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{{Distinguish|CREAL Inc. (Japan)|the Japanese real estate investment company}}
{{Company Infobox
{{Company Infobox
|image= <!-- Placeholder: An image of the CREAL logo or technology would typically be uploaded and linked here -->
|image=[[File:creal1.jpg|350px]]
|Type= [[Startup]], Private
|Type=Private company
|Industry= [[Display technology]], [[Augmented Reality|AR]]/[[Virtual Reality|VR]]/[[Mixed Reality|MR]], [[Optics]], [[Electronics]], [[Vision care]] <ref name="venturelab_profile">{{cite web | url=https://www.venturelab.swiss/CREAL-SA | title=CREAL SA - Venturelab | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref><ref name="prnewswire_clarity">{{cite web | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creal-unveils-its-new-light-field-display-for-augmented-reality-the-next-generation-of-ar-coming-today-302358332.html | title=CREAL Unveils its New Light Field Display for Augmented Reality: The Next Generation of AR Coming Today | publisher=PR Newswire | date=2025-01-23 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref><ref name="daa_partner">{{cite web | url=https://daacapital.com/portfolio/creal/ | title=CREAL | DAA Capital Partners | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
|Industry=[[Display technology]], [[Augmented Reality]], [[Virtual Reality]], [[Light-field Display]]
|Founded= {{Start date|2017|11|10}} <ref name="venturelab_profile"/><ref name="verve_interview">{{cite web | url=https://verve.vc/insights/interview-tomas-sluka-creal-the-ar-glasses-of-the-future/ | title=Interview Tomas Sluka - CREAL - The AR glasses of the future | publisher=Verve Ventures | date=2022-04-22 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref><ref name="auganix_2024avail">{{cite web | url=https://auganix.org/creal-announces-2024-availability-of-its-light-field-ar-solution/ | title=CREAL announces 2024 availability of its light field AR solution | publisher=Auganix.org | date=2023-09-26 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
|Founded=November 2017
|Founder= [[Tomas Sluka]], [[Alexander Kvasov]], [[Tomas Kubes]] <ref name="verve_interview"/><ref name="tracxn_founders">{{cite web | url=https://tracxn.com/d/founders/57mQeQ68b7n1i107pYF9i4k2G7T3i9J9P6C7U3F1I6V7G5/creal/_/ | title=CREAL - 2025 Founders and Board of Directors | publisher=Tracxn | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
|Founder=Tomas Sluka, Alexander Kvasov
|Headquarters= Chemin de la Dent d'Oche 1A, [[Ecublens, Vaud|Ecublens]], [[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]] <ref name="venturelab_profile"/><ref name="cb_hq">{{cite web | url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/creal | title=CREAL - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref><ref name="prnewswire_clarity"/> <!-- Multiple sources confirm Ecublens/Lausanne -->
|Headquarters=Lausanne, Switzerland
|Notable Personnel= Tomas Sluka ([[CEO]] & Co-Founder) <ref name="prnewswire_clarity"/><ref name="verve_interview"/><ref name="tracxn_founders"/><ref name="theorg_people">{{cite web | url=https://theorg.com/org/creal/org-chart | title=CREAL - HQ | publisher=The Org | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref><ref name="engcom_focus">{{cite web | url=https://www.engineering.com/story/in-focus-creal-offers-novel-xr-light-field-solution | title=Let's Focus Here: CREAL Promises AR We Can All Wear All Day | publisher=Engineering.com | date=2023-09-26 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
|Notable Personnel=Tomas Sluka (CEO and Co-founder), Alexander Kvasov (Co-founder)
|Products= [[Light-field]] [[micro-display]] technology, "Clarity" light-field display prototype, Technology licenses <ref name="prnewswire_clarity"/><ref name="venturelab_profile"/><ref name="creal_clarity_tech">{{cite web | url=https://creal.com/technology/clarity | title=Creal Clarity light field display technology renders 3D AR scenes with full depth information | publisher=CREAL | date=2025-01-27 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref><ref name="creal_tech">{{cite web | url=https://creal.com/technology/ | title=The natural display of augmented reality I CREAL light-field display | publisher=CREAL | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
|Products=Light-field micro-display technology
|Parent= <!-- N/A -->
|Parent=
|Website= {{URL|https://www.creal.com}} <ref name="prnewswire_clarity"/><ref name="swisscom_profile">{{cite web | url=https://ventures.swisscom.com/portfolio/creal/ | title=CREAL - Swisscom Ventures | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
|Website=https://creal.com/
}}
}}
{{see also|Companies}}
[[CREAL]] (pronounced "see real") is a [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[display technology]] [[company]] specializing in [[light-field display]] solutions for [[augmented reality]] (AR) and [[virtual reality]] (VR) applications. Founded in 2017 by former [[CERN]] engineers, the company develops advanced light-field micro-display technology that enables a more natural visual experience in AR and VR systems by accurately recreating how light exists in the real world.<ref name="venturelab">{{cite web |url=https://www.venturelab.swiss/creal |title=CREAL SA |publisher=Venturelab |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref><ref name="roadtovr2019">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal3d-light-field-display-ar-vr-ces-2019/ |title=Founded by CERN Engineers, CREAL3D's Light-field Display is the Real Deal |publisher=Road to VR |date=June 1, 2019 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>


