Opsydia

Opsydia is a specialist laser technology and photonics company, originally a spin out from the University of Oxford, that applies adaptive optic beam shaping to write features and functionalities inside transparent materials. Its systems use ultrafast laser pulses with advanced aberration correction to fabricate nano-scale structures, generating both passive and active features and devices in materials such as optical glass and diamond.

The company's current focus is optical connectivity for AI and next-generation computing, where growth in demand places pressure on computing bandwidth, interconnect speeds and energy requirements. Opsydia fabricates optical waveguides in transparent materials, and states that its adaptive optic approach allows systems to be designed with higher density and complexity than otherwise possible. The proprietary adaptive optics direct laser write waveguide technology is positioned for high-density, low-cost advanced packaging optical connectivity in communications and semiconductors. Earlier applications included security marking in the diamond gemstone market, creating serial numbers or marks invisible to the naked eye inside a diamond, and security marking within polymers for identity and financial applications.

Founding story

Opsydia emerged from the Dynamic Optics and Photonics Group in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and spun out in September 2017 on the basis of joint research by Prof. Martin Booth, Professor of Optical and Photonic Engineering, and Prof. Patrick Salter, a Lecturer in the Department of Engineering Science. Andrew Rimmer, who had an engineering degree and prior experience at an early-stage technology company after 14 years in larger organisations, joined the founders to build the company, drawing on Oxford University Innovation's spin-out infrastructure and introductions to investors and advisers.

Business model

Opsydia develops and sells commercial laser systems built on its adaptive optics direct laser writing platform, supplying state-of-the-art systems for product development and low-batch processing, and — together with partners — systems for high-throughput environments requiring sample handling and high-speed machine vision. Systems are backed by remote diagnostics and support and a systems engineering and field service team.

Sales of commercial laser writing systems for product development, low batch processing and high-throughput production, supported by field service and remote support.

Traction

The company reported securing its first customer around the time of its seed funding, and states it has demonstrated arrays of waveguides expected to improve bandwidth performance. Its team listed on the company website spans software, optical, mechanical, systems and production engineering as well as operations and business development roles.

Latest developments

In July 2025 Opsydia closed a pre-Series A funding round led by Foresight Group and Parkwalk Advisors, with the University of Oxford Innovation Fund and Oxford University also participating; the proceeds are intended to bring its waveguide writing technology to market for optical interconnects in high-bandwidth, high-density applications. In the same month the company became a Gold sponsor of Optica's PECC Summit, and its founders presented at CLEO Europe 2025.