of your real-life experience, not an alternative to it. A small phone screen has proved to be a highly efficient 'shield' between people and the world around them; a full field of view display could change that by becoming a layer, not a shield.

This is the smart lens that we're developing at XPANCEO. Stay tuned to hear more about extended computing use cases.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Social4_975bb4e905.jpg" alt="Social4.jpg">
XR To Bring 'Social' Back Into 'Social Media’
Social media are not exactly popular these days. The conversation surrounding them is overwhelmingly negative: we no longer discuss their capacity to connect people, but rather focus on their shortcomings and detrimental effects on society and the individual. Where did it all go wrong? And are social networks beyond redemption?
Let’s analyze this: the fundamental problem is the social networks' inherent business model that centers on capturing and retaining your attention. However, they fail to offer much 'added value' for your real-life social experiences. Instead, they end up competing for your time and attention against your real-life social connections. The scenario is all too familiar: children glued to their individual screens at a party, spectators of a significant event viewing it through the cameras and screens of their phones, and people detracting from the enjoyment of a gathering by trying to document it rather than participating. Individuals are torn between life happening here and now, and their 'social' interaction online. And because social networks can afford to hire incredibly intelligent individuals, resisting the allure is a formidable challenge.
The idea of incorporating this into an XR device like a smart contact lens might seem like it would only amplify the negative aspects of social media. However, if you contemplate the difference between a small screen and the XR user experience for a moment longer, you'll understand why we believe that with mass adoption of XR computers, social media could finally become what their early adopters hoped it would be.
Instead, imagine a social network that lets you share your experiences with your friends without needing to oscillate between the 'tasks' of experiencing and sharing. You can invite others in and let them see and hear something the way you perceive it, all while remaining as engaged as you would be without any gadget or app. You can direct their attention to whatever you wish: your child in the middle of a dance recital, that underappreciated bass line, the tune that plays in your mind when you see that view. They can join your experience live and interact with you as naturally as if they were present, or they can view it later and catch up with you in a way more akin to current methods. This isn't a 'metaverse' where you need to escape from your real life, but rather your real life, enhanced.
Upon closer inspection of this scenario, it doesn't require a revolution in how social networks function, but rather a revolution in the devices we use to access social media. We need to break free from handheld devices with screens, and the need to 'operate' them to accomplish anything. Imagine a screen that spans your entire field of view, a user interface that is utterly intuitive for a human, video and audio capture capability that follows your focus, all packed into a design that is both literally and figuratively transparent and invisible.
A spatially and contextually aware wearable XR computer can finally turn social media into an enhancement of your real-life experience, not an alternative to it. A small phone screen has proved to be a highly efficient 'shield' between people and the world around them; a full field of view display could change that by becoming a layer, not a shield.
This is the smart lens that we're developing at XPANCEO. Stay tuned to hear more about extended computing use cases.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XR To Bring 'Social' Back Into 'Social Media’

![Sport5.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Sport5_53f3be0359.jpg)

**The Benefits of Extended Reality for Sports**

So far, the introduction of AR and XR technologies to the world of sports has been sporadic at best. There are two major challenges that need to be addressed before we can herald a technological revolution in sports. The first is the conservatism of sports regulatory bodies, who often view new technology with high suspicion, primarily as a potential means to gain an unfair advantage. The second is the lack of a suitable device form-factor to enable this transformation.

Obviously, both are temporary obstacles: the conservatism of sports regulatory bodies will eventually have to reconcile with tech adoption, and innovation will provide a device form factor suitable for athletic applications. Moreover, it's the emergence of such a device and its adoption outside the realm of professional sports that will likely nudge sports officials in the right direction. Our vision for this device is, unsurprisingly, the smart contact lens. This must be a highly versatile, general-purpose device (not a specialized gadget like a bicycle computer) and robustly designed (a smart contact lens might seem fragile, but its wearing mode provides excellent protection, unlike glasses or headsets).

There are several avenues through which AR and XR is used in major sports:

- Fan Experience
- Performance Analytics
- Training and Exercise

**Enhanced Fan Experience:** Major sports are equal parts athletics and showbiz. There are multiple ways AR and XR can enhance the fan experience without affecting the essence of the sport in question. Any modern TV broadcast of a major sports event can provide an idea of what this could look like:

 • Data overlays displaying game statistics, player/athlete profiles, cues and pathways, guides, and playfield heatmaps. For instance, during the Euro 2020 tournament, Deutsche Telekom allowed fans to virtually pose with some of the German soccer team’s star players using a smartphone app.
 
 • Video overlays showing other athletes performing the same run, jump, swim, ride, or program element, allowing for performance comparisons.
 
 • Immersive video feeds offering fans a chance to see the game up close—think courtside seats at a basketball game, regardless of their physical location. During the Superbowl, Verizon and Pepsi created an immersive 360-degree Web AR portal experience for the half-time show. This portal allowed fans to watch performers live and toggle rapidly between different stage views.
 
 • All of these features can be on-demand, interactive, and personalized to individual needs and preferences.
 

**Performance Analytics:** Professional sports today are data-driven enterprises—from player drafting to individual technique, athletes, coaches, and managers use accumulated data to spot correlations, opportunities, and optimal paths. A smart contact lens can help athletes and their support staff utilize this data more effectively.

 • Real-time heads-up displays with vital signs and performance indicators usable on the go in any activity. 
 
 • Team performance animations that a coach can align with strategies to identify areas for improvement. 
 
 • Game and competition replays from various immersive perspectives.
 

And from here, there's an obvious next step to...

**Training and Exercise:** Not using all the capabilities listed under ‘Performance analytics’ in real-time during training exercises would miss a great opportunity. Essentially, all the same features offered to an athlete in real-time during their training can significantly boost their performance:

 • Overlays that show optimal moves, track balls, display distances, and angles—this can allow an athlete to perfect their technique and make better decisions. 
 
 • The same applies to coaches, who can provide superior guidance to their athletes using AR tools in review or even in real-time mode.
 

Once these tools become commonplace in everyday training routines, we will need just two things before AR/XR can be used in actual sports events:

 • A convention on what constitutes an unfair advantage and what doesn’t.
 
 • Tools to identify the use of devices like smart contact lenses and verify their compliance with the rules set for them.
 

The integration of AR and XR in the world of sports has opened up a new era of engagement, entertainment, and training. Fans can now enjoy an immersive viewing experience, while athletes benefit from innovative training methods and performance analysis. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even more exciting advancements in the future, elevating the world of sports to unprecedented heights of interactivity and excellence.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Sport5_53f3be0359.jpg" alt="Sport5.jpg">
The Benefits of Extended Reality for Sports
So far, the introduction of AR and XR technologies to the world of sports has been sporadic at best. There are two major challenges that need to be addressed before we can herald a technological revolution in sports. The first is the conservatism of sports regulatory bodies, who often view new technology with high suspicion, primarily as a potential means to gain an unfair advantage. The second is the lack of a suitable device form-factor to enable this transformation.
Obviously, both are temporary obstacles: the conservatism of sports regulatory bodies will eventually have to reconcile with tech adoption, and innovation will provide a device form factor suitable for athletic applications. Moreover, it's the emergence of such a device and its adoption outside the realm of professional sports that will likely nudge sports officials in the right direction. Our vision for this device is, unsurprisingly, the smart contact lens. This must be a highly versatile, general-purpose device (not a specialized gadget like a bicycle computer) and robustly designed (a smart contact lens might seem fragile, but its wearing mode provides excellent protection, unlike glasses or headsets).
There are several avenues through which AR and XR is used in major sports:
<ul>
<li>Fan Experience</li>
<li>Performance Analytics</li>
<li>Training and Exercise</li>
</ul>
Enhanced Fan Experience: Major sports are equal parts athletics and showbiz. There are multiple ways AR and XR can enhance the fan experience without affecting the essence of the sport in question. Any modern TV broadcast of a major sports event can provide an idea of what this could look like:
• Data overlays displaying game statistics, player/athlete profiles, cues and pathways, guides, and playfield heatmaps. For instance, during the Euro 2020 tournament, Deutsche Telekom allowed fans to virtually pose with some of the German soccer team’s star players using a smartphone app.
• Video overlays showing other athletes performing the same run, jump, swim, ride, or program element, allowing for performance comparisons.
• Immersive video feeds offering fans a chance to see the game up close—think courtside seats at a basketball game, regardless of their physical location. During the Superbowl, Verizon and Pepsi created an immersive 360-degree Web AR portal experience for the half-time show. This portal allowed fans to watch performers live and toggle rapidly between different stage views.
• All of these features can be on-demand, interactive, and personalized to individual needs and preferences.
Performance Analytics: Professional sports today are data-driven enterprises—from player drafting to individual technique, athletes, coaches, and managers use accumulated data to spot correlations, opportunities, and optimal paths. A smart contact lens can help athletes and their support staff utilize this data more effectively.
• Real-time heads-up displays with vital signs and performance indicators usable on the go in any activity.
• Team performance animations that a coach can align with strategies to identify areas for improvement.
• Game and competition replays from various immersive perspectives.
And from here, there's an obvious next step to...
Training and Exercise: Not using all the capabilities listed under ‘Performance analytics’ in real-time during training exercises would miss a great opportunity. Essentially, all the same features offered to an athlete in real-time during their training can significantly boost their performance:
• Overlays that show optimal moves, track balls, display distances, and angles—this can allow an athlete to perfect their technique and make better decisions.
• The same applies to coaches, who can provide superior guidance to their athletes using AR tools in review or even in real-time mode.
Once these tools become commonplace in everyday training routines, we will need just two things before AR/XR can be used in actual sports events:
• A convention on what constitutes an unfair advantage and what doesn’t.
• Tools to identify the use of devices like smart contact lenses and verify their compliance with the rules set for them.
The integration of AR and XR in the world of sports has opened up a new era of engagement, entertainment, and training. Fans can now enjoy an immersive viewing experience, while athletes benefit from innovative training methods and performance analysis. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even more exciting advancements in the future, elevating the world of sports to unprecedented heights of interactivity and excellence.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XR Can Trigger Tech Revolution in Sports

![Untitled.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Untitled_60c1868004_dd9377ec83.jpg)
**XPANCEO Joins LaSAR Alliance For Augmented Reality Wearable Devices**

> We are excited to share that XPANCEO has joined the Laser Scanning for Augmented Reality (LaSAR) Alliance, a member program of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Industry Standards and Technology Organization. IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

“LaSAR welcomes XPANCEO to the Alliance and looks forward to the contribution their world-class R&D team can bring to our common goal of advancing the use of laser beam scanning solutions in AR products for broader market adoption,” said Dr. Bharath Rajagopalan, Chair of the LaSAR Alliance and Director, Strategic Marketing at STMicroelectronics.

The [LaSAR Alliance](https://pr.report/zcTiVQHm) was established to create an ecosystem of like-minded companies and organizations to foster and encourage the development and promotion of technologies, components, devices, techniques and solutions to enable the efficient design and manufacture of augmented reality wearable devices including smart glasses and head-mounted displays. The goal is to provide an environment to facilitate a marketplace for ideas where members can exchange and share information, collaborate and partner to create, build and grow effective and compelling LBS (Laser Beam Scanning) based solutions, share best practices and to help drive the growth of the market for augmented reality wearables in general.

“We are very happy to join this association of the best minds and leaders in the industry with all the knowledge and expertise sharing it enables. Our vision to make AR the foundation of the next primary personal computer form-factor requires some bold thinking and advanced research, and this cannot be done in a vacuum, so we look forward to the exchange of ideas and partnerships with the Alliance members”, said Roman Axelrod, Founder of XPANCEO.

Our product vision is centered around the idea of a smart contact lens that would be fit for wide adoption as the primary personal gadget. XPANCEO is focused on developing technologies and solutions to make this a reality, by doing advanced research in areas like 2D materials, optics, and photonics. Our Co-Founder and Scientific partner is Valentyn Volkov, who had previously been affiliated with the Nobel Prize-winning research team that discovered graphene. We are sure that collaboration with world-leading associations is an important milestone that brings us closer to our final goal.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Untitled_60c1868004_dd9377ec83.jpg" alt="Untitled.jpg">
XPANCEO Joins LaSAR Alliance For Augmented Reality Wearable Devices
<blockquote>
We are excited to share that XPANCEO has joined the Laser Scanning for Augmented Reality (LaSAR) Alliance, a member program of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Industry Standards and Technology Organization. IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.
</blockquote>
“LaSAR welcomes XPANCEO to the Alliance and looks forward to the contribution their world-class R&amp;D team can bring to our common goal of advancing the use of laser beam scanning solutions in AR products for broader market adoption,” said Dr. Bharath Rajagopalan, Chair of the LaSAR Alliance and Director, Strategic Marketing at STMicroelectronics.
The <a href="https://pr.report/zcTiVQHm">LaSAR Alliance</a> was established to create an ecosystem of like-minded companies and organizations to foster and encourage the development and promotion of technologies, components, devices, techniques and solutions to enable the efficient design and manufacture of augmented reality wearable devices including smart glasses and head-mounted displays. The goal is to provide an environment to facilitate a marketplace for ideas where members can exchange and share information, collaborate and partner to create, build and grow effective and compelling LBS (Laser Beam Scanning) based solutions, share best practices and to help drive the growth of the market for augmented reality wearables in general.
“We are very happy to join this association of the best minds and leaders in the industry with all the knowledge and expertise sharing it enables. Our vision to make AR the foundation of the next primary personal computer form-factor requires some bold thinking and advanced research, and this cannot be done in a vacuum, so we look forward to the exchange of ideas and partnerships with the Alliance members”, said Roman Axelrod, Founder of XPANCEO.
Our product vision is centered around the idea of a smart contact lens that would be fit for wide adoption as the primary personal gadget. XPANCEO is focused on developing technologies and solutions to make this a reality, by doing advanced research in areas like 2D materials, optics, and photonics. Our Co-Founder and Scientific partner is Valentyn Volkov, who had previously been affiliated with the Nobel Prize-winning research team that discovered graphene. We are sure that collaboration with world-leading associations is an important milestone that brings us closer to our final goal.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XPANCEO joins LaSAR alliance

![2025.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/2025_a83ad24162.jpg)

According to research by Snap Inc and IPSOS, 82% of brands believe that the use of AR enables them to provide a seamless customer experience, thereby driving conversion. Brands offer digital try-ons, personalized tips, and deals, along with the visualization of goods in a customer's environment before actual purchase. For instance, the IKEA Place app lets you virtually 'place' furnishings in your space to see how they would fit into your house or apartment.