'''CREAL SA''' is a [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[display technology]] [[startup]] company headquartered in [[Ecublens, Vaud|Ecublens]], near [[Lausanne]]. [10, 3] Founded in November 2017, the company specializes in developing [[light-field]] [[micro-display]] technologies primarily aimed at [[Augmented Reality]] (AR) and [[Virtual Reality]] (VR) applications, as well as the [[vision care]] industry. [10, 3, 5, 11, 21] CREAL's core technological focus is to address the [[vergence-accommodation conflict]] (VAC), a common issue in conventional [[Head-mounted display|HMDs]] that can cause eye strain, fatigue, and nausea. [5, 6, 7, 11, 13, 18, 20, 21, 22] By projecting images with true depth cues that mimic how light behaves in the real world, CREAL's displays aim to allow users' eyes to focus naturally at varying distances, enabling a more comfortable and realistic visual experience. [3, 4, 7, 8, 21, 22]
The company's advanced technology addresses a critical challenge in the AR/VR industry known as the "[[vergence-accommodation conflict]]," which causes visual discomfort, eye strain, and limits the capability of current AR and VR displays to show objects at realistic focal distances.<ref name="venturebeat2023">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/metaverse/creal-shows-breakthrough-in-light-field-ar-glasses/ |title=Creal shows breakthrough in light field AR glasses that focus your eyes better |publisher=VentureBeat |date=September 26, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
CREAL was co-founded in November 2017 by [[Tomas Sluka]], [[Alexander Kvasov]], and [[Tomas Kubes]]. [10, 5, 15] Tomas Sluka, who serves as CEO, was previously a researcher at [[École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne|EPFL]] and [[CERN]]. [5] The founding was driven partly by Sluka's personal negative experiences with the visual discomfort caused by early VR headsets and the realization that the vergence-accommodation conflict was a fundamental unsolved problem hindering the adoption of [[XR|extended reality]] technologies. [5, 27] He began exploring solutions and developed a promising light-field projector concept, which formed the basis for CREAL. [5]


The company initially operated within the [[EPFL Innovation Park]] in Lausanne, a major Swiss technology hub. [6, 11] CREAL has since established its headquarters in Ecublens. [10, 14] The technical team comprises experts with backgrounds from prominent research institutions and technology companies, including CERN, EPFL, [[Intel]], and [[Magic Leap]]. [3, 5, 6, 11, 18, 32] The company employed around 20 people by late 2021 and approximately 30 employees (25 full-time equivalents) by late 2023. [6, 20]
CREAL was founded in November 2017 by Tomas Sluka and Alexander Kvasov in Lausanne, Switzerland.<ref name="prnewswire2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creal-announces-commercial-availability-of-light-field-augmented-reality-hardwaresoftware-solution-by-early-2024-achieved-with-18m-in-funding-to-date-301939281.html |title=CREAL Announces Commercial Availability of Light Field Augmented Reality Hardware/Software Solution by Early 2024, Achieved with $18M in Funding to Date |publisher=PR Newswire |date=September 26, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref> The company emerged from the Swiss tech innovation hub with a technical team drawn from cutting-edge projects at institutions such as [[CERN]], [[École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne|EPFL]], Intel, and Magic Leap.<ref name="prnewswire2023" />


