Google has been challenged by a small Californian tech company to update the world on its smart contact lens technology to prove its actually has the technologies it trumpeted a year ago.
EPGL, a specialist in microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS), has patents pending in smart contact lenses including mass manufacturing of integrated electronics, autofocus and smart lens case technologies. EPGL has yet to say what it believes to be the most potentially valuable patents but it claims to have invented solutions that will enable microelectronics to be placed into Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses without dramatically changing the manufacturing process. This, it said, is critical for the smart contact lens to truly be marketable to the masses with comfort and efficacy.
Google announced last year that it had developed smart contact lens technologies for monitoring glucose levels and an autofocus system which could become part of a bourgeoning billion dollar business.The challenge from EPGL is for Google to explain detail what they have achieved to see if it is at the same level as EPGL’s and if Google has cracked the issue of mass market production.
Michael Hayes, President of EPGL, said he had respect for Google but believed his tiny company has technology to rival the $460bn tech behemoth. ‘We're throwing down this public challenge to see if they have truly accomplished what we have. They splashed the news a year ago now with no updates.’
EPGL is seeking investment and believes the company is undervalued.