The use of smart contact lenses will elevate the AR shopping experience to a new level for both customers and sellers. Let's delve into both perspectives.

From a seller or advertiser's perspective, the applications for smart lenses are plentiful and evident: personalized ads and special offers can now be delivered seamlessly and instantly in the real world, without the need for a dedicated app or loyalty card, and without making exclusive offers visible to everyone. Best practices from CRM and e-commerce can now be extended to offline retail. A customer's shopping history can shape their in-store experience, with the items they've shown interest in generating "cookies" for remarketing. Loyalty programs can display available deals to customers as they traverse the store. For products with a prolonged consideration phase, like cars, customers can bookmark advertised items and then identify them in the real world to form an opinion.

The consumer perspective is equally fascinating. Numerous apps are designed to assist people in making better buying decisions by helping customers choose products based on their preferences (e.g., dietary restrictions, sustainability, fair trade, and local production). However, these apps can be inconvenient to use, requiring manual input or the use of phone cameras. A smart contact lens app, triggered by contextual awareness or a simple command, can provide all this supplementary information in a non-intrusive manner.

The compact form of a smart contact lens simplifies the balance between seller and consumer interests. Customers can choose which data they are willing to share and immediately see the benefits it yields, unlike a fully digital experience where determining the baseline can be challenging. The ambient nature of smart contact lens apps could also make the concept of personal data empowerment and monetization by the consumer a reality.

Businesses will need to be aware of this dynamic from the outset. The advent of social ads has stirred awareness and a certain degree of anxiety around personalized marketing tools, so it's likely that once XR gadgets become commonplace, we won't experience a 'wild west' phase for advertising. Businesses will need to navigate privacy regulations and other concerns with care. Nonetheless, this future holds exciting prospects for everyone: sellers, thrifty consumers, conscious buyers, and concerned citizens alike. It offers businesses more opportunities for effective marketing and CRM, while simultaneously giving individuals greater control.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/2025_a83ad24162.jpg" alt="2025.jpg">
According to research by Snap Inc and IPSOS, 82% of brands believe that the use of AR enables them to provide a seamless customer experience, thereby driving conversion. Brands offer digital try-ons, personalized tips, and deals, along with the visualization of goods in a customer's environment before actual purchase. For instance, the IKEA Place app lets you virtually 'place' furnishings in your space to see how they would fit into your house or apartment.
The use of smart contact lenses will elevate the AR shopping experience to a new level for both customers and sellers. Let's delve into both perspectives.
From a seller or advertiser's perspective, the applications for smart lenses are plentiful and evident: personalized ads and special offers can now be delivered seamlessly and instantly in the real world, without the need for a dedicated app or loyalty card, and without making exclusive offers visible to everyone. Best practices from CRM and e-commerce can now be extended to offline retail. A customer's shopping history can shape their in-store experience, with the items they've shown interest in generating &quot;cookies&quot; for remarketing. Loyalty programs can display available deals to customers as they traverse the store. For products with a prolonged consideration phase, like cars, customers can bookmark advertised items and then identify them in the real world to form an opinion.
The consumer perspective is equally fascinating. Numerous apps are designed to assist people in making better buying decisions by helping customers choose products based on their preferences (e.g., dietary restrictions, sustainability, fair trade, and local production). However, these apps can be inconvenient to use, requiring manual input or the use of phone cameras. A smart contact lens app, triggered by contextual awareness or a simple command, can provide all this supplementary information in a non-intrusive manner.
The compact form of a smart contact lens simplifies the balance between seller and consumer interests. Customers can choose which data they are willing to share and immediately see the benefits it yields, unlike a fully digital experience where determining the baseline can be challenging. The ambient nature of smart contact lens apps could also make the concept of personal data empowerment and monetization by the consumer a reality.
Businesses will need to be aware of this dynamic from the outset. The advent of social ads has stirred awareness and a certain degree of anxiety around personalized marketing tools, so it's likely that once XR gadgets become commonplace, we won't experience a 'wild west' phase for advertising. Businesses will need to navigate privacy regulations and other concerns with care. Nonetheless, this future holds exciting prospects for everyone: sellers, thrifty consumers, conscious buyers, and concerned citizens alike. It offers businesses more opportunities for effective marketing and CRM, while simultaneously giving individuals greater control.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

AR Shopping to Balance Seller and Consumer Interests

As a member of European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) , XPANCEO has joined a network of leading photonics companies and institutions across Europe, dedicated to advancing photonics technology and its applications. Joining EPIC enables us to accelerate the process of developing the next generation of computing via an invisible and weightless smart contact lens.

As part of our affiliation with EPIC, our co-founder and scientific partner Valentyn Volkov took part in the presentation in EPIC Online Technology Meeting on Photonics for Wearables. His presentation was focused on "Low-Dimensional Materials for Advanced Biosensing Applications."

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to EPIC for this incredible opportunity and for recognizing our efforts in the photonics sector. We invite you to watch Valentyn's insightful presentation on YouTube via [the following link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l75QmbN5jwQ&list=PLkt3B6qkcOkCPFEd3tv23ufWO3cPIT-OT) (1:09:54)

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

As a member of European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) , XPANCEO has joined a network of leading photonics companies and institutions across Europe, dedicated to advancing photonics technology and its applications. Joining EPIC enables us to accelerate the process of developing the next generation of computing via an invisible and weightless smart contact lens.
As part of our affiliation with EPIC, our co-founder and scientific partner Valentyn Volkov took part in the presentation in EPIC Online Technology Meeting on Photonics for Wearables. His presentation was focused on &quot;Low-Dimensional Materials for Advanced Biosensing Applications.&quot;
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to EPIC for this incredible opportunity and for recognizing our efforts in the photonics sector. We invite you to watch Valentyn's insightful presentation on YouTube via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l75QmbN5jwQ&amp;list=PLkt3B6qkcOkCPFEd3tv23ufWO3cPIT-OT">the following link</a> (1:09:54)
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XPANCEO Joins EPIC - the European Photonics Industry Consortium

![gghhhhh.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/gghhhhh_0032ed9371.jpg)

Controlling matter using light is one of the most advanced approaches in physics and nanophotonics, as it offers extraordinary possibilities for the development of advanced electronics and quantum computing.

Traditionally, when material interacts with light, it does so as a bulk material. To enable interaction between atoms and photons (referred to in scientific terms as 'coupling') at the quantum level, special enclosures known as nanoscale optical resonators (nano-resonators) are utilized. These are devices that allow us to "trap" light. Optical nanoresonators are essential components in various nanotechnological applications, including spectroscopy, due to their capability to effectively confine light at the nanoscale. When light enters these 'boxes', it bounces off the walls and cannot escape.

A resonator can also be thought of as a device that vibrates at a specific frequency, much like a guitar string. When a molecule or biological particle comes into contact with the nanoresonator's surface, the frequency changes, akin to a finger moving along a guitar string. As these bounces or vibrations occur within very specific frequency bands, they can be utilized to develop a variety of useful devices for spectroscopic applications, such as biosensors and photodetectors. By measuring how much the nanoresonator’s frequency changes, it's possible to identify the substance in question.

Our recent research paper, published in npj 2D Materials and Applications (a Nature partner journal), co-authored by XPANCEO co-founder and CTO Valentyn Volkov, along with a group of remarkable scientists from various universities and research centers in Spain, demonstrates the potential to create a new class of mid-IR resonators using MoO3 crystals. These crystals not only display the extraordinary properties previously reported but also introduce a new degree of freedom: twist tuning. This is the ability to control their spectral response by simply rotating the constituent material.

MoO3 is a van der Waals material that is layered and anisotropic, allowing light to couple with the crystal lattice's fluctuations. When we place a crystal like this on a metal lattice and rotate them relative to each other, the trapped light within the crystal 'senses' it, and we can therefore control the light inside the crystal. This capability enables us to adjust the resonator's frequency for specific practical applications. For example, we can create an extremely sensitive biosensor by tuning the resonator to the frequency range of a particular molecule.

For those interested in delving into the specifics of this research project, we invite you to read the full paper in npj 2D Materials and Applications: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41699-023-00387-z

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/gghhhhh_0032ed9371.jpg" alt="gghhhhh.jpg">
Controlling matter using light is one of the most advanced approaches in physics and nanophotonics, as it offers extraordinary possibilities for the development of advanced electronics and quantum computing.
Traditionally, when material interacts with light, it does so as a bulk material. To enable interaction between atoms and photons (referred to in scientific terms as 'coupling') at the quantum level, special enclosures known as nanoscale optical resonators (nano-resonators) are utilized. These are devices that allow us to &quot;trap&quot; light. Optical nanoresonators are essential components in various nanotechnological applications, including spectroscopy, due to their capability to effectively confine light at the nanoscale. When light enters these 'boxes', it bounces off the walls and cannot escape.
A resonator can also be thought of as a device that vibrates at a specific frequency, much like a guitar string. When a molecule or biological particle comes into contact with the nanoresonator's surface, the frequency changes, akin to a finger moving along a guitar string. As these bounces or vibrations occur within very specific frequency bands, they can be utilized to develop a variety of useful devices for spectroscopic applications, such as biosensors and photodetectors. By measuring how much the nanoresonator’s frequency changes, it's possible to identify the substance in question.
Our recent research paper, published in npj 2D Materials and Applications (a Nature partner journal), co-authored by XPANCEO co-founder and CTO Valentyn Volkov, along with a group of remarkable scientists from various universities and research centers in Spain, demonstrates the potential to create a new class of mid-IR resonators using MoO3 crystals. These crystals not only display the extraordinary properties previously reported but also introduce a new degree of freedom: twist tuning. This is the ability to control their spectral response by simply rotating the constituent material.
MoO3 is a van der Waals material that is layered and anisotropic, allowing light to couple with the crystal lattice's fluctuations. When we place a crystal like this on a metal lattice and rotate them relative to each other, the trapped light within the crystal 'senses' it, and we can therefore control the light inside the crystal. This capability enables us to adjust the resonator's frequency for specific practical applications. For example, we can create an extremely sensitive biosensor by tuning the resonator to the frequency range of a particular molecule.
For those interested in delving into the specifics of this research project, we invite you to read the full paper in npj 2D Materials and Applications: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41699-023-00387-z
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Trapping Light with a New Type of Nanoresonators

![FutureG8.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Future_G8_410485692a.jpg)

The way we interact with technology has undergone a dramatic transformation since the introduction of personal computers, largely thanks to gaming. Although computers were initially designed for engineering and scientific purposes, once they received widespread adoption, gaming quickly became one of their most common applications. Playing video games has persistently pushed the boundaries of technology and creativity, driving the advancement of personal computers. Now, with the development of emerging computing devices like smart contact lenses, we stand on the brink of a new era in gaming.

We will intentionally bypass a discussion on the changes these advancements could bring to first-person games. This genre has already been thoroughly explored and enhanced with the evolution of virtual reality technology. However, smart contact lenses aim to elevate gaming experiences to a whole new level, making them not just tolerable but genuinely enjoyable, without the need for cumbersome equipment strapped to your face. Replacing the VR helmet with smart lenses could add a fresh appeal to these immersive games. While they may not alter the nature of gameplay, they could potentially draw in a significant number of new users, much like mobile phone games have attracted a wider audience compared to handheld gaming consoles.

The truly novel experience that smart lenses can enable is a game that unfolds within your real-world surroundings. The possibilities are limitless — we can already see the foundational blocks of these new game formats in various AR apps available for mobile phones. However, these are merely a sneak preview of what’s yet to come.

One day, you might find yourself leading a brave group of adventurers, defending a small bastion situated on your coffee table against hordes of orcs marching across the floor and transforming your carpet into a mystical lake. On another day, you could navigate through a thrilling race track winding through your own apartment, dodging obstacles and competing against virtual opponents. Or, perhaps, you and a friend could reenact a famous historical battle, each adopting a different side and strategizing to outmaneuver the other. The boundaries between reality and virtuality blur as you construct a railway network in your own backyard or engage in an exciting football match right on your desk. The best part? These games can be played against both artificial intelligence and human opponents, with each player sharing the same reality yet experiencing it from unique perspectives.

Smart lenses hold the key to seamlessly merging virtual and real worlds. They combine the tactile and social elements of traditional board games with the limitless possibilities and immersive nature of computer games. Gone are the days when you had to choose between physical board games and digital experiences. With smart lenses, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, creating a dynamic and interactive gaming experience that blends the tangibility and humanity of traditional games with the realism and boundless creativity of computer-generated worlds.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the immense talent and creativity within the game development industry. With the introduction of extended computing capabilities in gaming, we can only begin to imagine the multitude of innovative applications that will emerge. The fusion of extended computing devices with gaming introduces a whole new realm of possibilities, paving the way for groundbreaking experiences that are currently beyond our imaginations.

