Swave Photonics Earns CES 2026 Innovation Award for Pioneering Holographic XR Spatial Light Modulator
Swave Photonics, a trailblazer in the field of true holographic display technology, has been honored as an Honoree in the prestigious CES® 2026 Innovation Awards. The recognition comes in the XR & Spatial Computing category and celebrates Swave’s groundbreaking Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) Spatial Light Modulator. This innovative platform is the world’s first chipset and Spatial Light Modulator to leverage phase change materials (PCM) technology, enabling the creation of the smallest pixels ever developed—small enough to steer light and unlock the potential of true holography.
The CES Innovation Awards program, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, received a record-breaking 3,600 submissions this year, underscoring the global demand for cutting-edge technology. The announcement precedes CES 2026, the world’s premier technology event, scheduled to take place from January 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. As one of the most anticipated showcases of technological advancements, CES continues to highlight innovations that redefine industries and improve lives.
The CES Innovation Awards honor outstanding design and engineering across 36 consumer technology product categories. An esteemed panel of judges, comprising industry experts, designers, engineers, and members of the media, evaluates entries based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, engineering excellence, and aesthetic design. With this award, Swave’s HXR Spatial Light Modulator joins the ranks of transformative technologies recognized at CES, solidifying its position as a leader in spatial computing and extended reality.
A Breakthrough in Holographic Display Technology
At the heart of Swave’s HXR platform is its ability to deliver a cost-effective solution for manufacturers and end-users alike. By utilizing standard CMOS and other existing semiconductor processes, Swave has created a scalable and accessible technology. The HXR platform employs advanced optical physics principles to shape light and sculpt high-quality 3D images with unparalleled precision. Its ultra-small pixels are capable of creating immersive, high-resolution visuals that seamlessly integrate the digital and physical worlds.
This breakthrough reflects over a decade of research and development conducted at imec, a leading research institute based in Belgium, before Swave spun off as an independent company. The result is a revolutionary display architecture that addresses many of the challenges plaguing current augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems.
Key Features of HXR Technology
Swave’s HXR Spatial Light Modulator stands out as the first 3D holographic display technology designed for reality-first spatial computing. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Full-Color, High-Brightness Images: The HXR platform delivers vibrant, full-color visuals with exceptional clarity and brightness, ensuring an immersive user experience.
- Accurate Image Depth with DynamicDepth™ Technology: Patented DynamicDepth™ technology ensures that holographic images align perfectly with real-world surroundings, enhancing realism and reducing visual distortions.
- Natural Visual Processing: One of the most significant advancements of HXR is its ability to eliminate the Vergence-Accommodation Conflict—a common issue in AR/VR systems that causes nausea and fatigue. By mimicking natural human vision, HXR provides a comfortable and intuitive viewing experience.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Unlike traditional AR/VR devices burdened by waveguides, varifocal lenses, and bulky optical components, HXR achieves a smaller, lighter form factor. This makes it ideal for wearable applications, including smart glasses.
- Compatibility with Prescription Eyewear: The HXR platform supports thin, curved lenses, allowing seamless integration with prescription eyewear and ensuring accessibility for users with varying vision needs.
A Milestone Achievement for Swave Photonics
The CES 2026 Innovation Award marks another milestone for Swave Photonics, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of holographic technology. According to Swave CEO Mike Noonen, “Our HXR Spatial Light Modulator continues to advance through rigorous development and testing, thanks to the tireless efforts of our talented team and partners. Being recognized at CES, one of the most prestigious events in the tech industry, is a testament to the years of dedication and innovation that have gone into this project.”
As artificial intelligence (AI) and smart glasses inch closer to mainstream adoption, Swave’s HXR technology emerges as a pivotal innovation. It promises to deliver a reality-first user experience that bridges the gap between the digital and physical realms, paving the way for broader consumer acceptance and adoption.
About Swave:
Swave, the true holographic display company, develops chipsets to deliver reality-first spatial computing powered by AI. The company’s Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) display technology is the first to achieve true holography by sculpting lightwaves into natural, high-resolution images. The proprietary technology will allow for compact form factors with a natural viewing experience. Founded in 2022, the company spun-out from imec and utilizes CMOS chip technology for manufacturing for a cost-effective, scalable, and swift path to commercialization. For more information, visit https://swave.io/
About CES®:
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
