Planar optics and metalenses have moved rapidly from academic
curiosities to practical technologies powering consumer devices,
vehicles, and sensors. At the centre of this transformation
stands PlanOpSim, a Belgian startup
developing advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools to make
metasurface innovation scalable and manufacturable.
From Lab Curiosity to Industry Platform
Founded in 2019, PlanOpSim's genesis came from
Lieven's insight while working on OLED display modelling.
While academic researchers were experimenting with metamaterials,
their workflows were fragmented, relying on disconnected
simulations.
“I realized there was already a whole chain of methods
that could be tied together in a workflow,” Lieven explained.
“That could lead to a much more efficient design
process.” Supported by the Flemish Innovation Fund and IMEC,
Lieven built a prototype that laid the foundation for
PlanOpSim's integrated software.