In conclusion, the integration of smart lenses and extended computing devices into gaming is poised to revolutionize the industry once more. By bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds, these technologies will usher in a new era of captivating and immersive gaming experiences. The future holds tremendous potential for gaming, and we eagerly anticipate the creative applications that will emerge as technology continues to evolve. Let’s embrace this exciting journey and unlock the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of gaming.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Future_G8_410485692a.jpg" alt="FutureG8.jpg">
The way we interact with technology has undergone a dramatic transformation since the introduction of personal computers, largely thanks to gaming. Although computers were initially designed for engineering and scientific purposes, once they received widespread adoption, gaming quickly became one of their most common applications. Playing video games has persistently pushed the boundaries of technology and creativity, driving the advancement of personal computers. Now, with the development of emerging computing devices like smart contact lenses, we stand on the brink of a new era in gaming.
We will intentionally bypass a discussion on the changes these advancements could bring to first-person games. This genre has already been thoroughly explored and enhanced with the evolution of virtual reality technology. However, smart contact lenses aim to elevate gaming experiences to a whole new level, making them not just tolerable but genuinely enjoyable, without the need for cumbersome equipment strapped to your face. Replacing the VR helmet with smart lenses could add a fresh appeal to these immersive games. While they may not alter the nature of gameplay, they could potentially draw in a significant number of new users, much like mobile phone games have attracted a wider audience compared to handheld gaming consoles.
The truly novel experience that smart lenses can enable is a game that unfolds within your real-world surroundings. The possibilities are limitless — we can already see the foundational blocks of these new game formats in various AR apps available for mobile phones. However, these are merely a sneak preview of what’s yet to come.
One day, you might find yourself leading a brave group of adventurers, defending a small bastion situated on your coffee table against hordes of orcs marching across the floor and transforming your carpet into a mystical lake. On another day, you could navigate through a thrilling race track winding through your own apartment, dodging obstacles and competing against virtual opponents. Or, perhaps, you and a friend could reenact a famous historical battle, each adopting a different side and strategizing to outmaneuver the other. The boundaries between reality and virtuality blur as you construct a railway network in your own backyard or engage in an exciting football match right on your desk. The best part? These games can be played against both artificial intelligence and human opponents, with each player sharing the same reality yet experiencing it from unique perspectives.
Smart lenses hold the key to seamlessly merging virtual and real worlds. They combine the tactile and social elements of traditional board games with the limitless possibilities and immersive nature of computer games. Gone are the days when you had to choose between physical board games and digital experiences. With smart lenses, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, creating a dynamic and interactive gaming experience that blends the tangibility and humanity of traditional games with the realism and boundless creativity of computer-generated worlds.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the immense talent and creativity within the game development industry. With the introduction of extended computing capabilities in gaming, we can only begin to imagine the multitude of innovative applications that will emerge. The fusion of extended computing devices with gaming introduces a whole new realm of possibilities, paving the way for groundbreaking experiences that are currently beyond our imaginations.
In conclusion, the integration of smart lenses and extended computing devices into gaming is poised to revolutionize the industry once more. By bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds, these technologies will usher in a new era of captivating and immersive gaming experiences. The future holds tremendous potential for gaming, and we eagerly anticipate the creative applications that will emerge as technology continues to evolve. Let’s embrace this exciting journey and unlock the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of gaming.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

The Future Of Gaming With Smart Contact Lenses

![Patent_4.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Patent_4_ead784ddaa.jpg)

The life of any startup is best described by the Red Queen from “Through the Looking-Glass”: “It takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place”. It is a constant race to deliver on your promise faster than anyone else can. What makes this race so excruciating is that most of the time you don’t even have the full picture of who you're racing against, particularly when you work in the deep tech segment of the venture economy.

Any data that provides insight into the landscape you’re operating in is precious. One often-overlooked way to gain that insight is by delving into the patent activity of your rivals. In this blog post, we explore the immense value of researching competitors' patent activity and how it can empower deep tech startups to thrive.

**Understanding the Competitive Landscape:**

The first step is to identify the keywords and/or International Patent Classification codes you’re interested in and run a search to see who is filing patents in these categories. In our case, we find that a significant portion of patents pertinent to building a smart contact lens are filed by major manufacturers of conventional contact lenses like Johnson & Johnson, Bausch & Lomb, Novartis, followed then by tech giants like Google/Alphabet or IBM. Other important metrics include the share of relevant patents in a company’s total portfolio of patents in a given time period and the pace of filing new patents. This helps identify companies that are focusing on your areas of interest. However, remember that in the case of giants like Intel, IBM, Samsung, even a small fraction of their resources dedicated to a project can be an overwhelming force.

**Understanding Geography:**

Another insight you can glean from this research is the geography of patent filings. The key information here is the countries where your competitors are attempting to legally protect their intellectual property. These are likely your priority markets. Large companies, with their broader insights, access to customers, market research, and experience, can make better assumptions about the markets with the greatest potential.

In our case, patenting activity in North America, the UK, and the leading economies of Southeast Asia were not surprising. However, we also observed high patenting activity in Australia and Brazil. In Europe, all patents are concentrated in France and Denmark. Still, this observation shouldn’t influence your conclusions too much, given the EU’s common market.

**Identifying Areas of Focus:**

Each patent is filed under the International Patent Classification system that categorizes patents by topic. Reviewing the data on where a company's patents are categorized can help you understand its focus areas.

You should typically pay attention to the IPC codes in ranking positions #2 and below. #1 would be the most general one (like “Optical parts of glasses and contact lens” in our case) and the same for all players, but then you might begin to see very different focuses. Some of these differences are obvious (like J&J having more patents in actual lens technology, while IBM or Mojo Vision having more patents in non-optical elements), but sometimes you may identify unexpected forays into new territories by your competitors that could alert you.

The differences in patent geography between companies can be a good indication of their priorities and their concerns about competition. For example, in our case, we could see that healthcare companies like Johnson & Johnson tend to spread their patent coverage worldwide, while IT companies, like IBM, typically focus on the US.

**Avoiding Duplication/Finding Partners and Customers:**

Researching competitors' patents helps startups avoid reinventing the wheel and duplicating efforts. Identifying existing patents allows deep tech entrepreneurs to gain insights into the prior art, preventing costly mistakes and potential legal battles related to patent infringement. This knowledge also enables startups to focus their resources on areas with less competition, accelerating their time to market and reducing development costs.

On the other hand, collaboration is often key to success. By analyzing competitors' patent activity, startups can identify potential collaboration opportunities. Patent filings often reveal complementary technologies or areas where partnerships could enhance both parties' market position. Leveraging these insights, startups can explore strategic alliances, joint ventures, or licensing agreements to drive innovation and accelerate growth.

The value of researching competitors' patent activity cannot be underestimated. From understanding the competitive landscape to identifying collaboration opportunities and optimizing IP strategies, deep tech startups gain a wealth of insights that can drive success and propel their innovation forward. By embracing this research approach, startups can unlock the hidden treasure within their rivals' patent activity.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Patent_4_ead784ddaa.jpg" alt="Patent_4.jpg">
The life of any startup is best described by the Red Queen from “Through the Looking-Glass”: “It takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place”. It is a constant race to deliver on your promise faster than anyone else can. What makes this race so excruciating is that most of the time you don’t even have the full picture of who you're racing against, particularly when you work in the deep tech segment of the venture economy.
Any data that provides insight into the landscape you’re operating in is precious. One often-overlooked way to gain that insight is by delving into the patent activity of your rivals. In this blog post, we explore the immense value of researching competitors' patent activity and how it can empower deep tech startups to thrive.
Understanding the Competitive Landscape:
The first step is to identify the keywords and/or International Patent Classification codes you’re interested in and run a search to see who is filing patents in these categories. In our case, we find that a significant portion of patents pertinent to building a smart contact lens are filed by major manufacturers of conventional contact lenses like Johnson &amp; Johnson, Bausch &amp; Lomb, Novartis, followed then by tech giants like Google/Alphabet or IBM. Other important metrics include the share of relevant patents in a company’s total portfolio of patents in a given time period and the pace of filing new patents. This helps identify companies that are focusing on your areas of interest. However, remember that in the case of giants like Intel, IBM, Samsung, even a small fraction of their resources dedicated to a project can be an overwhelming force.
Understanding Geography:
Another insight you can glean from this research is the geography of patent filings. The key information here is the countries where your competitors are attempting to legally protect their intellectual property. These are likely your priority markets. Large companies, with their broader insights, access to customers, market research, and experience, can make better assumptions about the markets with the greatest potential.
In our case, patenting activity in North America, the UK, and the leading economies of Southeast Asia were not surprising. However, we also observed high patenting activity in Australia and Brazil. In Europe, all patents are concentrated in France and Denmark. Still, this observation shouldn’t influence your conclusions too much, given the EU’s common market.
Identifying Areas of Focus:
Each patent is filed under the International Patent Classification system that categorizes patents by topic. Reviewing the data on where a company's patents are categorized can help you understand its focus areas.
You should typically pay attention to the IPC codes in ranking positions #2 and below. #1 would be the most general one (like “Optical parts of glasses and contact lens” in our case) and the same for all players, but then you might begin to see very different focuses. Some of these differences are obvious (like J&amp;J having more patents in actual lens technology, while IBM or Mojo Vision having more patents in non-optical elements), but sometimes you may identify unexpected forays into new territories by your competitors that could alert you.
The differences in patent geography between companies can be a good indication of their priorities and their concerns about competition. For example, in our case, we could see that healthcare companies like Johnson &amp; Johnson tend to spread their patent coverage worldwide, while IT companies, like IBM, typically focus on the US.
Avoiding Duplication/Finding Partners and Customers:
Researching competitors' patents helps startups avoid reinventing the wheel and duplicating efforts. Identifying existing patents allows deep tech entrepreneurs to gain insights into the prior art, preventing costly mistakes and potential legal battles related to patent infringement. This knowledge also enables startups to focus their resources on areas with less competition, accelerating their time to market and reducing development costs.
On the other hand, collaboration is often key to success. By analyzing competitors' patent activity, startups can identify potential collaboration opportunities. Patent filings often reveal complementary technologies or areas where partnerships could enhance both parties' market position. Leveraging these insights, startups can explore strategic alliances, joint ventures, or licensing agreements to drive innovation and accelerate growth.
The value of researching competitors' patent activity cannot be underestimated. From understanding the competitive landscape to identifying collaboration opportunities and optimizing IP strategies, deep tech startups gain a wealth of insights that can drive success and propel their innovation forward. By embracing this research approach, startups can unlock the hidden treasure within their rivals' patent activity.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

The Value of Patent Research

![Frontier2 (1).jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Frontier2_1_82eb0b32c8.jpg)

In a **[piece](https://www.thevrara.com/blog2/2023/7/6/the-role-of-frontier-technologies-in-the-future-of-ar)** for the VR/AR Association, Alexander Belugin, CPO of XPANCEO, shares our approach to overcoming the challenges of display technology, power consumption, battery life, and connectivity barriers in current AR devices. He explores how these issues could be mitigated through breakthroughs in engineering and the use of novel materials.

The smart lens as a form factor brings radical improvements in data usage and energy consumption. We firmly believe that the future of AR and XR hinges on surpassing today's industry standards and instead focusing on the latest advancements in engineering and science.

There was a remarkable [interview](https://mixed-news.com/en/why-augmented-reality-is-so-freaking-hard/) with Display expert Karl Guttag about technical hurdles in developing AR-glasses suitable for the masses.

We'd like to delve further into this topic and examine it from a different perspective. Suppose AR glasses are merely an intermediate product. How might advancements in engineering and science  aid in the miniaturization of AR devices? Such progress could potentially transform these devices into everyday gadgets, serving as indispensable assistants much like today's smartphones

In this article we will examine the several  major technological  barriers of AR glasses and explore possible pathways for solutions.

**Display Technology:**

One of the main challenges is the development of a compact display that can superimpose digital images onto the real world without reducing the quality of what the user is seeing. Current AR technologies often struggle to find a balance between creating high-resolution images and keeping the device small and lightweight. Another considerable challenge is a limited FOV.

**Solution**

Many of these issues could be resolved simply by changing the form factor. For AR contact lenses, field of view (FOV) is not a problem. In fact, they can always provide a 100% FOV, as the display is located on the central axis of the eye and follows it wherever we look.

In large headsets, a see-through system based on cameras is implemented, which in itself is bulky, or regular glasses cannot handle bright light, resulting in issues with brightness and contrast. On smart lenses, the image is positioned "in front of" the external light and, with a touch of polarization effect that protects an image from discoloring.

If the screen is placed on a contact lens, a high pixel density is needed only in the very center, in a zone about 2x2 degrees, because our eyes distinguish details only in this area. Traditional headsets attempt to leverage this aspect of our vision by reducing the rendering quality in areas of the screen where the user isn't looking. In the case of a contact lens, there simply won't be any superfluous pixels, which will also decrease power consumption and computational load.

Interestingly, it's possible to eliminate approximately 90% of pixels, given how poorly our eyes distinguish details and shades outside the main field of view.  Hiding  90% of pixels will drive significant improvements in data usage and energy consumption.

Another important aspect is the waveguide. Improvements in waveguide technologies can significantly enhance the display and overall performance of AR devices, playing a critical role in form factor, miniaturization, power efficiency, and battery life. Frontier physics has made it possible to create waveguides from graphene-like 2D and low-dimensional materials. This advancement allows for the construction of a waveguide that is up to 100 times smaller than traditional waveguides (1.7mm) used in current AR devices.

**Power Consumption & Battery Life:**

AR glasses require a significant amount of power to run, particularly if they include features such as 3D tracking, gesture recognition, or complex visual overlays. Reducing the size of smart glasses will make it even harder to equip it with a suitable battery.

**Solution**

It is possible to reduce power consumption by a factor of 100 by positioning the screen directly in front of the user's eye. This cuts the pixel brightness requirements several times over, and it's only necessary to maintain pixel density at the center, as mentioned earlier. The entire smart lens consumes less than 0.1 Watt in active mode, while traditional glasses consume between 3 to 10 Watts.

The combination of low power consumption and the need for fast connectivity brings us closer to fulfilling the dream of creating a device that is entirely powered by 5G and 6G networks. Research projects already [exist](https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/a35407385/wireless-power-grid-5g/) that conceptualize a wireless power grid running on 5G's mm-wave frequencies.

