European project · Digital society
SLDAR
The future of augmented reality, with a European seal and citizen participation
About the project
Running for 42 months, this consortium led by University College Cork (Ireland) brings together seven top-level partners to overcome the current limitations of augmented reality (AR) glasses.
The SLDAR project (Speckle-free Photonics Integrated Circuit based Light Engine Using Superluminescent Diodes for Next-generation Augmented Reality Glasses) is a strategic initiative to put Europe at the forefront of display technologies for the ‘virtual world’.
Funded under Horizon Europe (call HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-14), the project has a total budget of €5,996,482.50, 100% funded by the European Union. This investment is key, as the European AR market is expected to exceed €20 billion over the next decade.
Project objectives
To develop light engines for AR glasses that are compact (under 1 cm³), high-resolution and use six times less energy than current ones, so they can be worn all day.
The role of Ibercivis
Within this high-tech consortium, our foundation will play a key role as the expert partner for citizen science, social sciences and humanities methodologies . Our mission is to make sure the technology is not only advanced but also inclusive, ethical and socially accepted.
Our activities
- Recruitment strategy: Ibercivis will design the protocols to attract a diverse group of participants (taking into account age, gender, socio-economic status and visual conditions).
- Social adoption studies: In the third year of the project, it will coordinate studies with three groups of citizens (experienced users, non-users and people trying out commercial glasses) to identify what motivates them to use this technology or holds them back.
- Data collection tools: It will create structured online diaries, semi-structured interview guides and recruitment materials co-created with the other partners.
- Data and server management: The Foundation provides the server infrastructure needed to store and manage citizens’ data securely, in strict compliance with the GDPR and research ethics.
Project details
Type of project
European
Duration
July 2026 – December 2029
Funding
Horizon Europe, call HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-14 (grant agreement no. 101297311)
Area
Digital society
