Connect with us

Technology

25+ AR, Datacom, and Consumer Electronics Customer Engagements Validate Myrias Optics’ All-Inorganic Metaoptics Platform

Published

6 months ago

on

All-inorganic NIL emerging as architectural standard for next-generation AR waveguides; Seed 1 extension brings total funding to $7.5m adds University of Massachusetts, Channel 39, and Hub Investment Group

 LOS ANGELES, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Myrias Optics, the leading commercial platform for all-inorganic metaoptics manufactured via additive nanoimprint lithography (NIL) at wafer scale, today announced more than 25 active customer engagements across AR/VR, datacom, and consumer electronics, alongside the close of a $2.7 million Seed 1 extension. All-inorganic NIL produces AR waveguides that are smaller, thermally stable, and manufacturable on existing equipment — the combination required to take smart glasses from prototype to mass-market consumer hardware. The company debuts its AR waveguide and diffractive optics platform at DisplayWeek 2026 (iZone, Los Angeles Convention Center, May 5–7).

The University of Massachusetts, Channel 39, and Hub Investment Group join a nine-investor syndicate led by MassVentures. Combined with a $3.3 million seed round led by Asia Optical and $1.5 million in NSF SBIR funding, Myrias has raised $7.5 million to advance from R&D to pilot production samples for initial design partners in 2026.

To schedule a meeting with Myrias at DisplayWeek 2026: fijol@myriasoptics.com | watkins@myriasoptics.com

25+ Active Engagements and Counting
Since initial commercial funding, Myrias has built an active engagement pipeline of more than 25 accounts spanning the full photonics value chain:

AR/VR OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers — evaluating all-inorganic waveguides for next-generation smart glasses platforms, including multiple global OEMs and Fortune 500 technology companies.Datacom and co-packaged optics leaders — exploring high-index metaoptics for optical interconnects as AI-driven bandwidth demand accelerates.Consumer electronics and automotive OEMs — assessing thermally stable optics for LIDAR, automotive sensing, and consumer device integration.Manufacturing ecosystem partners — preparing NIL equipment and substrate supply chains for pilot production scale-up.

“The velocity of inbound interest since February has been remarkable. OEMs that were in evaluation mode are now requesting samples and discussing pilot timelines. The market isn’t waiting, and neither are we.”
— John Fijol, CEO, Myrias Optics

Independent Validation Accelerates Interest
The customer pull is amplified by a wave of independent technical validation. In April 2026, Chris Chinnock,  one of the display industry’s most respected analysts and president of Insight Media,  published a comprehensive whitepaper, “NIL vs. Etched Waveguides for AR Glasses: Is All-Inorganic NIL the Inevitable Choice?: Part 1: Process”, distributed to more than 15,000 industry subscribers. Part 1 of the paper systematically evaluated three competing waveguide manufacturing approaches with the soon-to-be published Part 2 will evaluate manufacturing, performance and cost issues. Readers can then decide if Myrias’s all-inorganic NIL approach offers the best choice for next-generation waveguides for AR glasses.

The same month, Electronic Design published a feature article, “A Novel Approach to a New Type of Optics”, profiling the company’s technology platform and its implications across AR glasses and data center interconnects.

The convergence of analyst endorsement, trade press coverage, and accelerating customer engagement has created a flywheel effect that the Seed 1 extension reflects.

