STMicroelectronics, a global supplier of semiconductor technologies, has signed a new licensing agreement with Metalenz, a company developing flat optical components based on metasurfaces. The agreement gives ST wider access to Metalenz’s intellectual property, allowing it to manufacture advanced optical components using its 300mm production facilities, which combine semiconductor and optical manufacturing under one roof.
“We are the only supplier offering integrated semiconductor and optical processing on 300mm wafers,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive VP and General Manager of ST’s Imaging Sub-Group. “Since 2022, we’ve delivered over 140 million units of metasurface optics and FlightSense™ modules using Metalenz technology. This new agreement strengthens our position across key markets—including smartphones, cars, and industrial automation—with applications ranging from facial recognition and LIDAR to robotics and object tracking.”
Rob Devlin, co-founder and CEO of Metalenz, said the partnership represents an important step in scaling up the use of metasurfaces across mainstream consumer electronics. “This agreement will accelerate the transition of optics manufacturing into the semiconductor domain. As demand for 3D sensing grows, our combined strengths—ST’s production capabilities and our optical innovations—are reshaping the sensor market we helped create.” Metasurface optics, which use engineered surfaces to manipulate light, are expected to play a growing role in display and imaging technologies. Industry research forecasts the market could reach $2 billion by 2029 (source: Yole Group, 2024).
STMicroelectronics employs around 50,000 people and supports over 200,000 customers across multiple industries. The company focuses on products that improve energy efficiency, mobility, and connectivity. ST is working toward full carbon neutrality in its operations and aims to use 100% renewable electricity by 2027.
Metalenz, which grew out of research at Harvard University, is developing metasurface-based solutions for consumer electronics. Its optics replace multi-lens systems with a single flat component, enabling slimmer, more efficient designs. The company’s Polar ID technology is a compact, secure facial recognition system that leverages the unique light-sorting properties of metasurfaces, offering capabilities beyond traditional imaging systems.
