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04 Mar 2025
Spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark to expand efforts in lasers for ophthalmic therapies.
Norlase, the Danish developer of low-cost, portable laser systems for ophthalmology applications, has secured a €20 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Intended to help the 2014 spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark expand production, the cash is part of the European Commission’s “InvestEU” program and takes advantage of the EIB’s perfect credit rating to borrow at the most favorable interest rates.
“The funding will support the expansion of Norlase’s innovative ophthalmic laser technology, reinforcing Denmark’s position as a hub for world-class med-tech innovation,” announced the firm, which is based on the outskirts of Copenhagen and recently won a Prism Award at SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco.
Battery-powered headset laser
Norlase currently sells four different laser products, known as “LYNX”, “ECHO”, “LION”, and “LEAF”, which are used to scan eyes and treat conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
For example ECHO combines an ultra-compact Norlase laser engine with industry-first MEMS scanning technology that shrinks the technology to the size of airplane carry-on luggage - and can be transported in the same way.
“You’re no longer confined to a dedicated laser room and can easily mount ECHO on any compatible slit lamp in any room,” claims the company in its marketing material.
Norlase won the recent Prism Award in Biomedical Optics for its development of LYNX, which is described as “the world’s first pattern laser indirect ophthalmoscope (LIO)” and is battery-powered.
“The device integrates laser and pattern-scanning technology into a lightweight, wearable headset, eliminating the need for bulky external laser sources and complex setups,” says the firm.
“Ophthalmologists face increasing patient volumes amid a nationwide physician shortage. LYNX is designed to help meet this challenge - its streamlined, ergonomic design enhances workflow efficiency, allowing retina specialists to perform laser treatments anywhere, with greater flexibility and ease.”
Shortly before the Prism win, Norlase revealed that the LYNX product had received clearance in both the US and the European Union.
Scaling global presence
Commenting on the EIB support, Norlase CEO and co-founder Oliver Hvidt said: “As the patient burden continues to grow, the need to accelerate technological innovation in eye care has never been greater.
“With four product launches in just five years and rapid adoption by the ophthalmic community, Norlase is leading this transformation.
“This funding from the EIB allows us to scale our global presence and push even further beyond the limits of existing technology, solidifying Norlase’s role as a leader in the future of eye care. We’re just getting started.”
EIB vice president Ioannis Tsakiris added: “Denmark’s efforts in building up its bio- and med-tech ecosystem are definitely paying dividends today. Like other Danish companies we recently financed, Norlase’s technology is top of its class and a real example of excellence in European innovation.
“With the support of InvestEU, the EIB finances projects that advance state-of-the-art medical treatment, and this funding aims to enhance the position of Norlase as a European med-tech champion.”
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