The Technology Platform
All-inorganic NIL replaces the polymer nanostructures used in conventional nanoimprint lithography, as a drop-in replacement using UV and thermally-stable inorganic materials  eliminating the degradation that limits polymer-based waveguides. Myrias’s platform produces wafer-scale metaoptics with performance characteristics that set it apart from both polymer NIL and direct-etch approaches:

High refractive index — production ready from1.9 to 2.3 on glass today, targeting 2.6 by Q3. Higher index means wider field of view on fewer waveguide plates — thinner, lighter glasses at lower cost per eye.Aspect ratios up to 12:1 — vs. ~6:1 for conventional polymer NIL — delivering brighter displays with higher coupling efficiency and reduced optical loss.Full thermal and optical stability — no degradation under heat, UV, or humidity. Glasses survive direct sunlight, hot cars, and tropical climates without image drift or material breakdown, enabling true all-day consumer wearability.Drop-in equipment compatibility — runs on existing EVG, Canon SmartNIL, and GermanLitho NIL production lines, keeping CapEx low and enabling a path to sub-$100 per eye at volume.Tunable index via ALD backfill — precise waveguide index matching without material changes, eliminating rainbow artifacts and eye glow for social-grade wearability.

“This funding gets us to refractive index 2.6 and that’s the threshold. At 2.6, all-inorganic NIL becomes the inevitable manufacturing choice for broad adoption across the AR and VR industry. No other approach delivers this index at wafer scale on existing production equipment.”
— Jim Watkins, Ph.D., Founder, Myrias Optics

The Architecture Decision Window
The timing is strategic. Between 2027 and 2029, every major AR OEM (Meta, Apple, Samsung, Snap) will lock in the manufacturing approach for their next-generation smart glasses waveguides. The waveguide market, projected at $565 million in 2025, is converging on diffractive architectures. Three approaches are competing:

Type 1 — Polymer NIL: Widely deployed but thermally limited, lower index, aspect ratios capped at ~6:1.Type 2 — All-Inorganic NIL (Myrias): Drop-in for Type 1 equipment. Higher index, 12:1 aspect ratios, full thermal stability. The only approach combining NIL economics with inorganic performance.Type 3 — Direct Etch: High performance but capital-intensive and limited to semiconductor-grade fabs.

Unlike single-application startups, Myrias’s platform serves multiple high-growth photonics markets from a single manufacturing process including AR waveguides, datacom interconnects, beam-shaping optics for LIDAR, and diffractive elements for consumer and automotive sensing.

Meet Myrias at DisplayWeek 2026
Myrias Optics will be exhibiting in the Innovation Zone (iZone) at DisplayWeek 2026, Los Angeles Convention Center, May 5–7. The founding team will be available for meetings, demonstrations of wafer-level meta-optics samples, and discussions of pilot production partnerships.

Company Contacts and/or To schedule a meeting at DisplayWeek:
John Fijol, Ph.D., CEO — fijol@myriasoptics.com
Jim Watkins, Ph.D., Founder — watkins@myriasoptics.com
www.myriasoptics.com

About Myrias Optics

Myrias Optics is commercializing all-inorganic metaoptics manufactured via nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) on silicon carbide and glass substrates. The company’s wafer-level platform delivers tunable refractive indices up to 2.6, aspect ratios exceeding 12:1, and the thermal and optical stability required for next-generation AR waveguides, datacom interconnects, and consumer and automotive applications. Founded by Jim Watkins, Ph.D. (UMass Amherst, NSF Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing) and led by CEO John Fijol, Ph.D. (former Applied Materials), Myrias operates out of UMass Amherst’s world-class nanofabrication facilities. The company has raised $7.5M to date from MassVentures, Asia Optical, UMass, NSF, and a syndicate of deep-tech venture investors.

EDITOR’S NOTES:
This release is an update to the February 27, 2026 announcement of Myrias Optics’ initial Seed 1 close of $2.1M. The round has since been extended to $2.7M with additional strategic investors.

Additional supporting materials available upon request:

Chris Chinnock video review and Part 2 of white paper (forthcoming — Insight Media)High-resolution product images, wafer photographs, and founder headshotsTechnical one-pager and capability brief

Executive interviews and demo appointments available on request.