Another extremely prospective solution is equipping an AR device with a tiny solar battery made from a new class of materials – perovskites. Perovskites offer significant potential for solar energy harvesting and outperform silicon in terms of production cost. Moreover, perovskite solar cells can be made flexible, which opens up a multitude of possibilities for their use. This includes incorporation into wearable technology or deployment on uneven surfaces.

**Connectivity**

Let me begin with latency, as it's a critical aspect of all AR and VR systems. Since the human visual system is extremely sensitive to lag, 5 milliseconds of latency or less is required in optical see-through  systems in order to remain unnoticed by the user.

Achieving 2-5 millisecond lag for a seamless AR experience is extremely challenging. To transmit two images with 4K resolution, a stable and wide communication channel is necessary. Traditional connectivity protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and UWB, as well as their appropriate chipsets, are not suitable for further miniaturization of glasses. This is because these protocols were not designed for low lag, small data sizes, and ultra-low power consumption. However, using these protocols can result in lag and other issues that diminish the AR experience. On the other hand, standalone AR glasses require more power and larger processors, which makes miniaturization more challenging.

**Solution**

To address the challenge of miniaturization, reducing power consumption, and achieving a lag of 2-5 milliseconds required for augmented reality operation, the industry will need to adopt a new protocol.

Another challenge is the size of the antenna, which is quite significant in size. A potential solution is to develop transparent antennas made of atomically thin gold or copper, with sizes around 5-20 nanometers. These materials maintain high conductivity, while the antenna becomes invisible to the human eye. Additionally, the reduced pixel count allows for a 10-fold reduction in data transmission channel bandwidth requirements.

In a nutshell, we observe how the progress of AR devices simultaneously depends on and drives the most advanced engineering and scientific directions. Yes, it will be a long journey, but that makes it all the more interesting. Right before our eyes, a completely new class of devices is emerging, which will change the usual ways we live and work. It's wonderful to witness this development.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Frontier2_1_82eb0b32c8.jpg" alt="Frontier2 (1).jpg">
In a <a href="https://www.thevrara.com/blog2/2023/7/6/the-role-of-frontier-technologies-in-the-future-of-ar">piece</a> for the VR/AR Association, Alexander Belugin, CPO of XPANCEO, shares our approach to overcoming the challenges of display technology, power consumption, battery life, and connectivity barriers in current AR devices. He explores how these issues could be mitigated through breakthroughs in engineering and the use of novel materials.
The smart lens as a form factor brings radical improvements in data usage and energy consumption. We firmly believe that the future of AR and XR hinges on surpassing today's industry standards and instead focusing on the latest advancements in engineering and science.
There was a remarkable <a href="https://mixed-news.com/en/why-augmented-reality-is-so-freaking-hard/">interview</a> with Display expert Karl Guttag about technical hurdles in developing AR-glasses suitable for the masses.
We'd like to delve further into this topic and examine it from a different perspective. Suppose AR glasses are merely an intermediate product. How might advancements in engineering and science  aid in the miniaturization of AR devices? Such progress could potentially transform these devices into everyday gadgets, serving as indispensable assistants much like today's smartphones
In this article we will examine the several  major technological  barriers of AR glasses and explore possible pathways for solutions.
Display Technology:
One of the main challenges is the development of a compact display that can superimpose digital images onto the real world without reducing the quality of what the user is seeing. Current AR technologies often struggle to find a balance between creating high-resolution images and keeping the device small and lightweight. Another considerable challenge is a limited FOV.
Solution
Many of these issues could be resolved simply by changing the form factor. For AR contact lenses, field of view (FOV) is not a problem. In fact, they can always provide a 100% FOV, as the display is located on the central axis of the eye and follows it wherever we look.
In large headsets, a see-through system based on cameras is implemented, which in itself is bulky, or regular glasses cannot handle bright light, resulting in issues with brightness and contrast. On smart lenses, the image is positioned &quot;in front of&quot; the external light and, with a touch of polarization effect that protects an image from discoloring.
If the screen is placed on a contact lens, a high pixel density is needed only in the very center, in a zone about 2x2 degrees, because our eyes distinguish details only in this area. Traditional headsets attempt to leverage this aspect of our vision by reducing the rendering quality in areas of the screen where the user isn't looking. In the case of a contact lens, there simply won't be any superfluous pixels, which will also decrease power consumption and computational load.
Interestingly, it's possible to eliminate approximately 90% of pixels, given how poorly our eyes distinguish details and shades outside the main field of view.  Hiding  90% of pixels will drive significant improvements in data usage and energy consumption.
Another important aspect is the waveguide. Improvements in waveguide technologies can significantly enhance the display and overall performance of AR devices, playing a critical role in form factor, miniaturization, power efficiency, and battery life. Frontier physics has made it possible to create waveguides from graphene-like 2D and low-dimensional materials. This advancement allows for the construction of a waveguide that is up to 100 times smaller than traditional waveguides (1.7mm) used in current AR devices.
Power Consumption &amp; Battery Life:
AR glasses require a significant amount of power to run, particularly if they include features such as 3D tracking, gesture recognition, or complex visual overlays. Reducing the size of smart glasses will make it even harder to equip it with a suitable battery.
Solution
It is possible to reduce power consumption by a factor of 100 by positioning the screen directly in front of the user's eye. This cuts the pixel brightness requirements several times over, and it's only necessary to maintain pixel density at the center, as mentioned earlier. The entire smart lens consumes less than 0.1 Watt in active mode, while traditional glasses consume between 3 to 10 Watts.
The combination of low power consumption and the need for fast connectivity brings us closer to fulfilling the dream of creating a device that is entirely powered by 5G and 6G networks. Research projects already <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/a35407385/wireless-power-grid-5g/">exist</a> that conceptualize a wireless power grid running on 5G's mm-wave frequencies.
Another extremely prospective solution is equipping an AR device with a tiny solar battery made from a new class of materials – perovskites. Perovskites offer significant potential for solar energy harvesting and outperform silicon in terms of production cost. Moreover, perovskite solar cells can be made flexible, which opens up a multitude of possibilities for their use. This includes incorporation into wearable technology or deployment on uneven surfaces.
Connectivity
Let me begin with latency, as it's a critical aspect of all AR and VR systems. Since the human visual system is extremely sensitive to lag, 5 milliseconds of latency or less is required in optical see-through  systems in order to remain unnoticed by the user.
Achieving 2-5 millisecond lag for a seamless AR experience is extremely challenging. To transmit two images with 4K resolution, a stable and wide communication channel is necessary. Traditional connectivity protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and UWB, as well as their appropriate chipsets, are not suitable for further miniaturization of glasses. This is because these protocols were not designed for low lag, small data sizes, and ultra-low power consumption. However, using these protocols can result in lag and other issues that diminish the AR experience. On the other hand, standalone AR glasses require more power and larger processors, which makes miniaturization more challenging.
Solution
To address the challenge of miniaturization, reducing power consumption, and achieving a lag of 2-5 milliseconds required for augmented reality operation, the industry will need to adopt a new protocol.
Another challenge is the size of the antenna, which is quite significant in size. A potential solution is to develop transparent antennas made of atomically thin gold or copper, with sizes around 5-20 nanometers. These materials maintain high conductivity, while the antenna becomes invisible to the human eye. Additionally, the reduced pixel count allows for a 10-fold reduction in data transmission channel bandwidth requirements.
In a nutshell, we observe how the progress of AR devices simultaneously depends on and drives the most advanced engineering and scientific directions. Yes, it will be a long journey, but that makes it all the more interesting. Right before our eyes, a completely new class of devices is emerging, which will change the usual ways we live and work. It's wonderful to witness this development.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

The Role of Frontier Technologies in the Future of AR

![Eco_2.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Eco_2_12fcf48ede.jpg)

We have been discussing XR devices as the core of the next generation of personal computing since the inception of XPANCEO as a venture. Now, Apple has reinforced this vision by introducing the term 'spatial computing.' It is time to explore the ecosystem that will grow around this core.

Today, we want to focus on two major classes of new devices that will emerge, or the existing ones that will require radical redesign, to form an ecosystem for XR/spatial computers: spatial awareness devices and image/video capture devices.

1. Spatial Awareness

The term 'spatial computing' is particularly relevant here as it helps us understand the nature of the challenge. A laptop or desktop computer is essentially a 'spatially agnostic' device, where its physical position and orientation have minimal to no effect on the functionality of its applications. A phone is slightly more complex, incorporating proximity sensors and an accelerometer, but its spatial awareness is rudimentary. In contrast, XR smart contact lenses (or glasses, or headsets) have a unique relationship with their surroundings. They are physically integrated with their users, and the quality of the user experience depends significantly on their ability to position themselves in the environment, recognize objects and other gadgets, and utilize this spatial awareness.

Addressing this challenge involves two potential solutions. Firstly, the device itself can incorporate camera and sensor arrays combined with AI-powered image recognition to enhance spatial awareness capabilities. Secondly, we can anticipate the emergence of an ecosystem of products designed to work in conjunction with these XR devices. This ecosystem may include:

• NFC/Bluetooth beacons that assist XR devices in understanding their environment, adjusting settings, establishing connections with other appliances, and more. This process should be quicker and simpler than the current Bluetooth handshake, functioning as a layer above the actual device connection, where permissions are granted and ports are opened—a quick mapping of the surroundings.

• NFC/optical tags that enable an XR computer to identify relevant objects. These tags allow the XR computer to place video output, interface elements, and data overlays in the most convenient manner for the user, while also ensuring privacy protection. An XR computer can function without these tags, but they can enhance the user experience in specific contexts such as homes, offices, or shops.

• Taking it a step further, we can envision paints, fibers, and additives used in interior and industrial design to assist XR computers in recognizing objects and surfaces of interest and effectively interacting with them.

2. Video and Image Capture Devices

A camera (or camera array) is an essential component of an XR computer. However, the integration between external image/video capture devices and smart contact lenses or AR glasses opens up a realm of captivating opportunities. Two factors come into play in this regard: the more unobtrusive an XR device is, the more 'superpowers' it can provide to the user. Yet, it may have less powerful optics. Consider the following possibilities:

• External cameras offering higher quality or specific properties can connect to the XR computer, which acts as their control unit and viewfinder. With the increasing data transfer rates available today, we can reimagine what constitutes 'a camera.' Remote storage of captured media is becoming viable for higher-tier cameras, and the way we control the capture process can evolve accordingly.

• Another segment of connected external video capture devices includes CCTV cameras, baby monitors, and other XR computers, providing users with a sort of 3rd person view of their surroundings, even enabling them to see through walls.

This list of device classes is not exhaustive, and depending on the pace of innovation in battery design, wireless communication, storage, and encryption, various scenarios of XR ecosystem development can be imagined (e.g., wireless charging over distance, home data centers, etc.). Nonetheless, this offers some food for thought for the industry and anyone curious about the future of computing.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Eco_2_12fcf48ede.jpg" alt="Eco_2.jpg">
We have been discussing XR devices as the core of the next generation of personal computing since the inception of XPANCEO as a venture. Now, Apple has reinforced this vision by introducing the term 'spatial computing.' It is time to explore the ecosystem that will grow around this core.
Today, we want to focus on two major classes of new devices that will emerge, or the existing ones that will require radical redesign, to form an ecosystem for XR/spatial computers: spatial awareness devices and image/video capture devices.
<ol>
<li>Spatial Awareness</li>
</ol>
The term 'spatial computing' is particularly relevant here as it helps us understand the nature of the challenge. A laptop or desktop computer is essentially a 'spatially agnostic' device, where its physical position and orientation have minimal to no effect on the functionality of its applications. A phone is slightly more complex, incorporating proximity sensors and an accelerometer, but its spatial awareness is rudimentary. In contrast, XR smart contact lenses (or glasses, or headsets) have a unique relationship with their surroundings. They are physically integrated with their users, and the quality of the user experience depends significantly on their ability to position themselves in the environment, recognize objects and other gadgets, and utilize this spatial awareness.
Addressing this challenge involves two potential solutions. Firstly, the device itself can incorporate camera and sensor arrays combined with AI-powered image recognition to enhance spatial awareness capabilities. Secondly, we can anticipate the emergence of an ecosystem of products designed to work in conjunction with these XR devices. This ecosystem may include:
• NFC/Bluetooth beacons that assist XR devices in understanding their environment, adjusting settings, establishing connections with other appliances, and more. This process should be quicker and simpler than the current Bluetooth handshake, functioning as a layer above the actual device connection, where permissions are granted and ports are opened—a quick mapping of the surroundings.
• NFC/optical tags that enable an XR computer to identify relevant objects. These tags allow the XR computer to place video output, interface elements, and data overlays in the most convenient manner for the user, while also ensuring privacy protection. An XR computer can function without these tags, but they can enhance the user experience in specific contexts such as homes, offices, or shops.
• Taking it a step further, we can envision paints, fibers, and additives used in interior and industrial design to assist XR computers in recognizing objects and surfaces of interest and effectively interacting with them.
<ol start="2">
<li>Video and Image Capture Devices</li>
</ol>
A camera (or camera array) is an essential component of an XR computer. However, the integration between external image/video capture devices and smart contact lenses or AR glasses opens up a realm of captivating opportunities. Two factors come into play in this regard: the more unobtrusive an XR device is, the more 'superpowers' it can provide to the user. Yet, it may have less powerful optics. Consider the following possibilities:
• External cameras offering higher quality or specific properties can connect to the XR computer, which acts as their control unit and viewfinder. With the increasing data transfer rates available today, we can reimagine what constitutes 'a camera.' Remote storage of captured media is becoming viable for higher-tier cameras, and the way we control the capture process can evolve accordingly.
• Another segment of connected external video capture devices includes CCTV cameras, baby monitors, and other XR computers, providing users with a sort of 3rd person view of their surroundings, even enabling them to see through walls.
This list of device classes is not exhaustive, and depending on the pace of innovation in battery design, wireless communication, storage, and encryption, various scenarios of XR ecosystem development can be imagined (e.g., wireless charging over distance, home data centers, etc.). Nonetheless, this offers some food for thought for the industry and anyone curious about the future of computing.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XR Hardware Ecosystem

![Navig8.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Navig8_5d4f53394d.jpg)

All kinds of navigation apps have gained immense popularity among different users - from tourists and car drivers to pedestrians. Recently, navigation technologies have been enhanced with Augmented Reality (AR) features. Now, let's push the boundaries and explore how navigation might evolve with the use of smart contact lenses. 

