OUR STORY

We redefine the way people see and interact with the world

The journey began in 2004 with Dr Jamieson Christmas’ PhD at Cambridge University, where his research focused on making high quality holographic displays viable for the first time. The research work laid the foundations for what later became a Dynamic Holography Platform.

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Envisics has grown into a globally renowned dynamic holography pioneer, focused on developing holographic technologies for augmented reality head-up displays (AR HUD) and automotive sensor systems. Our branded technology harnesses the power of holography and laser-based light sources to provide the highest possible image quality. Envisics is manipulating light at its most fundamental level.

Holographic augmented reality overlays timely and relevant information upon the real world within the driver’s field of view, reducing the need for the driver to take their eyes off of the road, improving road safety and enhancing the ability to make more informed decisions.

To date, most companies developing holographic technology for the automotive market have focused on the application of Holographic Optical Elements (HOE) in the form of a film that is laminated into the windshield. At Envisics, we are a taking a different approach. Whereas HOE systems use off-the-shelf projector components, we make our images through the manipulation of the speed of light. Our holograms are calculated in real time by the advanced computational power from our proprietary chip designs. Our approach enables OEMs to unlock both 3D imagery and true augmented reality.

Envisics’ AR HUD system enables automakers to project information via near-field and far field views. The system inputs are driven via the vehicle’s Automated Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with graphics and information delivery directed by the automaker and consistent with their brand identity.

Our IP portfolio consists of over one thousand patents pending or granted in the areas of digital holography, algorithms, and related deep technologies. Our research and development is focused on both the application of our patented inventions and continuing to advance the science and mathematics that will enable true digital holography.

Headquartered in Milton Keynes in the U.K., Envisics is a global leader in the field of Augmented-Reality Head-Up Display (AR-HUD) technology for automotive applications. Envisics Ltd. is a private company registered and headquartered in the U.K. Envisics Ltd. is owned by Envisics Inc., a Delaware corporation.   In addition to its U.K. operations, the company also has locations in the USA and Germany together with a presence in Japan. Its workforce numbers over one hundred and is largely comprised of highly qualified R&D scientists and engineers.

Envisics is targeting OEMs and Tier 1 manufacturers (B2B channel) and establishing key partnerships in this sector to cement their position in the AR-HUD space. The HUD market has been growing and is currently populated with mainly TFT-LCD solutions; however, the lack of depth and lower brightness means holography could be a more suitable option for this application. The brightness is fundamental in HUDs, with images having to remain visible even under incident sunlight. Computer-generated holography requires coherent light sources and laser sources are typically the optimal option. A laser source would still be visible in very bright ambient conditions, including very bright sunny days.

What is a HUD?

A HUD, or Head-up Display is a display that a user can see in their field of vision without having to look down or sideways – hence the Head-up name. The HUD’s mission – and its key advantage – is to deliver important information to the driver without them having to move their heads or eyes from the road.

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Our Timeline

2019

In 2019 we unveiled the result of our tireless work at CES. Everybody that saw it was absolutely blown away, hugely impressed. No-one had ever seen anything quite like it: compact HUD design; large image size; augmented reality; in a vehicle. All the things that traditionally have been very difficult to do, they were there in high quality.

2020

In October 2020, Envisics raised $50m from a number of highly complementary blue-chip automotive companies following the successful closing of its series B strategic funding round. The group of investors recognizing the potential of Envisics’ revolutionary approach includes Hyundai Mobis, the global tier one automotive supplier, GM Ventures, the venture capital subsidiary of General Motors, SAIC Capital, the venture investment business of SAIC Motors and Van Tuyl Companies, a US-based family office investment firm.

2022

Timeline Title

In July 2022, Envisics was recognized at the Stellantis technology partnership awards, winning the Automotive Tech category for its pioneering work in Augmented Reality Heads-Up Display. The awards were created to highlight the work of startups supporting Stellantis’ transformation into a sustainable mobility tech company.

2023

In March 2023, Envisics announced the first phase of its Series C strategic funding round had raised over $50 million, led by Hyundai Mobis – an existing strategic investor. Additional investments came from new strategic shareholders InMotion Ventures, the investment arm of Jaguar Land Rover, and Stellantis. In September 2023, Envisics announced the completion of the round, totaling over $100M and giving a valuation of over $500M. The company welcomed M&G Investments as a new investor in the company and a follow-on investment from Van Tuyl Companies.

2025

During 2025, the Envisics Generation Two, dual-plane AR HUD will debut in the Cadillac Lyriq EV. This represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the company and the next development step towards unlocking the true potential of dynamic holographic technology.

Summary

HUDs have found wide adoption in aircraft and luxury automotive and commercial vehicles, but a new growth cycle is starting now that promises to make HUD technology available to a much wider audience at more affordable price points.

