However European 3D capture and imaging company Fuel3D was just awarded a major European industry funding grant that could help them modernize how we buy, and fit, eyewear. The European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program has awarded Fuel3D €1.7 million ($1.9 million) in funding to develop a 3D scanning system that will enable full-face capture technology for use in the production of customized eyewear. The funding comes from the “SME instrument” segment of the €80 billion ($89.2 billion) Horizon 2020 program that awards European-based companies with funds to develop innovative and cutting edge technology products.
“We are delighted to have secured Horizon 2020 SME instrument funding for this project. We believe that the eyewear sector will benefit greatly from the advances we have made in fast, measurable 3D image capture, and we are looking forward to building a system that will help set new fitting standards and revenue models in the industry,” said Fuel3D CEO, Stuart Mead.
Fuel3D will be putting together an advisory panel of industry experts ranging from opticians to eyewear manufacturers who will provide them with industry-specific knowledge that will help ensure the success of the project. Companies or individuals looking to be part of the Project 2SEVENTY panel should contact Fuel3D.
“We have already had many interesting conversations with eyewear industry leaders and the formalisation of our advisory panel will help us progress towards defining new standards in both technology and customer service,” said Fuel3D’s project manager Alex McGrath.
Fuel3D’s Project 2SEVENTY will be a two-year process, with the first year being devoted to the development of the prototype system, perfecting the software and optimizing the hardware. The second year of the project will see Fuel3D moving into the product manufacturing phase. They will also focus on developing partners within the eyewear sector and integrate their technology with existing third-party systems, including systems that include the production of custom-fit eyewear and “virtual try-on” technology. Discuss this grant and project further over in the Fuel3D Receives Grant for 3D Scanning Technology forum over at 3DPB.com.