Tags: AR waveguides, XR optics, VR displays, meta-optics, nanoimprint lithography, diffractive waveguides, all-inorganic NIL, ALD, silicon carbide optics, wafer-scale photonics

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/25-ar-datacom-and-consumer-electronics-customer-engagements-validate-myrias-optics-all-inorganic-metaoptics-platform-302760751.html

SOURCE Myrias Optics

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

PostNet named to the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400 list

Published

2 seconds ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

Leading printing and shipping solutions provider ranks as one of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems

DENVER, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PostNet, a global leader in high-quality printing and shipping solutions, has been named to the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400, ranking No. 327 among the largest U.S.-based franchise systems.

“PostNet has built its success around helping small businesses and consumers get more done in one convenient location,” said PostNet Vice President of Franchise Development Bill McPherson. “That same approach creates an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to own a community-focused business while benefiting from the resources, experience and support of an established franchise system.”

This recognition also reflects PostNet’s ability to evolve alongside the businesses and communities it serves. Over the years, the brand has expanded beyond its roots in traditional printing and shipping to offer a broader mix of design, marketing, mail and business services, allowing franchise owners to adapt to changing customer needs while remaining a trusted local resource.

Ranking Provides Insight into Franchise Growth

The Franchise Times Top 400 is based on global systemwide sales and provides sales and unit growth data on the largest U.S.-based franchise brands. The 2026 ranking found that combined annual sales among the largest U.S.-based franchisors increased 4.3% in 2025 to $784.6 billion.

Franchise Times Editor in Chief Laura Michaels said the annual ranking gives both franchisees and franchisors a clearer picture of system performance across the industry.

“Backed by more than 25 years of research, the Top 400 provides sales and unit growth data points that are essential to understanding franchise system performance,” Michaels said. “Our team of researchers and reporters provides comprehensive segment analysis that is used by existing and prospective franchisees to evaluate a brand’s health and by franchisors to gauge how they stand up against their competitors.”

Recognition Validates PostNet’s Franchise Model

PostNet has earned recognition from several of the franchise industry’s leading organizations in 2026. In addition to its No. 327 ranking on the Franchise Times Top 400, PostNet ranked No. 88 on Franchise Direct’s 2026 Top 100 Global Franchises list and climbed 54 spots to No. 272 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500. The recognition across three prominent industry rankings highlights PostNet’s growth, longevity, franchisee support and strength as an established franchise opportunity.

“Being recognized by several respected franchise industry organizations provides valuable validation of the strength and staying power of the PostNet model,” McPherson said. “For more than 30 years, we’ve continued to adapt our services, technology and support to help our franchise owners meet the changing needs of their customers. These rankings show that our approach continues to resonate in a competitive franchise marketplace.”

PostNet has more than three decades of experience in the printing and shipping industry and more than 200 domestic locations. The company is part of Fortidia, a global commerce platform that includes brands providing shipping, fulfillment, logistics, marketing and print solutions.

For more information about PostNet, visit postnet.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit postnetfranchise.com.

About PostNet
PostNet opened its doors in 1993. With over 700 locations in North America, Central America, South America and South Africa, PostNet is a global leader in printing and shipping solutions. In 2017, PostNet joined the MBE Worldwide family. In 2024 the company rebranded under Fortidia. For more information about PostNet services, visit postnet.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit postnetfranchise.com.

About Fortidia
Fortidia is the brand identity of MBE Worldwide S.p.A. – a company headquartered in Italy – and its affiliates. Fortidia is a global commerce enabler for MSMEs and consumers thanks to its platform including brands providing shipping, fulfillment, logistics, marketing and print solutions: Mail Boxes Etc. (outside the U.S. and Canada), World Options, PACK & SEND, PostNet, ParcelValue, Spedingo, GEL Proximity, AlphaGraphics, Kwik Kopy Australia, Multicopy, and Print Speak. In 2024, its platform – including 3,200+ Business Solutions Centers in 57 countries with over 14,000 associates – served 850,000 business customers worldwide generating €1.45 bln (US$1.65 bln) of System-wide Gross Revenue.

