CHAPEL HILL – Let the sun shine on, says Voxelight.
The Chapel Hill startup focusing on technology to help people avoid harm from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, is gearing up for sales of an eye protection product they developed in partnership with ZEISS Vision, a multi-billion-dollar seller of precision optics products.
Rick Smith, WRAL TechWire’s editor and a cofounder
Voxelight already sells its Sunscreenr UV camera which shows users where they are protected from UV rays by sunscreen. Its news product is a hand-held tablet that reports how much protection people are receiving for their eyes. The data is shown in eyeglasses.
The product is called ZEISS C-UV400. ZEISS worked with Voxelight to develop the system.
Brian Baucom, chief marketing officer at Voxelight, says the deal and rollout of the product is “an incredible validation for the sales power of our technology.”
Another product is already under development and Voxelight is looking for investors as the company ramps up to meet demand.
Sunscreenr has generated investor interest before. Voxelight secured an $800,000 commitment on Shark Tank in 2016.
Startup profile: Voxelight, with its Sunscreenr, helps users properly apply sunscreen (+ video)
Not only does ZEISS bring a reputation to the deal but also a vast network of sales opportunities.
“First, they are a linchpin partner for us and a multi-million $ revenue opportunity,” Baucom explains. “We will be launching this program to their 140 countries over the next two quarters.”
Then there is support and funding.
ZEISS and Voxelight introduced the C-UV400 at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year.
“They have been a fantastic partner, having provided nearly $150,000 in development funds for us to develop this solution,” Baucom says. “They see
the value in using our UV camera technology to sell more of their lenses and showcase their superior UVProtect technology. For us, ZEISS’s program is a perfect model for skincare groups to follow – both through the retail experience and the end consumer offering a rich UV experience for anyone.”
The ZEISS deal also may open up doors for other opportunities.
More deals to come?
Sunscreenr
“We also are in discussions with major MLM [multi-level marketing] firms looking to replicate this experience within that channel of the beauty industry,” Baucom points out.
The agreement witrh ZEISS “is now a straight product purchase arrangement that has followed the multiphasic co-development of the product,” Baucom notes.
Voxelight says it is incorporating into Sunscreenr what it calls “unique “artificial intelligence facial analysis algorithms for the UV400.
Here’s how Voxelight and ZEISS explain the new product:
“Displayed on an eight-inch tablet, ZEISS C-UV400 incorporates Sunscreenr’s patent-pending UV camera technology, showing whether or not a person’s eyeglasses are protecting their skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using a new indoor light technology.
“It also showcases ZEISS UVProtect technology, which makes full UV400 protection standard in all ZEISS clear lenses. … C-UV400 technology captures images that help eye care professionals evaluate and improve UV protection for their patients’ eyes and delicate eyelids.”
“It also showcases ZEISS UVProtect technology, which makes full UV400 protection standard in all ZEISS clear lenses. … C-UV400 technology captures images that help eye care professionals evaluate and improve UV protection for their patients’ eyes and delicate eyelids.”
The partners noted that 400 nanometers (or UV400) is considered the upper boundary of ultraviolet light and is the global standard used in sunglasses and for most cosmetics
“Partnering with Sunscreenr to develop C-UV400, we are taking another significant step in establishing a new standard of care for eye health,” said Jens Boy, president at Zeiss Vision North America, when the system was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year.
A Sunscreenr camera (Voxelight image)
“Combining Sunscreenr’s unique technology and expertise in UV cameras with our Zeiss UVProtect lenses, we can elevate the conversation about the importance of UV protection for the eyes among the eyecare industry and everyday consumers alike,” Boy added.
Baucom points out the new product extends protection provided by Voxelight.
“Our Sunscreenr technology can show you the harmful effects of the sun on your skin, and how well your sunscreen and skincare products are protecting you,” he said when the C-UV400 was announced. ” The same is true for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.”
Voxelight’s Sunscreenr is patent pending.
The company explains Sunscreenr this way:
“Now you can easily check sunscreen coverage using your phone. Sunscreenr lets you see where you’ve missed a spot when applying sunscreen and where sunscreen has worn off your skin – even after sweating, swimming, or toweling off. Keep your loved ones safe in the sun with Sunscreenr.”
The camera sells for $79.
