Swave Photonics
Category: AI Chips / Semiconductors
Swave Photonics develops holographic chips for Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) technology, delivering lifelike, high-resolution 3D images. Swave Photonics was founded in 2022. The company is led by Mike Noonen. Based in Leuven, Belgium and Silicon Valley, California, USA. Team size: 20. Total funding raised: €43 million. Latest round: Series A, €27 million. Key investors include imec.xpand, SFPIM Relaunch, EIC Fund, IAG Capital Partners, Murata Electronics North America, Qbic Fund, PMV, Luminate, Samsung Ventures.
- Founded
- 2022
- Headquarters
- Leuven, Belgium and Silicon Valley, California, USA
- Team size
- 20
- Total funding
- €43 million
Value proposition
Swave's HXR technology offers true holography with high-resolution 3D images, enabling a reality-first user experience without the need for AR/VR headsets.
Products and solutions
Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) chips
Unique value
Swave's HXR technology uses the world's smallest pixel to shape light and sculpt high-quality 3D holographic images, creating a reality-first user experience.
Target customer
Manufacturers of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices, as well as industries requiring advanced display technologies.
Industries served
Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Semiconductors, Consumer Electronics
Technology advantage
The use of diffractive photonics technology allows Swave to achieve true holography with high-resolution images, setting it apart from traditional display technologies.
How they differentiate
Swave differentiates itself with its proprietary HXR technology, which provides true holography and a reality-first experience without the need for AR/VR headsets.
Main competitors
Magic Leap, Microsoft (HoloLens), Vuzix
Key partnerships
imec, imec.xpand, SFPIM Relaunch, EIC Fund, IAG Capital Partners, Murata Electronics North America, Qbic Fund, PMV, Luminate
Major milestones
Secured €27 million in Series A funding Developed world's first true holographic display technology Recognized with CES 2025 Innovation Award Appointed Derek Jensen as CFO and Head of Corporate Development (June 2025) Raised €6M follow-on Series A from IAG Capital Partners and Samsung Ventures (June 2025) Recognized with CES 2026 Innovation Award for HXR Spatial Light Modulator (Nov 2025)
Growth metrics
Swave has successfully built its team, proved the capabilities of the technology, and completed prototype designs.
Market positioning
Swave is positioned as a leader in holographic display technology, targeting the AR/VR and consumer electronics markets.
Geographic focus
Global, with a focus on markets in Europe and North America.
Patents and IP
Swave Photonics holds 60 core technology patents related to its holographic display technology.
About Mike Noonen
Mike Noonen has over 30 years of experience in leading technology businesses, resulting in two IPOs and multiple acquisitions. He has held executive roles at companies like Silego Technology, Ambiq Micro, and Cisco Systems. He is also the co-founder and chairman of Silicon Catalyst, a semiconductor solutions incubator.
Official website: https://swave.io/