For more information, visit the Fortidia Group websites:

fortidia.com – mbeglobal.com – mbe.it – mbe.es – mbe.de – mbefrance.fr – mbe.pl – mbe.pt – mbe.co.uk – worldoptions.com – packsend.com.au – packsend.co.uk – postnet.com – parcelvalue.eu – spedingo.com/en –  gelproximity.com/en – alphagraphics.com – kwikkopy.com.au – multicopy.nl – printspeak.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/postnet-named-to-the-2026-franchise-times-top-400-list-302909675.html

SOURCE PostNet

Continue Reading

Technology

Simple HVAC maintenance can improve IAQ ahead of winter

Published

24 seconds ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning shares tips to help New York City homeowners create comfortable air before cold weather arrives

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, a family-owned home service company serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1906, is sharing simple steps homeowners can take to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) before winter arrives in the next couple of months.

“Homeowners often focus on making sure their heating systems are ready for winter, but IAQ is just as important,” said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. “When families are indoors for extended periods of time, it’s important to make sure air can circulate properly and that filters aren’t allowing unnecessary dust to build up.”

Petri recommends four simple maintenance steps to help homeowners improve their indoor air quality before winter:

Replace air filters: Dirty filters can reduce airflow and prevent systems from collecting dust and other airborne particles. It’s important to check filters and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure air remains clean and the system is functioning efficiently.Keep air vents clear: Dust can collect on and around air vents over time. Regularly vacuum vents and avoid blocking them to help maintain proper airflow throughout the home.Check ventilation throughout the home: Proper ventilation helps remove moisture and reduce indoor dust and allergens. When weather and outdoor air quality permit, briefly opening windows can also introduce fresh air.Schedule professional heating system maintenance: A professional inspection can identify ventilation concerns, dirty components and potential issues that homeowners may overlook. Regular maintenance is also required by most manufacturers to maintain the warranty.

“Every New York City home is different, so maintaining good indoor air quality isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” Petri said. “Understanding how your system operates and addressing potential problems ahead of winter can make a difference in your home’s comfort once the family is spending more time inside.”

For more information about Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, visit https://www.petriplumbing.com/.

About Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning|
Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100% guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency hours, and friendly and knowledgeable service experts ready to assist you at your home and business. From service, maintenance, replacement and installation, Petri is there for all of your plumbing, heating, cooling & drain cleaning needs. For more information, please visit www.petriplumbing.com or call (718) 717-1089.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simple-hvac-maintenance-can-improve-iaq-ahead-of-winter-302911452.html

SOURCE Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning

Continue Reading

Technology

BML Munjal University hosts ICATS 2026 to explore how AI is reshaping trade and sustainable growth

Published

47 seconds ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Trade and Sustainability brought together 400 participants, 100+ research papers and global experts to examine responsible AI, digital trade and sustainable business

NEW DELHI, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how businesses operate, economies trade and organisations approach sustainability, BML Munjal University (BMU) brought together academicians, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and practitioners at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Trade and Sustainability (ICATS 2026). Held on October 6 and 7 in a hybrid format at the University’s Gurugram campus, the conference examined the intersection of AI, digital transformation, global trade and sustainable development, with around 400 participants and more than 100 research papers.

The two-day conference sought to move the conversation beyond AI as a technology and towards its wider implications for businesses, economies and society. Discussions at ICATS 2026 focused on AI-driven trade ecosystems, smart supply chains, digital commerce, sustainable business models, responsible governance and the future of work, bringing together perspectives from technology, business, economics, management, social sciences and public policy.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Jaskiran Arora, Dean – Education Quality and Professor, School of Management, BML Munjal University said, “Artificial intelligence is no longer shaping businesses in isolation, it is influencing how economies trade, how organisations make decisions and how we think about sustainable growth. ICATS 2026 brings these conversations together because the opportunities created by AI need to be examined alongside questions of responsibility, inclusion and long-term resilience. By bringing academia, industry and policymakers into the same dialogue, the conference aims to encourage ideas and collaborations that can translate technological progress into meaningful and sustainable economic outcomes.”

