GLASS · Biomimetic anti-reflective glass

From laboratory innovation to industrial deployment

GLASS turns a scientific breakthrough into a manufacturing technology: a chemical-free, laser-based process that writes biomimetic anti-reflective nanostructures directly onto glass.

Inspired by the moth-eye and cicada-wing structures found in nature, the GLASS process delivers outstanding optical performance without coatings. The project is designed to bridge the gap between that breakthrough and real-world production — overcoming the technical and industrial barriers that currently limit large-scale adoption, and transforming GLASS into a market-ready technology for demanding sectors such as consumer-electronics displays and specialised optics, all while preserving the environmental and economic advantages of a coating-free approach.

To get there, the project pursues six strategic objectives that combine technology maturation, industrial validation, automation, market readiness and commercialization.

The roadmap at a glance

Six strategic objectives

1 Improve durability and industrial performance

Laser-textured anti-reflective glass already delivers excellent optical performance — the key challenge is mechanical durability. Industrial markets need surfaces that withstand cleaning, handling, abrasion and long-term use. GLASS optimises the laser structuring process to significantly enhance scratch resistance and mechanical robustness while preserving superior anti-reflective performance, targeting durability compatible with consumer-electronics and specialised-optics standards.

2 Enable processing of industrially relevant glass types

Different industries rely on different glass compositions, each with its own optical and mechanical character. To maximise adoption, GLASS extends beyond fused silica and develops process recipes for commercially important substrates — borosilicate, alkali-aluminosilicate and alkaline-earth boro-aluminosilicate glasses — aiming for less than 1% reflectance across the visible spectrum while keeping manufacturing repeatable and reproducible.

3 Develop an automated industrial GLASS module

A key step toward commercialization is the move from laboratory prototype to industrial manufacturing platform. The project develops an automated GLASS laser module that integrates advanced process control, monitoring and decision-making software, automatically adapting laser parameters to each glass type for repeatable, high-quality production. The resulting Minimum Viable Product (MVP) demonstrates how biomimetic laser surface structuring fits into modern manufacturing environments.

4 Increase market readiness

Technology performance alone is not enough for successful market entry. The consortium engages directly with industrial stakeholders across the glass, optics and consumer-electronics sectors to define optimal machine specifications, operational requirements, safety features, ergonomics and production workflows — ensuring the final solution is built around genuine industrial needs rather than laboratory assumptions.

5 Accelerate technology transfer and commercialization

GLASS is a commercialization initiative as much as a technology project. The consortium lays the foundations for market deployment through intellectual-property protection, product-roadmap development, business planning and the identification of future funding pathways — establishing a clear route from prototype to commercial product, and an economically viable laser solution that can be integrated into existing glass production lines.

6 Build awareness across scientific and industrial communities

Deploying a disruptive manufacturing technology requires visibility and ecosystem development. GLASS raises awareness among glass manufacturers, optics companies, consumer-electronics producers, researchers and innovation stakeholders through dissemination activities, industrial demonstrations, conferences, publications and direct engagement — establishing GLASS as a reference technology in next-generation anti-reflective surface engineering.

Expected outcomes

By the end of the project, GLASS aims to deliver:

• Durable laser-generated anti-reflective glass compatible with industrial requirements.
• Validated processing strategies for multiple commercial glass substrates.
• An automated industrial laser texturing module.
• Demonstrated technology readiness for consumer-electronics and specialised-optics applications.
• A protected intellectual-property portfolio and a clear commercialization roadmap.
• Strong engagement with industrial stakeholders and potential customers.

Together, these objectives chart the pathway for transforming biomimetic laser nano-structuring from an advanced research concept into a scalable manufacturing technology for high-performance optical products.