Focusing on optics

Optomel has been awarded a Test Valley Business Incentive Grant to boost its development of next generation photonic materials. The company joined Southampton Science Park’s Catalyst programme in the autumn.

Optomel is a start-up photonics company, commercialising products and devices enabled by breakthrough optical materials. The company’s approach allows sophisticated optical filters to be thinner, lighter and larger compared to existing interference filters – and more scalable to large volumes. In practice, this allows optics designers and innovators to create new applications and address growth markets ranging from multi-spectral imaging, biophotonics  and laser protection through to augmented reality screens.

Peter Birkett, Science Park CEO, commented: “We are delighted that Dr Damian Gardiner’s breakthrough work has been acknowledged as having considerable commercial potential by Test Valley Borough Council with this financial boost. Historically, a number of our Catalyst companies have benefited from these grants and they come at a time when start-up companies are most in need of financial support. Such support demonstrates our local council’s commitment to developing a strong and competitive local economy.”

www.optomel.com