Over the past 10 years the automotive industry has seen profound changes driven by the introduction of new technologies including connectivity, autonomy, and electrification. At the same time, the way in which information is delivered to drivers has migrated to increasingly larger screens that enable vehicle functionality, navigation, and entertainment. However, the increasing reliance on screen-based information delivery systems is creating an attention challenge for drivers, particularly in complex urban environments.

Envisics is working to address this challenge through the application of true digital and dynamic holography that owes its inspiration from the very first Star Wars movie and the projection of Princess Leia as a holographic image from R2-D2. May the Force be With Us!

Dr Jamieson Christmas

Founder, CEO & CTO

Dr Jamieson Christmas is the Founder & CEO of Envisics, a world leading developer of holographic technologies for the mobility & automotive markets. Headquartered in Milton Keynes, Envisics is a fast-growing deep technology company pioneering the use of holography for augmented reality displays in vehicles and helping OEMs realise the full potential of the software-defined vehicle.

Jamieson, earned his 1st Class honors degree in electronics before going on to earn his PhD in Holographic Display Technologies at Cambridge University. Inventor of over 500 patents, Jamieson won the prestigious SID Ben Sturgeon Award in 2013 for his significant contribution to the field of displays.

Applying his university research to a first-generation of holographic heads-up displays for automotive use, Jamieson founded his first company – Two Trees Photonics – in 2010. That company was acquired by California based Daqri, an augmented reality company, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

In 2018 Jamieson founded Envisics, which today employs over 85 people and is continuing to pioneer the application of advanced digital holography. In 2020, the company completed its Series B funding round receiving strategic investments from GM Ventures, Hyundai-Mobis and SAIC. Outside the office, Jamieson is a glider pilot and an avid heritage car enthusiast.

Kim Beatty

General Counsel

Kim is an accomplished attorney with over 16 years of experience in practicing law both in the United States and Europe, specializing in litigation, commercial transactions, and compliance. Prior to joining Envisics, spent several years at a U.S. law firm where she handled a wide array of commercial disputes and product liability. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degree in Russian Studies and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri.

Dr Graham Cairns

EVP Product Development

Graham is an opto-electronics industry professional with a career spanning 25 years in the research, development and commercialisation of display systems and imaging devices. He has brought new technology to market in high volume consumer products, industrial and professional systems, and automotive applications.

James Hunter

Chief Financial Officer

James is an experienced finance professional with nearly 20 years’ experience in senior finance roles in growth companies. He has worked across a number of different industry sectors for VC-backed, private equity-backed and listed companies. He has extensive corporate finance and capital markets experience, having completed a number of fund-raisings, M&A transactions and IPOs.  James holds a degree in Classics from Durham University, and a Master’s in business administration from Cranfield University.

Fabien Roth

Chief Revenue Officer

Fabien brings 25 years of regional and global expertise in business development and management within the B2B/automotive and technical consumer goods sectors. From a multicultural background, Fabien has led multidisciplinary teams and been a driver for international business growth for brands including Sony, Philips, and Panasonic. Fabien holds a Master’s degree in engineering from Paris Polytechnic Institute, and a Master’s in business administration from ESCP Paris in addition to having completed two Executive Programs at INSEAD and IMD.

Dr Martin Greenaway

Intellectual Property Counsel

Martin is a Chartered (UK) Patent Attorney, European Patent Attorney and IP Litigator for patents. He has a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge and a master’s degree in applied optics. Before joining Envisics, Martin was a Partner at a top-tier patent law firm where he gained a wealth of experience building and managing global patent portfolios. Martin has been drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to holographic projection since 2005 and has helped Envisics protect its technology with over 250 granted or pending patents worldwide.

Fiona Herbert

VP Human Resources

Fiona Herbert is an accomplished Human Resources Executive who has worked in the Banking, Asset Management and housebuilding sectors. She has extensive experience in working with fast paced and dynamic companies ensuring that organisations biggest asset, their people, are motivated, engaged and challenged. Fiona holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Human Resources Management and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Simon Sproule

SVP Marketing & Communications

Simon Sproule has over 30 years of communication and marketing experience, principally in the global automotive industry. Highlights of Simon’s career include serving in executive marketing and communication positions for Aston Martin Lagonda in the UK, Tesla Motors in Palo Alto, CA and between 2004 and 2014, for Nissan Motor Company based primarily at Nissan’s global HQ in Japan. Simon’s first position was with Ford Motor Company in the UK. In 1998, he relocated to Ford’s global operations in Michigan followed in 2000, as VP communications for Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Land Rover North America. In 2003 Simon joined Nissan North America as VP communications and a year later was moved to Japan to assume the global leadership role. Born in Hampshire, England and residing in Southern California, he holds a degree in Geography from the University of London and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Paul Yates

EVP Manufacturing & Supply

With over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing and supply chain roles, Paul has previously worked for and with the leading global tier 1 contract manufacturers in senior operational positions. An engineer by degree he has a wealth of experience in setting up and leading world class supply chains for high tech companies.