CREAL has secured significant funding through several rounds:
The company's name "CREAL" is a play on "seeing real," reflecting their mission to create display technology that allows users to perceive digital content in the same way they see the real world.<ref name="venturebeat2023" />
* '''Seed Round (2018):''' CHF 0.85 million. [18]
* '''Series A (2019):''' CHF 4.3 million. [18]
* '''[[Horizon Europe|EIC Grant]] (2019):''' €2.5 million (approx. CHF 2.5 million) from the [[European Union]]'s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. [18, 25]
* '''Series A+ (Nov 2020):''' CHF 6.5 million, led by [[Swisscom Ventures]] and joined by existing investors [[Verve Ventures]], [[DAA Capital Partners]], and Ariel Luedi. [13, 18, 22] This brought total funding at the time to approximately CHF 14.2 million. [18]
* '''Series B Prime (Oct 2024):''' An undisclosed amount led by [[Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH]] ([[ZEISS]]). [26, 25]


By late 2023, the company had raised a total of USD $22 million and secured 17 patent families for its technology. [10] Key investors include Swisscom Ventures, Verve Ventures, DAA Capital Partners, the EIC Fund (European Union), and ZEISS. [13, 18, 11, 25, 26]
CEO Tomas Sluka's journey into light-field technology began around 2012-2014, motivated by his personal sensitivity to the vergence-accommodation conflict experienced in early VR headsets.<ref name="venturebeat2023" />
 
=== Key Milestones ===
 
* '''2017 (November)''': CREAL founded by Tomas Sluka and Alexander Kvasov in Lausanne, Switzerland.<ref name="prnewswire2023" />
* '''2018 (May)''': Closed a CHF 0.85 million seed round led by SICTIC investors.<ref name="startupticker2019">{{cite web |url=https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/december-2019/chf7-3-million-will-help-creal-to-bring-true-immersion-to-virtual-reality |title=CHF7.3 million will help CREAL to bring true immersion to Virtual Reality |publisher=Startupticker.ch |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
* '''2019 (January)''': Demonstrated their first prototype light-field display at CES 2019.<ref name="roadtovr2019" />
* '''2019''': Raised a Series A round of CHF 4.3 million, plus CHF 2.5 million as a grant from the European Innovation Council, and another CHF 0.5 million as a subsidized loan from the Fondation pour l'Innovation Technologique.<ref name="roadtovr2020funding">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal-series-a-investment-funding-grant/ |title=CREAL Picks up $7.4 Million in Funding for Its Light-field Tech |publisher=Road to VR |date=January 9, 2020 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
* '''2020 (January)''': Showcased progress in miniaturizing their light-field display technology at CES 2020.<ref name="roadtovr2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/ces-2020-creal-light-field-shrinking-for-ar-vr-headsets/ |title=Hands-on: CREAL is Shrinking Its Light-field Display for AR & VR Headsets |publisher=Road to VR |date=January 9, 2020 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
* '''2020 (November)''': Raised CHF 6.5 million (~$7.2 million) in a Series A+ investment round led by Swisscom Ventures with participation from existing investors Investiere, DAA Capital Partners, and Ariel Luedi.<ref name="startupticker2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/creal-raises-chf-6-5-million |title=CREAL raises CHF 6.5 million |publisher=Startupticker.ch |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
* '''2021''': Created preliminary AR and VR headset development kits.<ref name="roadtovr2020A+">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal-light-field-display-series-a-plus-investment/ |title=CREAL Raises $7.2 Million to Bring its Light-field Display to AR Glasses |publisher=Road to VR |date=December 2, 2020 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
* '''2023 (September)''': Announced commercial availability of its light-field AR solution by early 2024, with a total of $18 million in funding raised to date.<ref name="auganix2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.auganix.org/ar-news-creal-announces-commercial-availability-of-its-light-field-augmented-reality-solution-by-early-2024/ |title=CREAL announces 2024 availability of its light field AR solution |publisher=Auganix |date=September 26, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
*'''2024 (September)''': In September 2024, CREAL announced a significant licensing agreement with [[ZEISS Vision Care]], under which ZEISS will integrate CREAL's light-field display technology into devices aimed at creating a digitized vision care platform for examining eye conditions and simulating lenses, intended to modernize vision diagnostics.
* '''2025 (January)''': Unveiled its new light-field display for augmented reality ready for integration.<ref name="prnewswire2025">{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creal-unveils-its-new-light-field-display-for-augmented-reality-the-next-generation-of-ar-coming-today-302356519.html |title=CREAL Unveils its New Light Field Display for Augmented Reality: The Next Generation of AR Coming Today |publisher=PR Newswire |date=January 23, 2025 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
* '''2025 (March)''': Achieved first light from Photonic Integrated Chip.<ref name="creal2025">{{cite web |url=https://creal.com/ |title=CREAL LIGHT-FIELD DISPLAY I Bringing AR within arm's reach |publisher=CREAL |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
* '''2025 (April)''': Ex-Meta's Reality Labs VP of Research (AR/VR Display & Optics) joined CREAL advisory board.<ref name="creal2025" />