**Enhanced Navigation Assistance Beyond The Car:**

Smart contact lenses equipped with Augmented Reality (AR) can serve as an intuitive navigation tool, offering real-time directions and guidance – all without the need for a dedicated display. While car navigation relies on a dashboard, pedestrians and cyclists don't have this luxury. We all know how different the experience can be when referring to a phone on the move compared to having a map in front of you while driving. Imagine walking through a bustling city, and with a simple glance, virtual arrows and overlays guide you towards your destination. Whether it's navigating unfamiliar streets or finding the shortest route, these lenses can offer a hands-free and seamless navigation experience.

**Indoor Navigation:**

Traditional navigation systems often falter in complex indoor environments like shopping malls, airports, or hospitals. Smart contact lenses with AR can bridge this gap by utilizing indoor mapping and positioning technologies. Users can effortlessly navigate through intricate building layouts, locating specific stores, gates, or departments with ease. This technology could also help recognize a car’s actual position and direction on narrow streets and around tight corners, where satellite-based navigation often struggles.

**Points of Interest and Contextual Information:**

AR-enabled smart contact lenses can overlay useful information about points of interest as you move around, adding a new layer of exploration and discovery to your surroundings. But it's not just about sightseeing – information about congestion, transport delays, air quality, noise levels, road closures, potential hazards, and more can be crucial for daily commuters.

**Accessibility:**

One of the most significant benefits of smart contact lenses with AR for navigation is their potential to enhance the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals. These lenses could provide audio cues, haptic feedback, or visual overlays to assist in navigating unfamiliar environments, helping avoid unforeseen obstacles that traditional map-based navigation might miss – such as road repairs or abandoned rental bikes and scooters.

**Integration with Smart Infrastructure:**

As cities become smarter and more interconnected, smart contact lenses with AR can integrate with smart infrastructure systems. Information like traffic signals, public transportation schedules, and bike-sharing availability can be displayed in real-time, and users could interact with them more seamlessly: a button-activated traffic light could respond to your lingering presence on the sidewalk, a rental bike or car could be unlocked with a glance, or a transport ticket could be purchased or activated as you board a train or bus.
It's easy to see how what starts as 'navigation' can extend to a range of broader applications that help you interact with the world around you. As urban planning shifts towards less car-centric, more walkable cities, providing pedestrians and cyclists with these extra tools to ease their journeys becomes an increasingly important market.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Navig8_5d4f53394d.jpg" alt="Navig8.jpg">
All kinds of navigation apps have gained immense popularity among different users - from tourists and car drivers to pedestrians. Recently, navigation technologies have been enhanced with Augmented Reality (AR) features. Now, let's push the boundaries and explore how navigation might evolve with the use of smart contact lenses.
Enhanced Navigation Assistance Beyond The Car:
Smart contact lenses equipped with Augmented Reality (AR) can serve as an intuitive navigation tool, offering real-time directions and guidance – all without the need for a dedicated display. While car navigation relies on a dashboard, pedestrians and cyclists don't have this luxury. We all know how different the experience can be when referring to a phone on the move compared to having a map in front of you while driving. Imagine walking through a bustling city, and with a simple glance, virtual arrows and overlays guide you towards your destination. Whether it's navigating unfamiliar streets or finding the shortest route, these lenses can offer a hands-free and seamless navigation experience.
Indoor Navigation:
Traditional navigation systems often falter in complex indoor environments like shopping malls, airports, or hospitals. Smart contact lenses with AR can bridge this gap by utilizing indoor mapping and positioning technologies. Users can effortlessly navigate through intricate building layouts, locating specific stores, gates, or departments with ease. This technology could also help recognize a car’s actual position and direction on narrow streets and around tight corners, where satellite-based navigation often struggles.
Points of Interest and Contextual Information:
AR-enabled smart contact lenses can overlay useful information about points of interest as you move around, adding a new layer of exploration and discovery to your surroundings. But it's not just about sightseeing – information about congestion, transport delays, air quality, noise levels, road closures, potential hazards, and more can be crucial for daily commuters.
Accessibility:
One of the most significant benefits of smart contact lenses with AR for navigation is their potential to enhance the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals. These lenses could provide audio cues, haptic feedback, or visual overlays to assist in navigating unfamiliar environments, helping avoid unforeseen obstacles that traditional map-based navigation might miss – such as road repairs or abandoned rental bikes and scooters.
Integration with Smart Infrastructure:
As cities become smarter and more interconnected, smart contact lenses with AR can integrate with smart infrastructure systems. Information like traffic signals, public transportation schedules, and bike-sharing availability can be displayed in real-time, and users could interact with them more seamlessly: a button-activated traffic light could respond to your lingering presence on the sidewalk, a rental bike or car could be unlocked with a glance, or a transport ticket could be purchased or activated as you board a train or bus.
It's easy to see how what starts as 'navigation' can extend to a range of broader applications that help you interact with the world around you. As urban planning shifts towards less car-centric, more walkable cities, providing pedestrians and cyclists with these extra tools to ease their journeys becomes an increasingly important market.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Navigating The Cities with Smart Contact Lenses

![Industrial4.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Industrial4_1683fb8776.jpg)

In the last 15 years, G7 countries [have experienced](https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/rekindling-us-productivity-for-a-new-era#looming-challenges) a decrease in productivity. While sectors like telecommunications, software development, and internet services have seen significant gains largely driven by the adoption of digital technologies, it's a different story in manufacturing, production, maintenance, and other industrial jobs. Although there are ways to introduce smart digital tools in these sectors, using existing devices, such as industrial tablets, laptops, handhelds, scanners, etc., is often cumbersome and requires a substantial investment. Unlike office work where the computer screen creates a workspace for all tools, jobs involving physical objects do not have this shared space.

Considering the importance of productivity growth for the next decade across all sectors, we will explore how AR smart contact lenses can enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency in industrial settings, potentially revolutionizing the way workers interact with their environment.

**Seamless Information Overlay:**

At its most basic, AR smart contact lenses can seamlessly overlay digital information onto the worker's field of view. This allows industrial workers to have real-time access to critical data, instructions, and schematics without the need for bulky equipment or constant reference to handheld devices or paper service manuals. For instance, a maintenance technician could have equipment specifications, troubleshooting guides, or safety protocols projected directly in their line of sight, enhancing their task accuracy and efficiency.

**Enhanced Communication and Collaboration:**

Effective communication and collaboration are critical for successful operations in industrial settings. AR smart contact lenses can facilitate seamless communication between workers. With built-in features such as voice recognition and gesture control, workers can easily communicate with colleagues, supervisors, or support teams, even in noisy or hazardous environments. These lenses can display real-time video feeds, allowing remote experts to provide guidance or assistance with complex tasks, reducing downtime and optimizing workflow.

**Real-Time Data Visualization:**

AR smart contact lenses can transform how industrial workers interact with data. Rather than relying on static screens or monitors, workers can visualize data in real-time and in context. For example, a warehouse employee could view inventory levels, order status, or product details directly through the lenses, improving accuracy and efficiency in order fulfillment. Similarly, an assembly line worker could receive instant feedback on quality control parameters, ensuring consistent, error-free production.

**Safety and Hazard Avoidance:**

Industrial environments often present risks and hazards requiring constant attention and vigilance. AR smart contact lenses can enhance worker safety by providing real-time alerts, warnings, and hazard detection. These lenses can detect and highlight potential dangers, such as high-temperature areas, toxic chemicals, or moving machinery, thus reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. Additionally, they can provide step-by-step safety procedures and emergency protocols, ensuring workers are prepared to respond to critical situations.

**Training and Skill Development:**

AR smart contact lenses offer enormous potential for training and skill development in industrial settings. New employees can benefit from immersive and interactive training experiences that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to quickly gain practical knowledge and skills. These lenses can provide virtual guidance, instructions, and feedback, helping workers gain expertise and proficiency in their roles. Experienced workers can also continuously update their skills through on-demand training modules delivered via the lenses, enabling upskilling and professional growth.

The emergence of AR smart contact lenses as digital assistants for industrial workers can transform how these jobs are performed. As technology advances and adoption increases, AR smart contact lenses have the potential to empower workers and bridge the divide between white-collar and blue-collar work.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Industrial4_1683fb8776.jpg" alt="Industrial4.jpg">
In the last 15 years, G7 countries <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/rekindling-us-productivity-for-a-new-era#looming-challenges">have experienced</a> a decrease in productivity. While sectors like telecommunications, software development, and internet services have seen significant gains largely driven by the adoption of digital technologies, it's a different story in manufacturing, production, maintenance, and other industrial jobs. Although there are ways to introduce smart digital tools in these sectors, using existing devices, such as industrial tablets, laptops, handhelds, scanners, etc., is often cumbersome and requires a substantial investment. Unlike office work where the computer screen creates a workspace for all tools, jobs involving physical objects do not have this shared space.
Considering the importance of productivity growth for the next decade across all sectors, we will explore how AR smart contact lenses can enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency in industrial settings, potentially revolutionizing the way workers interact with their environment.
Seamless Information Overlay:
At its most basic, AR smart contact lenses can seamlessly overlay digital information onto the worker's field of view. This allows industrial workers to have real-time access to critical data, instructions, and schematics without the need for bulky equipment or constant reference to handheld devices or paper service manuals. For instance, a maintenance technician could have equipment specifications, troubleshooting guides, or safety protocols projected directly in their line of sight, enhancing their task accuracy and efficiency.
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration:
Effective communication and collaboration are critical for successful operations in industrial settings. AR smart contact lenses can facilitate seamless communication between workers. With built-in features such as voice recognition and gesture control, workers can easily communicate with colleagues, supervisors, or support teams, even in noisy or hazardous environments. These lenses can display real-time video feeds, allowing remote experts to provide guidance or assistance with complex tasks, reducing downtime and optimizing workflow.
Real-Time Data Visualization:
AR smart contact lenses can transform how industrial workers interact with data. Rather than relying on static screens or monitors, workers can visualize data in real-time and in context. For example, a warehouse employee could view inventory levels, order status, or product details directly through the lenses, improving accuracy and efficiency in order fulfillment. Similarly, an assembly line worker could receive instant feedback on quality control parameters, ensuring consistent, error-free production.
Safety and Hazard Avoidance:
Industrial environments often present risks and hazards requiring constant attention and vigilance. AR smart contact lenses can enhance worker safety by providing real-time alerts, warnings, and hazard detection. These lenses can detect and highlight potential dangers, such as high-temperature areas, toxic chemicals, or moving machinery, thus reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. Additionally, they can provide step-by-step safety procedures and emergency protocols, ensuring workers are prepared to respond to critical situations.
Training and Skill Development:
AR smart contact lenses offer enormous potential for training and skill development in industrial settings. New employees can benefit from immersive and interactive training experiences that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to quickly gain practical knowledge and skills. These lenses can provide virtual guidance, instructions, and feedback, helping workers gain expertise and proficiency in their roles. Experienced workers can also continuously update their skills through on-demand training modules delivered via the lenses, enabling upskilling and professional growth.
The emergence of AR smart contact lenses as digital assistants for industrial workers can transform how these jobs are performed. As technology advances and adoption increases, AR smart contact lenses have the potential to empower workers and bridge the divide between white-collar and blue-collar work.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

A Future in Focus: How AR Smart Contact Lenses Will Shape Industrial Work

![Slide 16_9 - 183.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/Slide_16_9_183_5043e1522b_d1a32040f0.jpg)

**Removing the Screen from the Video Calls**

Video calls are one of the best examples of what we call an 'officially approved future.' They have been a staple of science fiction and a real-life technology for decades. So, it's no wonder that as soon as broadband internet made them accessible and affordable, their adoption was rapid and universal.

But how can a smart contact lens enhance the video calling experience even further? Today, the main limitation of video calls is that, no matter how high the quality of the image and sound feed is, you are still dealing with a person 'behind the screen.' While this is still a significant improvement over a voice-only connection, it falls short of being a 'simulation' of a real-life face-to-face conversation.

However, an AR video call using a smart contact lens transforms this experience into something much closer to a real-life conversation. It places your dialogue partner in the 3D space around you, whether standing in front of you, sitting across the table, or on a couch across the room. The eye tracking in the lens, along with AI, can ensure that these 'avatars' are placed in a natural and fitting way. These avatars can be either true-to-life representations of the people talking or specifically designed characters, like those you create for video games. During the conversation, the parties can bring other virtual objects into the conversation, such as media they want to share, whiteboards, and notes that they work on together.

This experience combines the best of both worlds. You have the feel of a real-life conversation with a person in front of you, not behind a screen, and you can bring in all the enhancements we have come to appreciate in video calling, from volume controls to noise reduction and collaborative tools. There's space for both personal and professional use, and it can be a significant driver for smart contact lens adoption overall.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/Slide_16_9_183_5043e1522b_d1a32040f0.jpg" alt="Slide 16_9 - 183.jpg">
Removing the Screen from the Video Calls
Video calls are one of the best examples of what we call an 'officially approved future.' They have been a staple of science fiction and a real-life technology for decades. So, it's no wonder that as soon as broadband internet made them accessible and affordable, their adoption was rapid and universal.
But how can a smart contact lens enhance the video calling experience even further? Today, the main limitation of video calls is that, no matter how high the quality of the image and sound feed is, you are still dealing with a person 'behind the screen.' While this is still a significant improvement over a voice-only connection, it falls short of being a 'simulation' of a real-life face-to-face conversation.
However, an AR video call using a smart contact lens transforms this experience into something much closer to a real-life conversation. It places your dialogue partner in the 3D space around you, whether standing in front of you, sitting across the table, or on a couch across the room. The eye tracking in the lens, along with AI, can ensure that these 'avatars' are placed in a natural and fitting way. These avatars can be either true-to-life representations of the people talking or specifically designed characters, like those you create for video games. During the conversation, the parties can bring other virtual objects into the conversation, such as media they want to share, whiteboards, and notes that they work on together.
This experience combines the best of both worlds. You have the feel of a real-life conversation with a person in front of you, not behind a screen, and you can bring in all the enhancements we have come to appreciate in video calling, from volume controls to noise reduction and collaborative tools. There's space for both personal and professional use, and it can be a significant driver for smart contact lens adoption overall.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Removing the Screen from the Video Calls

![UAE1.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/UAE_1_243a7fe577_7488447f7c.jpg)

**Nature Index 2023: XPANCEO ranks among the top 10 institutions in the United Arab Emirates**

We are thrilled to announce that XPANCEO has been recognized as one of the top [10 contributors to the Nature Index](https://www.nature.com/nature-index/country-outputs/United%20Arab%20Emirates) in the United Arab Emirates. The Nature Index is a highly respected database that tracks scientific output of  institutions and countries through articles published in 82 high-quality natural-science journals.

