Nova Scotia-based Metamaterial Inc. (META) was founded in 2011 and is a smart materials and photonics company that is changing the way we use, interact, and benefit from light. Through applied physics and advanced design, META is pioneering a new class of multi-functional materials — called metamaterials — which have engineered properties that go beyond what is found in nature.

WHAT IS META?

META’s new class of materials, called Metamaterials, use advanced software techniques coupled with artificial intelligence to help advance how technology is used in everyday life. They apply this technology to revolutionize everything from solar solutions to aircraft safety to wearable tech.

META is the only company that can produce metamaterials on a commercial scale and their products are not reliant on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and other harmful and expensive rare earth materials.

They currently work within the aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer electronics, energy, and medical industries.

WHAT DOES META CREATE?

META is an advanced materials and nanotechnology company, specializing in creating solutions with functional materials that can enhance, absorb, and block light and other forms of energy for a wide range of applications. Their products have ranged from laser glare protection in eyewear, to de-icing and de-fogging windshields in cars.

Recently, META announced it had designed, produced, and tested fully submersible prototypes for the de-fogging of visors used in diving and gas masks for military personnel. These prototypes are currently with the United States military for evaluation.

Beyond military offerings, META is working on consumer products as well. META believes in using their innovative materials in life-saving technology like their Glucowise® product, a non-invasive, 100% pain-free, prick-free device for the monitoring of blood glucose levels, which is currently under development.

These are just some examples of the amazing products META materials has as part of their suite of products — all aimed at making the world safer and better and more sustainable.

SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL PROBLEMS

One global problem META materials has sought to combat is the spike in laser glare on airline pilots during flight operations. These laser glares – often from handheld laser devices – can cause visual interference and impact on pilots during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Laser illumination in a cockpit induces an involuntary reaction that diverts the crews’ attention away from their primary tasks and may cause distraction, disruption, disorientation or in the worst case temporary operational incapacitation due to flash blindness.

META, in collaboration with leading aviation manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities around the globe, developed a product to combat this growing problem.

Meet META’s “metaAIR®,” a flexible holographic optical filter that is scientifically engineered to provide laser glare protection from laser strikes. Their prescription lens insert was developed to be adaptable for any Rx solution. It can be interchanged with a simple snap-in motion and is easy to remove for fitting custom Rx lenses or for cleaning.

Other groundbreaking products coming from META include new technology to improve communications while driving. With the growing demand for 5G technology, META has developed a transparent antenna for automobiles using their NanoWeb® material. Transparent antennas are useful for integrating antenna functionality in surfaces while maintaining visibility, such as vehicle windshields and windows.

META AND LOT

Since 2011, META has spent over USD $50 million in R&D which has allowed the company to build a substantial and valuable IP portfolio. Their research has allowed them to work with not-for-profit organizations and on projections for the betterment of the environment and health solutions.

The company develops their IP guided by four core principles:

  • IP that is unique — develop custom processes and intricate know-how that does not exist in the market and is not easily copied.
  • IP that can be quickly prototyped — Metamaterial Inc.’s teams have backgrounds in advanced optical design and modelling, combined with quick prototyping and manufacturing know-how, that remain trade secrets.
  • IP that is relevant and commercially viable — focus on real-world applications, not on academic explorations just for the sake of making proof of concepts.
  • IP that is well-protected — META began patenting ideas in 2008, and has invested millions of dollars to design, setup, and acquire specialized equipment and capabilities.

Today, META owns 28 patent families, from which 19 are granted. META also collaborates with universities and other companies to develop joint IP or license already developed IP that requires commercialization.

META believes in developing innovative products — without the worry of a costly patent infringement case getting in the way of time, energy, or money that could be better spent on R&D. The protections afforded through LOT Network give META the piece of mind that they’re protected should any patents fall into the hands of a PAE, all the while retaining traditional uses of their patents including: selling or transferring them, participating in patent pools, licensing them for revenue, or asserting them.

INTO THE FUTURE

META continues to be an innovative company that develops products which solve global problems; but they also are looking to the stars for their next out-of-this-world opportunity.

Recently, the company was invited to be a key contributor in the Breakthrough Starshot program, a very high-profile space exploration initiative that aims to demonstrate ultra-fast light-driven nanocrafts which lay the foundations for a first launch to Alpha Centauri within the next generation.

As a company mission, META strives to be a clean tech company that puts humanity first. Sustainability is key to everything from the materials they create, to the suppliers they partner with, to how they operate every day. In 2019, META was named a Global Cleantech 100 company by the Cleantech Group and is an ISO 9001 certified organization.