== Technology ==
== Technology ==
CREAL's core innovation lies in its [[light-field]] [[display]] technology, designed to overcome the limitations of traditional AR/VR displays. [3, 4, 8] Conventional displays typically present stereoscopic images on flat screens set at a fixed focal distance. [3, 7, 13, 18, 22] This creates a mismatch between [[Vergence|vergence]] (the angle of the eyes converging on an object) and [[Accommodation (eye)|accommodation]] (the eye lens focusing at a specific distance), known as the [[Vergence-accommodation conflict|vergence-accommodation conflict]] (VAC). [6, 7, 20] This conflict is a primary cause of visual discomfort, eye strain, and [[nausea]] during prolonged use of AR/VR devices. [6, 7, 11, 13, 18, 21]


CREAL's light-field approach aims to recreate the way light rays naturally emanate from objects in the real world. [3, 8, 21] By projecting digital content with genuinely three-dimensional, hologram-like properties and correct depth cues, the technology allows each eye to naturally adjust its focus for objects at different virtual distances, just as it would in reality. [3, 4, 8, 13, 18, 21, 22] This is intended to eliminate the VAC, providing a visually comfortable, healthy, and more immersive experience, particularly for interactions within personal space where depth perception is critical. [3, 4, 6, 7, 8]
=== Light-field Display Technology ===
 
CREAL's core innovation is its light-field display technology, which differs fundamentally from conventional displays used in current AR and VR headsets. While conventional displays present two flat-screen images to create a stereoscopic illusion of three-dimensional imagery, CREAL's technology recreates the light rays as they exist in the real world.<ref name="auganix2023" />
 
The key technological advantage of CREAL's solution lies in its ability to support both focus mechanisms of the human visual system:<ref name="roadtovr2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal-light-field-display-new-immersion-ar/ |title=Hands-on: CREAL's Light-field Display Brings a New Layer of Immersion to AR |publisher=Road to VR |date=June 3, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>


Key features and components of CREAL's technology include:
1. '''Vergence''' (also called stereoscopy): Where both eyes point at the same object to bring overlapping views of that object into focus
* '''True Depth Projection:''' Projects images allowing natural focus from very close distances to infinity. [3, 20]
2. '''Accommodation''': The ability to focus at different distances by bending the lens of the eye
* '''High Resolution & Contrast:''' Aims to match or exceed the spatial resolution of current AR glasses, with high contrast ratios (e.g., over 1,000:1 mentioned for the Clarity prototype). [8]
* '''Prescription Compatibility:''' Integrates with conventional prescription lenses, allowing users to see both the real and virtual worlds corrected for their vision. [3, 4, 7, 8] This can be achieved using a transparent [[Holography|holographic]] film applied to the lens. [4, 20] The system can also reportedly correct for near/far-sightedness by rendering the light field as if viewed through simulated prescription lenses. [8]
* '''High Transparency:''' Designed to maintain clear vision of the real world and enable natural eye contact, crucial for social acceptance of AR glasses. [3, 4, 7]
* '''Miniaturization & Efficiency:''' Ongoing work focuses on reducing the size and weight of the hardware components and improving computational efficiency to enable integration into standard eyeglass form factors. [5, 7] CREAL has reported achieving first light from a [[Photonic integrated circuit|Photonic Integrated Chip]] (PIC) in March 2025, a step towards further miniaturization. [2]
* '''[[OpenXR]] Compatibility:''' The display technology is compatible with the OpenXR standard, facilitating broader application development and adoption. [3, 7, 12]