The development of XPANCEO's smart lens is rooted in fundamental science and exceptional research experience in new optics, nanophotonics, novel materials, and biosensors. XPANCEO’s Emerging Technology Research Center investigates the unknown properties of various physical effects, develops new materials, and directly applies their findings to the smart lens's elements.

Articles featuring contributions from the XPANCEO team have been published in Nature Communications, Nano Letters, Nature Materials and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). These articles delve into the extraordinary properties of emerging materials, including 2D materials and Transition Metal Chalcogenides (TDMCs), frequently touted as the most promising and revolutionary frontier materials of the 21st century.

The research papers were co-authored with several world’s top scientists including Konstantin (Kostya) Novoselov from the National University of Singapore. Novoselov, along with Andre Geim, was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work on graphene.

On a practical level, these scientific discoveries pave the way for next-generation optoelectronics and offer exciting potential for implementations in various application areas, including medicine, electronics, biosensing,  nanophotonics, and quantum information applications. For example, as a practical demonstration, a two-dimensional TMDC material (PdSe2) has been employed for the realization of a novel topological phase singularities-based refractive index sensor that demonstrated its superior phase sensitivity compared to traditional optoelectronic sensors used these days. The discoveries will be applied to  XPANCEO’s smart lens features such as ultrasensitive smart sensors for detecting molecules of glucose and night vision option.

We keep forging ahead, continuously exploring the fascinating and magical properties of novel materials. Stay tuned to learn more about our discoveries and research projects.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/UAE_1_243a7fe577_7488447f7c.jpg" alt="UAE1.jpg">
Nature Index 2023: XPANCEO ranks among the top 10 institutions in the United Arab Emirates
We are thrilled to announce that XPANCEO has been recognized as one of the top <a href="https://www.nature.com/nature-index/country-outputs/United%20Arab%20Emirates">10 contributors to the Nature Index</a> in the United Arab Emirates. The Nature Index is a highly respected database that tracks scientific output of  institutions and countries through articles published in 82 high-quality natural-science journals.
The development of XPANCEO's smart lens is rooted in fundamental science and exceptional research experience in new optics, nanophotonics, novel materials, and biosensors. XPANCEO’s Emerging Technology Research Center investigates the unknown properties of various physical effects, develops new materials, and directly applies their findings to the smart lens's elements.
Articles featuring contributions from the XPANCEO team have been published in Nature Communications, Nano Letters, Nature Materials and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). These articles delve into the extraordinary properties of emerging materials, including 2D materials and Transition Metal Chalcogenides (TDMCs), frequently touted as the most promising and revolutionary frontier materials of the 21st century.
The research papers were co-authored with several world’s top scientists including Konstantin (Kostya) Novoselov from the National University of Singapore. Novoselov, along with Andre Geim, was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work on graphene.
On a practical level, these scientific discoveries pave the way for next-generation optoelectronics and offer exciting potential for implementations in various application areas, including medicine, electronics, biosensing,  nanophotonics, and quantum information applications. For example, as a practical demonstration, a two-dimensional TMDC material (PdSe2) has been employed for the realization of a novel topological phase singularities-based refractive index sensor that demonstrated its superior phase sensitivity compared to traditional optoelectronic sensors used these days. The discoveries will be applied to  XPANCEO’s smart lens features such as ultrasensitive smart sensors for detecting molecules of glucose and night vision option.
We keep forging ahead, continuously exploring the fascinating and magical properties of novel materials. Stay tuned to learn more about our discoveries and research projects.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Nature Index 2023: XPANCEO ranks among the top 10 institutions in the United Arab Emirates

A smart contact lens presents an innovative leap in the realm of health and well-being features for personal devices. When compared with the wearable devices we're accustomed to, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, a contact lens boasts superior input and output capabilities. This allows for the collection of more detailed biosensory data from users while providing a more intuitive, visually rich interface.

Let's delve into how a smart contact lens can serve as a dynamic health hub.

1. Biosensor Array: Situated directly on the eyeball, the lens enables the integration of an extensive array of biosensors. This includes measurements of pulse, intraocular pressure, temperature, glucose levels, cortisol (a marker of stress levels), and various essential hormones. The lens can also monitor eye movement, a key indicator of fatigue. Additional custom sensors can be added to suit specific use cases. This data is collected non-invasively and fed into the software, which interprets it based on the user's history and known conditions.

2. Contextual Awareness: The lens can "see" the user's surroundings, activities, and consumption habits, such as eating and drinking. By combining data from the sensor array with the user's context, a smart contact lens can provide more accurate interpretations of the data, offering relevant and timely recommendations (e.g., reminding to drink water, take medication, sit, move, or breathe deeply).

3. Data Visualization: The processed data can be presented in various formats. It can be displayed as a constant indicator, akin to what is seen in first-person shooter video games, or as a pop-up alert prompting necessary action. It can also be shown as an anatomical atlas, indicating the status of a specific body subsystem or the effects of medication. Moreover, this data can be accessed by doctors or healthcare providers via secure, authorized channels.

4. Device Management: The smart contact lens can act as a perfect user interface for managing other healthcare devices the user might be wearing or using. It can read data from these devices, similar to how it reads its own sensors, and provide necessary commands and instructions. This includes devices such as insulin pumps and cybernetic prosthetics.

When combined, these four capabilities create a versatile and powerful infrastructure for a wide range of health, fitness, and well-being applications. They cater to specific conditions and patient cases managed by healthcare professionals, as well as to broader lifestyle use cases. This resembles how we currently use fitness trackers and smartwatches but with significantly enhanced features and a superior user experience.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

A smart contact lens presents an innovative leap in the realm of health and well-being features for personal devices. When compared with the wearable devices we're accustomed to, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, a contact lens boasts superior input and output capabilities. This allows for the collection of more detailed biosensory data from users while providing a more intuitive, visually rich interface.
Let's delve into how a smart contact lens can serve as a dynamic health hub.
<ol>
<li>
Biosensor Array: Situated directly on the eyeball, the lens enables the integration of an extensive array of biosensors. This includes measurements of pulse, intraocular pressure, temperature, glucose levels, cortisol (a marker of stress levels), and various essential hormones. The lens can also monitor eye movement, a key indicator of fatigue. Additional custom sensors can be added to suit specific use cases. This data is collected non-invasively and fed into the software, which interprets it based on the user's history and known conditions.
</li>
<li>
Contextual Awareness: The lens can &quot;see&quot; the user's surroundings, activities, and consumption habits, such as eating and drinking. By combining data from the sensor array with the user's context, a smart contact lens can provide more accurate interpretations of the data, offering relevant and timely recommendations (e.g., reminding to drink water, take medication, sit, move, or breathe deeply).
</li>
<li>
Data Visualization: The processed data can be presented in various formats. It can be displayed as a constant indicator, akin to what is seen in first-person shooter video games, or as a pop-up alert prompting necessary action. It can also be shown as an anatomical atlas, indicating the status of a specific body subsystem or the effects of medication. Moreover, this data can be accessed by doctors or healthcare providers via secure, authorized channels.
</li>
<li>
Device Management: The smart contact lens can act as a perfect user interface for managing other healthcare devices the user might be wearing or using. It can read data from these devices, similar to how it reads its own sensors, and provide necessary commands and instructions. This includes devices such as insulin pumps and cybernetic prosthetics.
</li>
</ol>
When combined, these four capabilities create a versatile and powerful infrastructure for a wide range of health, fitness, and well-being applications. They cater to specific conditions and patient cases managed by healthcare professionals, as well as to broader lifestyle use cases. This resembles how we currently use fitness trackers and smartwatches but with significantly enhanced features and a superior user experience.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Smart Contact Lens: Revolutionizing Fitness Tracking

**What Happens to 2D Content in Smart Contact Lenses?**

Smart contact lenses can revolutionize the way we interact with 'flat', 2D content. Computer screens have been a staple for years, and despite numerous iterations and improvements, they've only experienced two fundamental shifts: from text to graphics, and from view-only to touchscreen. Everything else, including color, resolution, size, frequency, curvature, and imaging technology, are merely refinements to the core concept.

While visual output is essential, at least until we develop advanced non-invasive neural interfaces, it doesn't have to be confined to a flat, limited screen surface. A smart contact lens offers several modes that would typically require a full-screen viewing or working experience.

1. Desktop screen: A square flat screen could still be available if needed (and considering our familiarity with computer screens, this mode might be highly in demand). This mode would be useful when working or watching content in transit or in public, while preserving your privacy.

2. Living room TV: This is a larger version of the previous mode, anchored to a fixed point in your environment (like a wall), and shareable among multiple viewers. Here's where things get interesting - you could watch a movie together, fully synchronized, but each viewer could have their own subtitles or brightness settings, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

3. Cinema screen: This mode is a virtual equivalent of a large curved desktop screen or an individual IMAX experience. While it's not a virtual reality experience, the content you're viewing would occupy most, if not all, of your field of view.

These modes involve intuitive, hands-free control, adaptive transparency, and contrast depending on circumstances, seamless switching between viewing content and other tasks, and the option to anchor the 'screen' to a fixed object in your physical environment or the viewer's gaze (e.g., attached to the treadmill display or moving with you around the gym). A combination of these features would also enable a 'tutorial' mode – where an instructional video feed could overlay what you're doing, providing easy visual cues for activities like cooking, origami, or maintenance routines.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

What Happens to 2D Content in Smart Contact Lenses?
Smart contact lenses can revolutionize the way we interact with 'flat', 2D content. Computer screens have been a staple for years, and despite numerous iterations and improvements, they've only experienced two fundamental shifts: from text to graphics, and from view-only to touchscreen. Everything else, including color, resolution, size, frequency, curvature, and imaging technology, are merely refinements to the core concept.
While visual output is essential, at least until we develop advanced non-invasive neural interfaces, it doesn't have to be confined to a flat, limited screen surface. A smart contact lens offers several modes that would typically require a full-screen viewing or working experience.
<ol>
<li>
Desktop screen: A square flat screen could still be available if needed (and considering our familiarity with computer screens, this mode might be highly in demand). This mode would be useful when working or watching content in transit or in public, while preserving your privacy.
</li>
<li>
Living room TV: This is a larger version of the previous mode, anchored to a fixed point in your environment (like a wall), and shareable among multiple viewers. Here's where things get interesting - you could watch a movie together, fully synchronized, but each viewer could have their own subtitles or brightness settings, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
</li>
<li>
Cinema screen: This mode is a virtual equivalent of a large curved desktop screen or an individual IMAX experience. While it's not a virtual reality experience, the content you're viewing would occupy most, if not all, of your field of view.
</li>
</ol>
These modes involve intuitive, hands-free control, adaptive transparency, and contrast depending on circumstances, seamless switching between viewing content and other tasks, and the option to anchor the 'screen' to a fixed object in your physical environment or the viewer's gaze (e.g., attached to the treadmill display or moving with you around the gym). A combination of these features would also enable a 'tutorial' mode – where an instructional video feed could overlay what you're doing, providing easy visual cues for activities like cooking, origami, or maintenance routines.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

What Happens to 2D Content in Smart Contact Lenses?

![svz.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/svz_806f8dbcf5.jpg)

The global digital healthcare market is expected to exceed $430 billion by 2028. One of its main drivers is the steady adoption of new technologies, with a considerable role played by XR. Our new article shares diverse scenarios on how XR can boost education, productivity, and training in the healthcare industry.

Extended Reality (XR), which merges virtual and real-world environments, is revolutionizing the delivery of acute and long-term care to patients in remote locations. Numerous organizations are actively striving to enhance the scalability of XR technologies in the healthcare sector. This article serves as an introduction to XR technologies in healthcare simulation, highlighting their numerous advantages and benefits.

Training and education:

- UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has implemented an XR-based medical training program that simulates surgical procedures and other medical scenarios. The training program helps doctors and other medical professionals develop their skills and gain experience in a safe and controlled environment.

- In the UK, Touch Surgery is an AR surgical training tool that allows surgeons to practice surgeries on virtual patients, providing a safe environment for medical students to learn with step-by-step guidance.

- Oxford Medical Simulation uses VR and AR technologies to provide a platform for medical students to practice decision-making in emergency situations. It allows students to experience medical emergencies in a realistic environment, which is difficult to replicate using traditional simulation methods.

- In 2020, Ajou University School of Medicine in Korea introduced an AR-based training system for medical students. The system uses AR technology to simulate the human anatomy in 3D, enabling students to practice invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy.

Assistance:

- Proximie is an AR platform that allows remote surgery by connecting surgeons in different locations using AR technology. It enables surgeons to collaborate, consult with each other, and provide guidance during complex medical procedures. For example, Proximie Joints helps orthopedic surgeons during joint replacement procedures. The program allows surgeons to accurately map and plan the surgery in advance, then projects the plan onto the operating table to guide them.

