Now, who wants a car that you can only drive in daylight hours? Or to put in another way, would you not want a car that drives as safely at night as it does during the day?

Glasgow-based imaging technology startup Metahelios has developed next-generation pixel technology based on metasurfaces which can replace the traditional red/blue/green filter arrays that image sensors use to ‘see’ in colour.

RGB filter array-based sensors have been used for years in imaging devices ranging from cameras and smartphones, and more recently robots and autonomous vehicles.

But they have two main drawbacks.

Firstly, colour accuracy tends to be compromised when the sensors encounter poorly lit environments.

Secondly, RGB filter arrays require complex manufacturing processes using environmentally unfriendly organic chemicals.

Metahelios’ metasurface filters are manufactured in aluminium using tools and processes already well established with image sensor chip foundries.

And they ‘see’ much better than pixels with RGB filter arrays in poor lighting.

In this podcast, Metahelios cofounder and CEO Charles Altuzarra shares insights on navigating research, product development, and funding in the high-tech landscape, and explains how cutting-edge innovation, strategic pivots, and strong industry relationships are shaping the future of image sensors.

PS: An apology! I kept mispronouncing Charles’ surname in the podcast but managed to correct the spelling in the captions in time. Sorry about that!

Podcast outline

* Origins of Metahelios and the significance of its name

* Collaboration and friendship with co-founder Yash Shah

* Development of metasurface technology as a replacement for traditional color filters

* Initial applications in defence and space optics

* Strategic pivot towards automotive and robotics industries

* Challenges in fundraising and navigating the image sensor market

* The importance of patents and IP protection

* Engaging with accelerators like Silicon Catalyst and NATO Diana

* Building industry relationships and licensing strategies

* The role of UK innovation programs and future growth plans

* Lessons learned and advice for scientific entrepreneurs

Topics

* Introduction to Charles Altuzarra and Metahelios’ vision

* The story behind the brand name ‘Metahelios’

* Innovation in optical imaging: The nanostructure-based filter technology

* Early applications in defense and aerospace sectors

* Pivoting from defense to automotive and robotics markets

* Navigating confidential large markets and customer insights

* Advancements in imaging sensors for autonomous vehicles and low-light conditions

* The licensing model and collaboration with image sensor manufacturers

* The development timeline and manufacturing locations

* Fundraising milestones and UK investor engagement

* The importance of patents and protecting IP in high-tech markets

* The role of accelerators (ChipStart, NATO Diana, Luminate) in growth

* Building industry relationships and strategic collaborations

* Lessons learned: What would Charles do differently?

* Future leadership and expansion plans

* Final thoughts on innovation and entrepreneurship in high-tech UK

The BritChips Podcast is proudly sponsored by Silicon Catalyst UK, Official Partner of the government-funded ChipStartUK semiconductor incubator.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anttheantidote.substack.com