=== Clarity Prototype ===
By supporting both mechanisms, CREAL's display addresses the "vergence-accommodation conflict" that causes visual discomfort in conventional AR and VR displays, where the eyes are forced to focus at a fixed distance while attempting to converge on objects that appear at different depths.<ref name="venturebeat2023" />
In January 2025, CREAL announced its "Clarity" light-field display prototype was ready for integration by [[Original equipment manufacturer|OEMs]]. [3, 8] This iteration represents a significant reduction in size compared to earlier prototypes, making it compact enough to potentially fit into standard [[Smartglasses|eyeglass]] designs. [7, 8] The Clarity display was demonstrated at the [[SPIE]] AR | VR | MR conference in early 2025. [3, 7] It reportedly renders over 1,000 depth plane images using pinhole-like optics to project the light field. [8]
 
=== Technical Implementation ===
 
According to a 2017 patent application by CREAL co-founder Tomas Sluka titled "Near-eye sequential light-field projector with correct monocular depth cues," the company's approach to creating light-fields differs from traditional methods:<ref name="lightfield-forum">{{cite web |url=http://lightfield-forum.com/2019/01/patent-how-creal3d-light-field-display-works-without-a-microlens-array/ |title=Patent: How CREAL3D's Light Field Display Works Without a Microlens Array |publisher=LightField Forum |date=January 23, 2019 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
 
* Instead of using a microlens array (a common approach in light-field technology), CREAL's device emits several smaller pinhole-aperture light fields
* These smaller light fields are guided to the eye using mirrors
* The light fields can be produced using a pinhole mask in front of multiple LEDs, or with individual diodes coupled with an optical fiber whose exit point acts as a point light
* These sub-light fields are selectively combined into a single light field by use of a spatial light modulator (SLM)
* The SLM can use various mechanisms to selectively guide light rays or pin-hole light fields into or out of view, with a digital micromirror device being the primary example described in the patent
 
For AR applications, CREAL's light-field display uses a combiner (no waveguides needed) with a thin holographic film laminated onto a standard or prescription lens, making it compatible with vision correction requirements.<ref name="auganix2023" />
 
The company has continually miniaturized its technology from large benchtop demonstrations to progressively smaller form factors suitable for head-mounted displays.<ref name="roadtovr2020" /> In March 2025, CREAL achieved first light from a Photonic Integrated Chip, marking a significant step in the miniaturization process.<ref name="creal2025" />


== Products and Business Model ==
== Products and Business Model ==
CREAL does not plan to manufacture and sell its own branded end-user AR/VR devices. [20] Instead, its business model focuses on developing and licensing its patented light-field micro-display technology stack to OEMs, [[Original design manufacturer|ODMs]], and other companies in the consumer electronics, [[Big Tech]], and vision care sectors. [3, 8, 10, 11, 20] The company offers technology evaluation kits, integration solutions, and licenses to enable partners to incorporate CREAL's displays into their next-generation products. [10]


As of late 2023, CREAL stated that several leading AR glasses and headset ODMs were evaluating its technology for integration into products expected to become commercially available starting in 2024. [11] The company estimated that the hardware components for its system could cost less than $100 per unit when manufactured at scale. [20]
Rather than developing its own headsets, CREAL positions itself as a technology creator and licensor. The company develops reference designs and technology packages that can be integrated into partners' products.<ref name="roadtovr2020funding" /><ref name="skarredghost2021">{{cite web |url=https://skarredghost.com/2021/10/22/creal-ar-vr-lightfields/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on CREAL lightfield XR headsets |publisher=The Ghost Howls |date=October 25, 2021 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
 
CREAL's product offerings include:
 