- Hanyang University Hospital in Korea has been using an AR system to help guide spinal surgery since 2017. The system uses a camera and special glasses to project virtual images onto the patient's body, allowing the surgeon to see the patient's spine in real-time.

- The Samsung Medical Center in Seoul developed an AR-assisted nasal endoscopy system in 2019. The system combines an endoscope with AR tools to create a 3D model of the nasal cavity, allowing physicians to navigate and identify anatomical structures with greater precision.

- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital uses an AR-based navigation system for knee replacement surgery. The system utilizes a headset that projects a 3D image of the patient's knee, allowing the surgeon to improve the accuracy of bone cuts and prosthetic positioning. The system has reduced surgery time and improved patients' post-operative recovery.

Therapy:

- MIRA Rehab employs games-based rehabilitation therapy to assist people in recovering from medical procedures or accidents. It utilizes both VR and AR technologies to create an entertaining environment that helps patients forget about the medical aspect of their recovery. MIRA is a digital platform that employs motion tracking sensors to gamify physical therapy and increase patient compliance.

- The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced its plans to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) rehabilitation in physiotherapy for stroke patients, individuals with balance disorders, and children with developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson's syndrome. Scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of this innovative technique in the rehabilitation and treatment of many such cases. In the treatment of balance disorders, virtual reality serves as a safe and effective alternative to conventional therapy, improving patients' balance. Patients reported enjoying VR therapy without experiencing side effects, and with increased motivation.

- Virtofy is another AR-based platform used for physical therapy and rehabilitation. The platform provides patients with interactive exercises that utilize AR to offer feedback and guidance.

In a nutshell, XR plays an important role in education, training for medical stuff and serves and great interface between doctors and patients. The high cost of mistakes remains a factor even for trained professionals. AR tools that can guide doctors and nurses through routine processes can save time, help avoid errors, and improve the accessibility of these procedures for patients.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/svz_806f8dbcf5.jpg" alt="svz.jpg">
The global digital healthcare market is expected to exceed $430 billion by 2028. One of its main drivers is the steady adoption of new technologies, with a considerable role played by XR. Our new article shares diverse scenarios on how XR can boost education, productivity, and training in the healthcare industry.
Extended Reality (XR), which merges virtual and real-world environments, is revolutionizing the delivery of acute and long-term care to patients in remote locations. Numerous organizations are actively striving to enhance the scalability of XR technologies in the healthcare sector. This article serves as an introduction to XR technologies in healthcare simulation, highlighting their numerous advantages and benefits.
Training and education:
<ul>
<li>
UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has implemented an XR-based medical training program that simulates surgical procedures and other medical scenarios. The training program helps doctors and other medical professionals develop their skills and gain experience in a safe and controlled environment.
</li>
<li>
In the UK, Touch Surgery is an AR surgical training tool that allows surgeons to practice surgeries on virtual patients, providing a safe environment for medical students to learn with step-by-step guidance.
</li>
<li>
Oxford Medical Simulation uses VR and AR technologies to provide a platform for medical students to practice decision-making in emergency situations. It allows students to experience medical emergencies in a realistic environment, which is difficult to replicate using traditional simulation methods.
</li>
<li>
In 2020, Ajou University School of Medicine in Korea introduced an AR-based training system for medical students. The system uses AR technology to simulate the human anatomy in 3D, enabling students to practice invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy.
</li>
</ul>
Assistance:
<ul>
<li>
Proximie is an AR platform that allows remote surgery by connecting surgeons in different locations using AR technology. It enables surgeons to collaborate, consult with each other, and provide guidance during complex medical procedures. For example, Proximie Joints helps orthopedic surgeons during joint replacement procedures. The program allows surgeons to accurately map and plan the surgery in advance, then projects the plan onto the operating table to guide them.
</li>
<li>
Hanyang University Hospital in Korea has been using an AR system to help guide spinal surgery since 2017. The system uses a camera and special glasses to project virtual images onto the patient's body, allowing the surgeon to see the patient's spine in real-time.
</li>
<li>
The Samsung Medical Center in Seoul developed an AR-assisted nasal endoscopy system in 2019. The system combines an endoscope with AR tools to create a 3D model of the nasal cavity, allowing physicians to navigate and identify anatomical structures with greater precision.
</li>
<li>
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital uses an AR-based navigation system for knee replacement surgery. The system utilizes a headset that projects a 3D image of the patient's knee, allowing the surgeon to improve the accuracy of bone cuts and prosthetic positioning. The system has reduced surgery time and improved patients' post-operative recovery.
</li>
</ul>
Therapy:
<ul>
<li>
MIRA Rehab employs games-based rehabilitation therapy to assist people in recovering from medical procedures or accidents. It utilizes both VR and AR technologies to create an entertaining environment that helps patients forget about the medical aspect of their recovery. MIRA is a digital platform that employs motion tracking sensors to gamify physical therapy and increase patient compliance.
</li>
<li>
The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced its plans to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) rehabilitation in physiotherapy for stroke patients, individuals with balance disorders, and children with developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson's syndrome. Scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of this innovative technique in the rehabilitation and treatment of many such cases. In the treatment of balance disorders, virtual reality serves as a safe and effective alternative to conventional therapy, improving patients' balance. Patients reported enjoying VR therapy without experiencing side effects, and with increased motivation.
</li>
<li>
Virtofy is another AR-based platform used for physical therapy and rehabilitation. The platform provides patients with interactive exercises that utilize AR to offer feedback and guidance.
</li>
</ul>
In a nutshell, XR plays an important role in education, training for medical stuff and serves and great interface between doctors and patients. The high cost of mistakes remains a factor even for trained professionals. AR tools that can guide doctors and nurses through routine processes can save time, help avoid errors, and improve the accessibility of these procedures for patients.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XR in Healthcare

A smart contact lens can encompass various functionalities, and we perceive it as the primary digital hub in your life, taking on the role currently held by a smartphone in most cases. However, it offers a wide range of features specific to contact lenses. Let's explore the full scope of these features and consider how a fully developed and advanced device like this can enhance your vision. In this discussion, our focus is primarily on features that enhance the imaging capabilities of your own eyes, rather than relying on external content such as geo and mapping data, messaging, or other integrations.

1. Night vision – This ranges from the intense infrared vision seen in action movies to providing gentle assistance in low-light conditions. While users with night blindness will find this particularly useful, there is a broader market for this feature, as twilight conditions are challenging for anyone, especially when driving or cycling.
2. Vision correction – Although vision correction remains an essential feature, a smart lens can offer more flexibility and responsiveness. Similar to bifocal glasses accommodating two use-cases, the lens can adapt its specifications based on the user's needs, time of day, eye fatigue, and other factors at play.
3. Enhanced imaging – A smart contact lens can dynamically adjust to provide the optimal image 'mode' for the user, sharpening contrast, reducing glare, and adjusting colour saturation. This feature can be applicable to driving, cycling, sports, and addressing special needs such as colour blindness. The modes can activate automatically or on-demand, based on the user's profile, surroundings, and activity.
4. Zoom – A smart contact lens enables zooming in and out as necessary, or switching to a 'macro' mode to obtain a better view of distant or small objects. The manipulation of light using innovative 2D materials opens up previously unimaginable possibilities. This feature has both professional and personal applications.
5. Third-party view – A smart lens allows you to see through someone else's eyes, whether it's a teammate, a drone, or any other camera accessible to you. This capability can be highly valuable in critical situations where additional visual information is invaluable. We envision applications in areas such as search and rescue, sports, civil engineering, aviation, transportation, and many others.

These are five ways in which a smart contact lens can evolve beyond the contact lenses you are familiar with, all centered around enhancing the images you perceive from the world around you. The combination of 2D materials that enable unique interactions with light, along with the capabilities of digital imaging, computing, and AI, unlocks a range of possibilities for the smart contact lens as a vision enhancement device. We are determined to fully utilize these opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

A smart contact lens can encompass various functionalities, and we perceive it as the primary digital hub in your life, taking on the role currently held by a smartphone in most cases. However, it offers a wide range of features specific to contact lenses. Let's explore the full scope of these features and consider how a fully developed and advanced device like this can enhance your vision. In this discussion, our focus is primarily on features that enhance the imaging capabilities of your own eyes, rather than relying on external content such as geo and mapping data, messaging, or other integrations.
<ol>
<li>Night vision – This ranges from the intense infrared vision seen in action movies to providing gentle assistance in low-light conditions. While users with night blindness will find this particularly useful, there is a broader market for this feature, as twilight conditions are challenging for anyone, especially when driving or cycling.</li>
<li>Vision correction – Although vision correction remains an essential feature, a smart lens can offer more flexibility and responsiveness. Similar to bifocal glasses accommodating two use-cases, the lens can adapt its specifications based on the user's needs, time of day, eye fatigue, and other factors at play.</li>
<li>Enhanced imaging – A smart contact lens can dynamically adjust to provide the optimal image 'mode' for the user, sharpening contrast, reducing glare, and adjusting colour saturation. This feature can be applicable to driving, cycling, sports, and addressing special needs such as colour blindness. The modes can activate automatically or on-demand, based on the user's profile, surroundings, and activity.</li>
<li>Zoom – A smart contact lens enables zooming in and out as necessary, or switching to a 'macro' mode to obtain a better view of distant or small objects. The manipulation of light using innovative 2D materials opens up previously unimaginable possibilities. This feature has both professional and personal applications.</li>
<li>Third-party view – A smart lens allows you to see through someone else's eyes, whether it's a teammate, a drone, or any other camera accessible to you. This capability can be highly valuable in critical situations where additional visual information is invaluable. We envision applications in areas such as search and rescue, sports, civil engineering, aviation, transportation, and many others.</li>
</ol>
These are five ways in which a smart contact lens can evolve beyond the contact lenses you are familiar with, all centered around enhancing the images you perceive from the world around you. The combination of 2D materials that enable unique interactions with light, along with the capabilities of digital imaging, computing, and AI, unlocks a range of possibilities for the smart contact lens as a vision enhancement device. We are determined to fully utilize these opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Enhanced vision

XR (extended reality) has the potential to revolutionize education, but the most significant shift is not expected to occur in schools or universities. To understand why and where XR will have the most significant impact, we need to differentiate between learning as a cognitive process and education as a system.

While immersive tours of ancient Rome or interactive 3D models of the solar system, molecules, or frogs are amazing tools for primary and secondary education, they don't solve the problems faced by the education system, such as funding, safety, equality, and curriculum.

AR and VR applications in education can make a big impact on vocational training by accelerating the learning process, delivering smart contact lenses that blur the lines between training, apprenticeship, and doing the job, making professional certifications fully digital, and increasing workforce mobility by accelerating and streamlining training, re-training, and certification.

In conclusion, while XR has the potential to revolutionize education, its biggest impact is expected to be in vocational training for specific jobs and on-the-job training, primarily blue-collar. Despite being less "photogenic" than other education applications, XR can make a significant impact by delivering accelerated and streamlined training, re-training, and certification, thereby increasing workforce mobility and benefiting both employers and employees.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

XR (extended reality) has the potential to revolutionize education, but the most significant shift is not expected to occur in schools or universities. To understand why and where XR will have the most significant impact, we need to differentiate between learning as a cognitive process and education as a system.
While immersive tours of ancient Rome or interactive 3D models of the solar system, molecules, or frogs are amazing tools for primary and secondary education, they don't solve the problems faced by the education system, such as funding, safety, equality, and curriculum.
AR and VR applications in education can make a big impact on vocational training by accelerating the learning process, delivering smart contact lenses that blur the lines between training, apprenticeship, and doing the job, making professional certifications fully digital, and increasing workforce mobility by accelerating and streamlining training, re-training, and certification.
In conclusion, while XR has the potential to revolutionize education, its biggest impact is expected to be in vocational training for specific jobs and on-the-job training, primarily blue-collar. Despite being less &quot;photogenic&quot; than other education applications, XR can make a significant impact by delivering accelerated and streamlined training, re-training, and certification, thereby increasing workforce mobility and benefiting both employers and employees.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

The Real XR Revolution in Education (is not what you think)

![principles.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/principles_e02434256e_843b384d53.jpg)

**Our leadership principles** 

It is no accident that XPANCEO’s mission statement has been ambitious from day one. We’re not merely developing a new product, nor even creating a new product category, we are working on the next generation of personal computing. We believe being bold is the best way to make sure we keep the eye on the prize and make the right choices when we pave the way to the next big thing in personal tech.

Here are some core principles that XPANCEO is founded on and how they apply to our business:

- Science matters. We believe science is the ultimate source of answers to questions and challenges we have in front of us. When we're in doubt whether something is feasible we don’t look to the market or the industry, we question the science behind it. This is why we are proud to be home to some of the world’s top researchers in fields like 2D materials and photonics. Their ideas allowed us to look past the status quo in the industry and see new opportunities.
- New materials define the next step in the technological revolution. There is no shortage of visionary versions of the future technology. We believe that one thing that sets truly potent ideas apart from fantasies and pure extrapolations of existing technology is acknowledgement of the role of the new materials. The modus operandi of our science team is that computer components can only really make a leap forward if we leave behind our assumptions about the materials that are typically used in electronics. Thus, we have turned our attention to the emerging class of 2D materials.
- We believe that any success story in tech can be boiled down to a combination of the right form-factor and a ubiquitous use case (and on the contrary big flops can usually be explained via these two not lining up right). This is the key principle in defining the parameters of the product we are building and its feature set.
- Transparency and agility. Balancing at the intersection of advanced scientific research and product development, we apply the strong sides of both cultures to our ways of working. Peer review and data-driven decision-making, combined with an iterative, agile approach to defining priorities and next steps help us move fast and achieve results.
- Radical honesty. Working with a brilliant team on a revolutionary product is a high-stakes game. We believe it is of utmost importance to keep communication within the team as straightforward and open as possible. It extends to all aspects of our work: from shared understanding of the mission and the product roadmap to simple day-to-day team interactions. Trust in the idea, trust in each other’s expertise, and trust in the leadership all go together.

