Morrow

Morrow Eyewear is a Belgian high-tech company founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the research center imec and the University of Ghent. The founders, Paul Marchal (CEO) and Jelle De Smet, leveraged their combined experience in electronics and nanotechnology to develop autofocal glasses as a more comfortable alternative to traditional progressive lenses. Marchal, an engineer with a background in nanoelectronics and digital technologies at imec, met De Smet, who had conceptualized 'tunable' lenses. Together, they pivoted from contact lenses to developing the world's first 'autofocal' eyeglasses.

The company's core product is its eProgressive smart glasses, which feature a patented tunable lens-in-foil technology. This system embeds a thin layer of liquid crystal between two precise optical lenses. At the touch of a button on the frame, a small electrical pulse activates the liquid crystal, changing its refractive index and switching the lens's focal length between near and distance vision in about 0.6 seconds. This technology aims to mimic the natural accommodation of a healthy eye, providing a wider field of view and reducing the distortions often associated with multifocal lenses. The current third-generation product offers a near-vision boost of 1.0 diopter. The glasses are powered by a battery that lasts over two days and can be recharged in under 30 minutes.

Morrow Eyewear targets the market for presbyopia, which affects a significant portion of the population. The business model has evolved from an initial direct-to-consumer approach in Belgium to a B2B model focused on distribution through optical retailers. The company has established a network of partner opticians in Belgium and, through a strategic partnership with Novacel Optical, is expanding into France and Switzerland with plans for further European and U.S. market entry. The glasses retail for around €1,200. To produce the frames, which house the electronic components, the company utilizes 3D printing (Selective Laser Sintering), allowing for on-demand production and customization without large inventories.

The company has raised over €25 million in funding from investors including ZEISS Ventures, New Science Ventures, PMV, Tokai Optecs, and imec.xpand. This financial backing supports technology development, automation of production, and commercial expansion.

Keywords: autofocal glasses, liquid crystal lens, electronic eyewear, presbyopia correction, vision technology, smart glasses, tunable lens, 3D printed frames, optical technology, nanoelectronics