* Technology evaluation kits for potential partners
* Light-field display reference designs for AR and VR applications
* Licensable hardware and software packages
* Integration services for OEMs and ODMs
 
The company's light-field technology is particularly focused on enabling AR experiences within the user's personal space (arm's reach), where traditional AR displays struggle due to vergence-accommodation conflicts.<ref name="creal_tech">{{cite web |url=https://creal.com/technology/ |title=Enabling genuine focus at any distance I CREAL light-field technology |publisher=CREAL |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
 
== Applications ==
 
CREAL's light-field display technology has various potential applications across multiple industries:<ref name="venturebeat2023" />
 
* '''Healthcare''': Allowing surgeons to view medical information through AR glasses while performing procedures, enhancing precision and reducing the need to consult external displays
* '''Technical Training''': Facilitating more intuitive training for technical tasks by showing how to perform repairs or maintenance with properly focused AR overlays
* '''Gaming and Entertainment''': Providing more comfortable and realistic VR/AR experiences by eliminating eye strain and nausea
* '''Vision Care''': Integrating AR capabilities with prescription eyewear while maintaining optimal vision correction


== Partnerships ==
== Investment and Growth ==
* '''[[ZEISS]]''': In September 2024, CREAL announced a significant licensing agreement with Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH (ZEISS). [24, 32, 33] Under this partnership, ZEISS plans to integrate CREAL's light-field technology into a new digital vision care platform. [24, 32] This platform aims to modernize eye examinations by enabling digital diagnosis of eye conditions and virtual simulation of various ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses within the testing device, potentially replacing older, manual refraction methods. [32] ZEISS subsequently led CREAL's Series B Prime funding round announced in October 2024. [26, 25]
* '''IMVERSE''': CREAL has mentioned a collaboration with IMVERSE, another Swiss tech company, focused on enabling [[Holographic display|holographic]] collaboration in [[Augmented Reality]]. [12]


== External Links ==
Since its founding in 2017, CREAL has successfully raised significant funding to support its research and development efforts:
* {{URL|https://www.creal.com|Official Website}}
 
* '''May 2018''': CHF 0.85 million seed round led by SICTIC investors<ref name="startupticker2019" />
* '''2019''': CHF 7.3 million (CHF 4.3M Series A round, CHF 2.5M grant from the European Innovation Council, CHF 0.5M loan from Fondation pour l'Innovation Technologique)<ref name="roadtovr2020funding" />
* '''November 2020''': CHF 6.5 million (~$7.2 million) Series A+ round led by Swisscom Ventures<ref name="startupticker2020" />
 
As of September 2023, CREAL had raised a total of $18 million in funding and expanded to a team of approximately 30 people worldwide.<ref name="prnewswire2023" /> The company has secured 17 patent families related to its light-field technology.<ref name="venturelab" />
 
== See Also ==
 
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[Virtual Reality]]
* [[Light-field]]
* [[Vergence-accommodation conflict]]
* [[Display technology]]


