Xpanceo, a Dubai-based start-up, has unveiled prototypes of its smart contact lens, which aims to mimic the technology featured in the Iron Man films, its founder and managing partner has said.
The company, which in October raised $40 million in a seed funding round, plans to put the device on shelves by 2027 after human trials that are scheduled to be conducted within two years, Roman Axelrod told The National on Wednesday.
"It usually takes from half a year to several years [to conduct human trials]. After that, they will be on shelves, I would say [by] 2027 or 2028, in optical stores," he said.
Xpanceo introduced three prototypes, which will provide an "infinite" extended reality view in which tasks from documents to meetings and social media to gaming will be shown on the user's field of view and are visible only to the wearer.
The lens, which is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, will also include night vision functionality and can be controlled using voice, gestures, glances and, "probably later, your mind", Mr Axelrod said.
The company is also developing a charging case for the lens similar to those used by wireless earbuds.
Ultimately, the goal is to attempt to replace all the devices consumers currently use and roll them all into a hyper-miniaturised gadget, Mr Axelrod said.
"Now, we have our laptops for the office, smartphones for daily activities and smartwatches for training ... a real computer of the future is an ecosystem of software. Think about it as a Tony Stark computer," he said, referring to the civilian identity of Marvel's highly popular comic book character.
Xpanceo has yet to determine a price for its smart contact lens, but "it has to be no more than an expensive smartphone", Mr Axelrod said.
That would imply four figures in dollar terms; for reference, the most expensive version of the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max is priced at $1,599 in the US.
Miniaturising technology has become increasingly sophisticated with advancements in development and innovation. Smartphones, especially the top end models, are smaller versions of computers.
Developers of these technologies aim to make technology more convenient and accessible without the need to use multiple devices.
The augmented reality sector is gaining traction with the introduction of new headsets, with arguably the most notable coming from Facebook parent Meta Platforms.
However, efforts have not always succeeded. Google, for instance, pulled the plug on its Project Iris AR glasses project in June after efforts to develop the device reportedly went awry.
Xpanceo is not the first company to develop a smart contact lens but is keen on pushing forth with its device and pick up from where others have failed.
California-based Mojo Vision spent years developing a lens, but in January this year, decided to pivot to just developing micro-LED technology while laying off three quarters of its staff.
"We'll definitely build a lab to hire the best talent, expand our product management activities and build up prototypes, and file and secure patents," Mr Axelrod said.
Xpanceo does not have plans to raise more funds soon. "We have enough," Mr Axelrod said. However, he said the company may revisit this option in two or three years, citing investor interest.
"They saw some of the brightest minds ... and transparent plans as to how to develop this gadget," he said.
Xpanceo plans to eventually introduce subscription plans for their smart contact lens, replacing the traditional contact lens depending on their lifespan – weekly, fortnightly and monthly.
Failure to follow the replacement cycle of contact lenses can cause serious eye conditions, and they should still be replaced per schedule even if they are not worn regularly, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The company plans to send replacement lenses to users to adhere to these replacement cycles and will provide cleaning solutions for their products, Mr Axelrod said.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
THE DETAILS
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Dir: Ron Howard
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson
3/5
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes. Portland is a 260 km drive from Seattle and Emirates offers codeshare flights to Portland with its partner Alaska Airlines.
The car
Hertz (www.hertz.ae) offers compact car rental from about $300 per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.
Parks and accommodation
For information on Crater Lake National Park, visit www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm . Because of the altitude, large parts of the park are closed in winter due to snow. While the park’s summer season is May 22-October 31, typically, the full loop of the Rim Drive is only possible from late July until the end of October. Entry costs $25 per car for a day. For accommodation, see www.travelcraterlake.com. For information on Umpqua Hot Springs, see www.fs.usda.gov and https://soakoregon.com/umpqua-hot-springs/. For Bend, see https://www.visitbend.com/.
Company%C2%A0profile
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Company%20profile
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T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Results
UAE beat Nigeria by five wickets
Hong Kong beat Canada by 32 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – Ireland v Jersey
7.30pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Canada v Oman
A Prayer Before Dawn
Director: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire
Starring: Joe Cole, Somluck Kamsing, Panya Yimmumphai
Three stars
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