Everything we do is guided by these simple principles, from the core concept of a smart contact lens as the primary personal gadget, to the choice of enabling technology, to our workflow, to the way we make design and user experience decisions.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/principles_e02434256e_843b384d53.jpg" alt="principles.jpg">
Our leadership principles
It is no accident that XPANCEO’s mission statement has been ambitious from day one. We’re not merely developing a new product, nor even creating a new product category, we are working on the next generation of personal computing. We believe being bold is the best way to make sure we keep the eye on the prize and make the right choices when we pave the way to the next big thing in personal tech.
Here are some core principles that XPANCEO is founded on and how they apply to our business:
<ul>
<li>Science matters. We believe science is the ultimate source of answers to questions and challenges we have in front of us. When we're in doubt whether something is feasible we don’t look to the market or the industry, we question the science behind it. This is why we are proud to be home to some of the world’s top researchers in fields like 2D materials and photonics. Their ideas allowed us to look past the status quo in the industry and see new opportunities.</li>
<li>New materials define the next step in the technological revolution. There is no shortage of visionary versions of the future technology. We believe that one thing that sets truly potent ideas apart from fantasies and pure extrapolations of existing technology is acknowledgement of the role of the new materials. The modus operandi of our science team is that computer components can only really make a leap forward if we leave behind our assumptions about the materials that are typically used in electronics. Thus, we have turned our attention to the emerging class of 2D materials.</li>
<li>We believe that any success story in tech can be boiled down to a combination of the right form-factor and a ubiquitous use case (and on the contrary big flops can usually be explained via these two not lining up right). This is the key principle in defining the parameters of the product we are building and its feature set.</li>
<li>Transparency and agility. Balancing at the intersection of advanced scientific research and product development, we apply the strong sides of both cultures to our ways of working. Peer review and data-driven decision-making, combined with an iterative, agile approach to defining priorities and next steps help us move fast and achieve results.</li>
<li>Radical honesty. Working with a brilliant team on a revolutionary product is a high-stakes game. We believe it is of utmost importance to keep communication within the team as straightforward and open as possible. It extends to all aspects of our work: from shared understanding of the mission and the product roadmap to simple day-to-day team interactions. Trust in the idea, trust in each other’s expertise, and trust in the leadership all go together.</li>
</ul>
Everything we do is guided by these simple principles, from the core concept of a smart contact lens as the primary personal gadget, to the choice of enabling technology, to our workflow, to the way we make design and user experience decisions.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Leadership principles of XPANCEO

![2d age4.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/2d_age4_1a68a02471.jpg)

The future of computing will be determined by the new materials more than anything else. Novel materials are key to unlocking further progress in semiconductor miniaturization, performance, and energy efficiency. This is why XPANCEO as a company has staffed its R&D department with world-leading talent in 2D materials. Why do we find new materials so essential to the task of building the next generation of personal computing devices? The answer is more complex than you may expect.

Have you ever noticed how one of the most common ways to categorize the stages of human civilization is based on the prevailing material: stone age, bronze age, or iron age? And while you’re pondering that, ask yourself: what age are we in? As our technology becomes more complicated multiple legitimate answers to this question emerge: metals still play a huge role, but so do synthetic materials. And then there is silicon, of course. If you ask me to pick one material to name the current ‘age’, I would say ‘silicon’ but also immediately add that a new era is about to dawn.

There was a good reason Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov received the 2010 Nobel Prize in physics for their groundbreaking research on graphene. It was a glimpse into the future; the first of many materials that we’ve come to call ‘2D’ or ‘single-layer’ materials. They have one definitive property: their atomic lattices are exactly that — single layers. The atoms are still bound together in two dimensions, however, the forces that were previously ‘busy’ binding the crystal in the 3rd dimension are now free and give these materials a whole range of radically new properties that you don’t see in any of their ‘normal’ equivalents. And these properties are truly fascinating.

Let’s consider the product we are working on — a personal computer embedded in a contact lens — and see how 2D materials are critical to building it.

1. If we want to pack all the necessary components into a lens we are going to need levels of miniaturization that traditional material simply cannot offer. 2D materials are not just ‘thinner’ — they allow us to create waveguides and other optical components that defy the most important limitation — the diffraction limit. For that reason, they can be made smaller than half the wavelength of visible light. We are talking about nanometers here.
2. Next are electrodes and antennae. Traditional conductors are not going to work in a device like a lens — we want them to be both flexible and transparent. Working with 2D materials, we have developed a method for making metallic films that both are transparent and can successfully replace metals in electronics. We can have gold or copper wiring in the lens that would not obstruct the view.
3. Most importantly, we are now in a phase of assembling a toolbox for the future: the whole semiconductor segment can be reimagined based on 2D materials. Moreover, we can build photonic devices that can match the scale of electronic semiconductors and shift the whole industry towards photonics.
4. Finally, and this is very important for our vision of how personal devices are going to evolve: 2D materials open new possibilities for sensorics, bio-compatibility, and overall better human-machine integration (which is a whole separate subject).
While building a lens that would be actually wearable and functional requires 2D materials, the lens is just one example of the transformation the industry will have to undergo in order to evolve to the next stage. And maybe this new age won’t be referred to by its key material, but it would nevertheless be strongly dependent on some of them.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/2d_age4_1a68a02471.jpg" alt="2d age4.jpg">
The future of computing will be determined by the new materials more than anything else. Novel materials are key to unlocking further progress in semiconductor miniaturization, performance, and energy efficiency. This is why XPANCEO as a company has staffed its R&amp;D department with world-leading talent in 2D materials. Why do we find new materials so essential to the task of building the next generation of personal computing devices? The answer is more complex than you may expect.
Have you ever noticed how one of the most common ways to categorize the stages of human civilization is based on the prevailing material: stone age, bronze age, or iron age? And while you’re pondering that, ask yourself: what age are we in? As our technology becomes more complicated multiple legitimate answers to this question emerge: metals still play a huge role, but so do synthetic materials. And then there is silicon, of course. If you ask me to pick one material to name the current ‘age’, I would say ‘silicon’ but also immediately add that a new era is about to dawn.
There was a good reason Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov received the 2010 Nobel Prize in physics for their groundbreaking research on graphene. It was a glimpse into the future; the first of many materials that we’ve come to call ‘2D’ or ‘single-layer’ materials. They have one definitive property: their atomic lattices are exactly that — single layers. The atoms are still bound together in two dimensions, however, the forces that were previously ‘busy’ binding the crystal in the 3rd dimension are now free and give these materials a whole range of radically new properties that you don’t see in any of their ‘normal’ equivalents. And these properties are truly fascinating.
Let’s consider the product we are working on — a personal computer embedded in a contact lens — and see how 2D materials are critical to building it.
<ol>
<li>If we want to pack all the necessary components into a lens we are going to need levels of miniaturization that traditional material simply cannot offer. 2D materials are not just ‘thinner’ — they allow us to create waveguides and other optical components that defy the most important limitation — the diffraction limit. For that reason, they can be made smaller than half the wavelength of visible light. We are talking about nanometers here.</li>
<li>Next are electrodes and antennae. Traditional conductors are not going to work in a device like a lens — we want them to be both flexible and transparent. Working with 2D materials, we have developed a method for making metallic films that both are transparent and can successfully replace metals in electronics. We can have gold or copper wiring in the lens that would not obstruct the view.</li>
<li>Most importantly, we are now in a phase of assembling a toolbox for the future: the whole semiconductor segment can be reimagined based on 2D materials. Moreover, we can build photonic devices that can match the scale of electronic semiconductors and shift the whole industry towards photonics.</li>
<li>Finally, and this is very important for our vision of how personal devices are going to evolve: 2D materials open new possibilities for sensorics, bio-compatibility, and overall better human-machine integration (which is a whole separate subject).
While building a lens that would be actually wearable and functional requires 2D materials, the lens is just one example of the transformation the industry will have to undergo in order to evolve to the next stage. And maybe this new age won’t be referred to by its key material, but it would nevertheless be strongly dependent on some of them.</li>
</ol>
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

The Role of 2D Materials in Creating a Smart Lens

![vision.jpg](https://assets.xpanceo.com/vision_290fcd1b3b_871f010228.jpg)

Throughout their history, personal computing devices have been steadily getting smaller and ‘closer to the body’: from desktops to laptops, to phones. A recent crop of new form factors follows that trend: smartwatches, VR headsets, smart glasses, wireless earbuds with voice assistants – all of them are more portable and/or more personal in the most corporeal way. However, they still fail to offer the universal capabilities of a full personal computer.

The limitations of the existing form factors and their UX are now becoming obvious. They all share one core flaw, each insisting on a very specific use mode and requiring their users to stick to that mode. Despite all the progress in portability and interface design, you still need to adapt to them and use them as dictated by their small screens, buttons, and controls.

There is another major concern here. Electronic equipment is among the world's fastest-growing trash streams, a big source of hidden waste. A staggering 86 kilograms of waste are produced during the manufacture of just one smartphone. Just this single figure demands that we explore alternatives.

Smartphones will soon have run their course, so it's time for us to look at the way we imagine personal tech in sci-fi. Our imaginary advanced gadgets must offer visual output that covers a full field of view; they must always be prepared to instantly perceive and interpret natural human input. AR/XR glasses offer an approximation of this user experience but can at best pass for a crude proof-of-concept made of available ‘ingredients’.

We believe that our company developing the next generation of computing via an invisible and weightless smart contact lens, will reinvent the whole concept of human-technology interaction and redefine the way we experience both real and digital worlds. It will succeed smartphones to become the dominant personal computing device, as long as it:

(a) retains the size and look of the existing contact lenses,

(b) is capable enough to cover not just some but all personal computing tasks,

(c) becomes one infinite screen that brings together all personal gadgets and data.

This may seem far-fetched to many due to the perceptive inertia of the traditional, silicon-based understanding of electronics. But we don’t have to be bound to it.

Recent research into novel 2D materials has opened a whole new world of possibilities for technological processes. Not only can we build waveguides, lenses, filters, modulators, and other optical components that defy conventional wisdom, but we can also design logical circuitry made of layered 2D materials that relies on photonics.

Our in-house team of physicists is led by Valentyn Volkov, one of the world’s top experts in photonics. They work in lockstep with our engineers to bridge cutting-edge science and product development, creating an invisible and weightless smart contact lens that is as natural to the wearer as their own vision. Progress in this area will unlock a whole new industry and bring about new categories of devices to be designed and mass-produced.

The revolutionary products are defined by their ability to deliver the most suitable form factor for an in-demand use case. A smart contact lens, the way we imagine it, sits exactly in this sweet spot. Everything the modern digital technologies have to offer, from enhanced sensing and communication to smart control of the tech around us, to contextually useful information, can be blended and seamlessly brought into a user’s field of view. Merging all your gadgets into one, the lens transforms the everyday into an infinite eXtended Reality experience. This is going to be the next big thing, the next era-defining personal gadget, just like laptops and phones before it.

© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

<img src="https://assets.xpanceo.com/vision_290fcd1b3b_871f010228.jpg" alt="vision.jpg">
Throughout their history, personal computing devices have been steadily getting smaller and ‘closer to the body’: from desktops to laptops, to phones. A recent crop of new form factors follows that trend: smartwatches, VR headsets, smart glasses, wireless earbuds with voice assistants – all of them are more portable and/or more personal in the most corporeal way. However, they still fail to offer the universal capabilities of a full personal computer.
The limitations of the existing form factors and their UX are now becoming obvious. They all share one core flaw, each insisting on a very specific use mode and requiring their users to stick to that mode. Despite all the progress in portability and interface design, you still need to adapt to them and use them as dictated by their small screens, buttons, and controls.
There is another major concern here. Electronic equipment is among the world's fastest-growing trash streams, a big source of hidden waste. A staggering 86 kilograms of waste are produced during the manufacture of just one smartphone. Just this single figure demands that we explore alternatives.
Smartphones will soon have run their course, so it's time for us to look at the way we imagine personal tech in sci-fi. Our imaginary advanced gadgets must offer visual output that covers a full field of view; they must always be prepared to instantly perceive and interpret natural human input. AR/XR glasses offer an approximation of this user experience but can at best pass for a crude proof-of-concept made of available ‘ingredients’.
We believe that our company developing the next generation of computing via an invisible and weightless smart contact lens, will reinvent the whole concept of human-technology interaction and redefine the way we experience both real and digital worlds. It will succeed smartphones to become the dominant personal computing device, as long as it:
(a) retains the size and look of the existing contact lenses,
(b) is capable enough to cover not just some but all personal computing tasks,
(c) becomes one infinite screen that brings together all personal gadgets and data.
This may seem far-fetched to many due to the perceptive inertia of the traditional, silicon-based understanding of electronics. But we don’t have to be bound to it.
Recent research into novel 2D materials has opened a whole new world of possibilities for technological processes. Not only can we build waveguides, lenses, filters, modulators, and other optical components that defy conventional wisdom, but we can also design logical circuitry made of layered 2D materials that relies on photonics.
Our in-house team of physicists is led by Valentyn Volkov, one of the world’s top experts in photonics. They work in lockstep with our engineers to bridge cutting-edge science and product development, creating an invisible and weightless smart contact lens that is as natural to the wearer as their own vision. Progress in this area will unlock a whole new industry and bring about new categories of devices to be designed and mass-produced.
The revolutionary products are defined by their ability to deliver the most suitable form factor for an in-demand use case. A smart contact lens, the way we imagine it, sits exactly in this sweet spot. Everything the modern digital technologies have to offer, from enhanced sensing and communication to smart control of the tech around us, to contextually useful information, can be blended and seamlessly brought into a user’s field of view. Merging all your gadgets into one, the lens transforms the everyday into an infinite eXtended Reality experience. This is going to be the next big thing, the next era-defining personal gadget, just like laptops and phones before it.
© 2023 XPANCEO. All rights reserved.

Blog

Our vision

Learn more

about our product and tech