Evonik (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com) has acquired a minority share in Nanocomp Oy (Lehmo / Finland; www.nanocomp.fi), a leading developer and producer of micro- and nano-optical structures that are imprinted on polymer films. The deal was made as part of an investment syndicate with Finnvera Venture Capital (Kuopio / Finland; www.finnvera.fi). The investment sum was not disclosed.

Nanophotonics enable optical systems to achieve higher performance and be reduced in size and give access to light management techniques that cannot be achieved with conventional optics. For example, cameras can be enabled to recognise gestures even in three dimensions and surgeons can rely on better image quality for minimally invasive operations. Information on displays is easier to read – even in difficult lighting conditions, Evonik said. Nano-optical structures are also needed in so-called augmented reality, for example in glasses where additional (virtual) information is phased into the field of view by an integrated mini-computer.

Bernhard Mohr, head of venture capital at Evonik, said: “Nanocomp’s activities have a high strategic fit with Evonik’s business. The progress both in digitalisation and in the use of human/machine-interfaces calls for the miniaturisation of the functional optical elements. With their know-how, Nanocomp is a pioneer in this area. For Evonik this is a door-opener to highly attractive growth markets.”