== References ==
== References ==
<references>
<references>
<ref name="venturelab_profile">{{cite web | url=https://www.venturelab.swiss/CREAL-SA | title=CREAL SA - Venturelab | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="venturelab">{{cite web |url=https://www.venturelab.swiss/creal |title=CREAL SA |publisher=Venturelab |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="prnewswire_clarity">{{cite web | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creal-unveils-its-new-light-field-display-for-augmented-reality-the-next-generation-of-ar-coming-today-302358332.html | title=CREAL Unveils its New Light Field Display for Augmented Reality: The Next Generation of AR Coming Today | publisher=PR Newswire | date=2025-01-23 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr2019">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal3d-light-field-display-ar-vr-ces-2019/ |title=Founded by CERN Engineers, CREAL3D's Light-field Display is the Real Deal |publisher=Road to VR |date=June 1, 2019 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="daa_partner">{{cite web | url=https://daacapital.com/portfolio/creal/ | title=CREAL | DAA Capital Partners | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="venturebeat2023">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/metaverse/creal-shows-breakthrough-in-light-field-ar-glasses/ |title=Creal shows breakthrough in light field AR glasses that focus your eyes better |publisher=VentureBeat |date=September 26, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="verve_interview">{{cite web | url=https://verve.vc/insights/interview-tomas-sluka-creal-the-ar-glasses-of-the-future/ | title=Interview Tomas Sluka - CREAL - The AR glasses of the future | publisher=Verve Ventures | date=2022-04-22 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="prnewswire2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creal-announces-commercial-availability-of-light-field-augmented-reality-hardwaresoftware-solution-by-early-2024-achieved-with-18m-in-funding-to-date-301939281.html |title=CREAL Announces Commercial Availability of Light Field Augmented Reality Hardware/Software Solution by Early 2024, Achieved with $18M in Funding to Date |publisher=PR Newswire |date=September 26, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="auganix_2024avail">{{cite web | url=https://auganix.org/creal-announces-2024-availability-of-its-light-field-ar-solution/ | title=CREAL announces 2024 availability of its light field AR solution | publisher=Auganix.org | date=2023-09-26 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="startupticker2019">{{cite web |url=https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/december-2019/chf7-3-million-will-help-creal-to-bring-true-immersion-to-virtual-reality |title=CHF7.3 million will help CREAL to bring true immersion to Virtual Reality |publisher=Startupticker.ch |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="tracxn_founders">{{cite web | url=https://tracxn.com/d/founders/57mQeQ68b7n1i107pYF9i4k2G7T3i9J9P6C7U3F1I6V7G5/creal/_/ | title=CREAL - 2025 Founders and Board of Directors | publisher=Tracxn | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr2020funding">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal-series-a-investment-funding-grant/ |title=CREAL Picks up $7.4 Million in Funding for Its Light-field Tech |publisher=Road to VR |date=January 9, 2020 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="cb_hq">{{cite web | url=https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/creal | title=CREAL - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/ces-2020-creal-light-field-shrinking-for-ar-vr-headsets/ |title=Hands-on: CREAL is Shrinking Its Light-field Display for AR & VR Headsets |publisher=Road to VR |date=January 9, 2020 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="theorg_people">{{cite web | url=https://theorg.com/org/creal/org-chart | title=CREAL - HQ | publisher=The Org | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="startupticker2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/creal-raises-chf-6-5-million |title=CREAL raises CHF 6.5 million |publisher=Startupticker.ch |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="engcom_focus">{{cite web | url=https://www.engineering.com/story/in-focus-creal-offers-novel-xr-light-field-solution | title=Let's Focus Here: CREAL Promises AR We Can All Wear All Day | publisher=Engineering.com | date=2023-09-26 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr2020A+">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal-light-field-display-series-a-plus-investment/ |title=CREAL Raises $7.2 Million to Bring its Light-field Display to AR Glasses |publisher=Road to VR |date=December 2, 2020 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="creal_clarity_tech">{{cite web | url=https://creal.com/technology/clarity | title=Creal Clarity light field display technology renders 3D AR scenes with full depth information | publisher=CREAL | date=2025-01-27 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="auganix2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.auganix.org/ar-news-creal-announces-commercial-availability-of-its-light-field-augmented-reality-solution-by-early-2024/ |title=CREAL announces 2024 availability of its light field AR solution |publisher=Auganix |date=September 26, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="creal_tech">{{cite web | url=https://creal.com/technology/ | title=The natural display of augmented reality I CREAL light-field display | publisher=CREAL | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="prnewswire2025">{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creal-unveils-its-new-light-field-display-for-augmented-reality-the-next-generation-of-ar-coming-today-302356519.html |title=CREAL Unveils its New Light Field Display for Augmented Reality: The Next Generation of AR Coming Today |publisher=PR Newswire |date=January 23, 2025 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="swisscom_profile">{{cite web | url=https://ventures.swisscom.com/portfolio/creal/ | title=CREAL - Swisscom Ventures | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="creal2025">{{cite web |url=https://creal.com/ |title=CREAL LIGHT-FIELD DISPLAY I Bringing AR within arm's reach |publisher=CREAL |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="ghosthowls_hands_on">{{cite web | url=https://skarredghost.com/2021/10/22/creal-lightfield-xr-headsets-hands-on/ | title=EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on CREAL lightfield XR headsets | publisher=The Ghost Howls | date=2021-10-22 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal-light-field-display-new-immersion-ar/ |title=Hands-on: CREAL's Light-field Display Brings a New Layer of Immersion to AR |publisher=Road to VR |date=June 3, 2023 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="glassalmanac_clarity">{{cite web | url=https://glassalmanac.com/creal-revolutionizes-wearables-new-light-field-display-fits-regular-glasses/ | title=CREAL Revolutionizes Wearables: New Light Field Display Fits Regular Glasses! | publisher=Glass Almanac | date=2025-01-31 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="lightfield-forum">{{cite web |url=http://lightfield-forum.com/2019/01/patent-how-creal3d-light-field-display-works-without-a-microlens-array/ |title=Patent: How CREAL3D's Light Field Display Works Without a Microlens Array |publisher=LightField Forum |date=January 23, 2019 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="startupticker_a+">{{cite web | url=https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/creal-raises-chf-6-5-million | title=CREAL raises CHF 6.5 million | publisher=Startupticker.ch | date=2020-11-17 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="skarredghost2021">{{cite web |url=https://skarredghost.com/2021/10/22/creal-ar-vr-lightfields/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on CREAL lightfield XR headsets |publisher=The Ghost Howls |date=October 25, 2021 |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="verve_a+">{{cite web | url=https://verve.vc/blog/creal-display-technology-chf-6-5-million-series-a/ | title=CREAL (Display Technology): CHF 6.5 million Series A+ | publisher=verve.vc | date=2020-11-17 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="creal_tech">{{cite web |url=https://creal.com/technology/ |title=Enabling genuine focus at any distance I CREAL light-field technology |publisher=CREAL |accessdate=May 2, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="xrtoday_interview">{{cite web | url=https://www.xrtoday.com/mixed-reality/in-focus-creal-offers-novel-xr-light-field-solution/ | title=In Focus: CREAL Offers Novel XR Light Field Solution | publisher=XR Today | date=2021-10-01 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="legalcommunity_b_prime">{{cite web | url=https://legalcommunity.ch/creal-secures-series-b-prime-financing-with-nkf/ | title=Creal secures Series B Prime financing with NKF | publisher=Legalcommunity.ch | date=2024-10-16 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="tracxn_investors">{{cite web | url=https://tracxn.com/d/investors/57mQeQ68b7n1i107pYF9i4k2G7T3i9J9P6C7U3F1I6V7G5/creal/_/ | title=2025 Funding Rounds & List of Investors - CREAL | publisher=Tracxn | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref> <!-- Note: Date in URL seems dynamic; access date is key -->
<ref name="creal_website_news">{{cite web | url=https://creal.com/news/ | title=Latest news and insights I CREAL blog | publisher=CREAL | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref> <!-- Mentions PIC, OpenXR, IMVERSE collab -->
<ref name="creal_zeiss_pr">{{cite web | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910984023/en/ZEISS-to-license-CREAL%E2%80%99s-technology-to-create-a-digital-vision-care-platform | title=ZEISS to license CREAL’s technology to create a digital vision care platform | publisher=Business Wire | date=2024-09-10 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="vrfocus_zeiss">{{cite web | url=https://www.vrfocus.com/2024/09/creal-partners-with-zeiss-to-innovate-vision-care-with-light-field-display-technology/ | title=CREAL partners with ZEISS to innovate vision care with light field display technology | publisher=VRFocus | date=2024-09-10 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr_zeiss">{{cite web | url=https://www.roadtovr.com/creal-zeiss-light-field-display-eye-diagnostic-platform/ | title=Creal and Zeiss Partner on Light Field Display Eye Diagnostic Platform | publisher=Road to VR | date=2024-09-10 | access-date={{CURRENTYEAR}}-{{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY2}} }}</ref>
</references>
</references>


[[Category:Display technology companies]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Augmented reality companies]]
[[Category:Augmented reality companies]]
[[Category:Virtual reality companies]]
[[Category:Virtual reality companies]]
[[Category:Companies based in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Swiss companies]]
[[Category:Display technology companies]]
[[Category:Companies founded in 2017]]
[[Category:Companies founded in 2017]]
[[Category:Optics companies]]
[[Category:Technology companies of Switzerland]]
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