ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A St. John’s-based tech start-up whose aim is to “fundamentally disrupt” a global industry worth $150 billion says it is well on its way to that goal with the release of its first-generation light field display.
Avalon Holographics says the 29-inch development system represents a significant milestone in realizing a fully immersive, natural 3D experience.
“Despite the challenges COVID-19 has presented, it’s an exciting time for our company,” said president and co-founder Wally Haas in a news release.
“Our prototype serves as proof of concept and we’re excited to show the world how natural 3D light field displays will change the way we produce, view, and understand visual content.
“Our goal is to fundamentally disrupt the $150B global display industry, and our prototype launch signals that we’re well on the way.”
The advanced holographic display system is designed to present 3D content without the need for accessories such as glasses or headsets.
It may be even easier to conceptualize if you have seen the movie "Iron Man 2." because that is what brought Haas his inspiration.
He was watching Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr. in the movie, and about to discover a new element, is visualizing atoms holographically.
That got Haas wondering how a Hollywood concept could be achieved in reality.
The eventual result of that musing is a prototype that Avalon Holographics says was designed in collaboration with partners in defence, medical imaging, and industrial design, areas where it remains engaged in active projects. But while these represent early target markets, the company says there are wider-scale future applications for the technology.
“Our early adopters are on the forefront of their respective industries,” says co-founder and vice-president of business development, Russ Baker, “but the long-term potential and applications for our technology are tremendous —from both an enterprise and consumer perspective.
“We’re building light field displays that will eventually replace many of the screens that we use today.”
Avalon has participated in three Canadian government Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) projects, one of which has moved to a second stage. And over the last three years, the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, has invested over $5 million in Avalon Holographics to support several projects, including research and development for new technology, product development, and initiatives to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on its business.
“We’re building light field displays that will eventually replace many of the screens that we use today.” — Russ Baker
“From healthcare to defence, and so many industries in between, Avalon Holographic is leading the way while creating jobs here at home,” said the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl.
The company release had a number of other plaudits, including from representatives of Johns Hopkins University and GE Healthcare (in relation to radiology/ biomedical imaging) and the Royal Canadian Navy (in relation to cognitive dominance, or the facilitation of quick, accurate decision-making under stressful conditions.)
In the past six months, the company has also received widespread official recognition for its work:
• Named to the C100’s 48 Hours in the Valley 2020 cohort, a program introducing Canada’s most promising startups to investors and industry executives in California’s Silicon Valle
• Selected by the U.S. Air Force to attend AFWERX Fusion, where the company pitched their display solutions for the Base of the Future
• Selected by Global Affairs Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service for the 2020 Canadian Technology Accelerator in Silicon Valley , culminating with the company’s first appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt.
The company release had a number of other plaudits, including from representatives of Johns Hopkins University and GE Healthcare (in relation to radiology/ biomedical imaging) and the Royal Canadian Navy (in relation to cognitive dominance, or the facilitation of quick, accurate decision-making under stressful conditions.)
In the past six months, the company has also received widespread official recognition for its work:
- Named to the C100’s 48 Hours in the Valley 2020 cohort, a program introducing Canada’s most promising startups to investors and industry executives in California’s Silicon Valley;
- Selected by the U.S. Air Force to attend AFWERX Fusion, where the company pitched their display solutions for the Base of the Future;
- Selected by Global Affairs Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service for the 2020 Canadian Technology Accelerator in Silicon Valley , culminating with the company’s first appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt.
To learn more about Avalon’s 29-inch prototype, click here.