Sharing her thoughts at the conference, Dr. Nishu Ayedee, Founder and CEO Confab 360 Degree and MentorEDGE said, “ICATS 2026 connects academia and industry through meaningful dialogue on artificial intelligence, trade and sustainability, creating opportunities for collaboration and responsible innovation with lasting societal impact.”

Dr. Buddha Chandrashekhar, CEO Anuvadini AI and CCO, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), graced the conference as the Guest of Honour.

The conference featured participation from leading international institutions including the University of Sydney, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, University of Groningen, High Point University, Rushford Business School, Universidade Portucalense, Sofia University, INTI International University, Tamaulipas Autonomous University and others. Indian institutions including IIM Indore, SRCC, Manipal University, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, IILM University and Dev Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya also participated.

ICATS 2026 brought together experts from academia and industry, including Dr. Chandrashekhar Buddha, CEO, Anuvadini AI, Ministry of Education and CCO, AICTE, along with industry leaders from DBS Bank India, Landis+Gyr India, MAHR Metrology India, Twimbit and Physics Wallah, among others. The conference was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Anuj Kumar, Rushford Business School, Switzerland, and Dr. Michael E. Auer, CEO, CTI Consulting, USA, with Dr. Atul Mishra and Dr. Jolly Masih of BMU serving as Conference Co-Chairs.

The International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Trade and Sustainability (ICATS 2026) was organised by BML Munjal University in collaboration with Confab 360 Degree and Orchid University, Sikkim.

The conference team comprised Dr. Anuj Kumar as Conference Chair; Dr. Jolly Masih and Dr. Atul Mishra as Co-Chairs; Mr. Neelesh Kumar as Convenor; and Dr. Jaya Ahuja and Dr. Meenakshi Malik as Co-Convenors. MentorEDGE and Pathlock were the major sponsors of the conference.

Across its two-day programme, ICATS 2026 featured keynote addresses, industry and global panels, technical research sessions and discussions around the role of AI in emerging economic and social systems. Discussions included the role of resilient academic networks in strengthening global collaboration, as well as the application of AI, Industry 4.0 and sustainable business models.

The conference was structured around five thematic tracks covering AI and emerging technologies; trade, commerce and the digital economy; sustainable business and management; innovation, entrepreneurship and the future of work; and AI, society, education and sustainable development. These tracks covered subjects ranging from Generative AI, Large Language Models and robotics to digital trade, smart supply chains, ESG, circular economy, human-AI collaboration, future skills, smart governance, digital inclusion and data ethics.

With more than 100 research papers received and approximately 400 participants joining through online and offline formats, ICATS 2026 provided a platform for knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. The conference aimed to encourage research and partnerships that contribute to innovative, inclusive and sustainable approaches to economic growth in an increasingly AI-powered world.

About BML Munjal University (BMU)

Named after the late Founder Chairman of the Hero Group, BML Munjal University (BMU) is a not-for-profit initiative established by the promoters of the Hero Group. The University is committed to creating, preserving, and disseminating internationally benchmarked knowledge and skills through a future-facing approach to teaching, learning, and research. BMU aims to transform higher education in India by fostering a world-class, innovative academic ecosystem and nurturing the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.

BMU’s School of Management has been consistently ranked among the top 100 management institutions in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the past five years. In the Careers360 B-School Rankings 2025, the School secured Rank 3 in Haryana and Rank 55 nationally.

The University has also been ranked #5 in India and #1 in Haryana among Top Private Engineering and Technology Universities in the EducationWorld India Higher Education Rankings 2024–25. BMU is accredited with an A-grade by NAAC, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and institutional quality.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/bml-munjal-university-hosts-icats-2026-to-explore-how-ai-is-reshaping-trade-and-sustainable-growth-302912526.html

Continue Reading

Trending