Inspired to Innovate: Reflections on my European Inventor Award Nomination
How Innovation and Leadership Drive Meaningful Change
by our co-founder and CTO David Fattal
What drives an inventor? For some, it’s the thrill of solving a complex problem; for others, it’s the desire to leave a lasting impact on the world. For me, being named a finalist for the European Inventor Award by the European Patent Office was more than just an accolade for an invention — it’s about leading industries forward, creating lasting impact, and inspiring others to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Since 2006, the EPO has celebrated inventors who have transformed industries and made the world a better place. I felt honored and inspired to be included among past winners who have created breakthroughs like the USB, 3D printing, and life-saving anti-malaria medicine.
Celebrating excellence
The European Inventor Awards focus on achievements in the European region; however, there’s also a category for non-EPO countries, where I was a finalist. Two other remarkable people/teams were also in the running: a Brazilian team led by Fernando Catalano and Micael Carmo for their innovations that reduce noise and carbon emissions in air travel and Masato Sagawa from Japan for his contributions to developing superior permanent magnets used in high-tech applications.
Masato Sagawa won the award in our category, but the recognition from these awards has only strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful impact through our technology. It’s a reminder that our work at Leia is part of a broader effort to turn scientific discoveries into commercial realities that can shape industries and improve lives.
Reflecting on the journey
This year marks a decade since establishing Leia. Any business usually has its ups and downs in that amount of time. Still, my journey from discovering the foundational technology at HP Labs to developing Leia and Immersity AI has been challenging and exhilarating. We’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D displays, transitioning from an academic concept to products now accessible to consumers.
Immersity AI represents the next step in a journey filled with innovation, adaptation, and learning. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead as we channel the energy from our nomination into Leia’s mission and values.
One of our core values, in particular, is IMPACT. Many scientific endeavors remain confined to academia, rarely making it into the commercial world where they can genuinely change lives. At Leia, we’re committed to bridging that gap. Our technology isn’t just about creating stunning 3D visuals; it’s about making a tangible difference—whether it’s enhancing communication, entertainment, education, or healthcare.
A 3D vision for the future
Innovation and excellence drive us to push boundaries continually. Leia’s patent portfolio is a critical part of our strategy in the immersive technology space. With almost 1,600 granted patents and more than 400 pending applications—including key patents that enable the adaptation of our technology to OLED displays—Leia is firmly positioned as a leader in this space, bolstered by innovations from our acquisition of Philips and Dimenco IP. The quality and breadth of our portfolio are unmatched, and we continue to develop and expand our offerings into the future.
As we look into the future, I’m excited to see how immersive technology will continue to reshape industries. As regular users of eyewear-free 3D display technology, we know how easily we can be drawn into interactive and engaging learning experiences. LeiaSR technology is already being used in education, but we envision a world where 3D makes complex subjects more accessible and understandable in all schools.
I’d also love to see how Leia technology could further transform healthcare. Just imagine seeing detailed imaging results on your doctor’s 3D display or more closely connecting to your therapist over a video call. The future of immersive technology is incredibly exciting for hardware and software.
As we explore these possibilities, I predict we’ll see continued miniaturization and improvement in display quality, making 3D experiences even more seamless and integrated into our daily devices. With AI already transforming the software we rely on, it's clear that it will play a pivotal role in creating more adaptive and personalized experiences — whether through enhanced depth perception or more intuitive interfaces. Leia is at the forefront of these developments, and we’re eager to see how the industry grows and evolves in the coming years.
Standing among giants
I’d like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has been part of the Leia team. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without our team's dedication and hard work. Additionally, I’d like to extend my appreciation to our partners, clients and everyone who contributed to the company’s success over the past 10 years. And thank you, once again, to the EPO for this incredible recognition.
As we move forward, I see a future where immersive products are a natural part of our everyday lives. Whether through more engaging learning experiences, richer entertainment options, or better tools for communication and collaboration, immersive technology will break down barriers and create more meaningful connections. Our goal at Leia is to ensure that these experiences are accessible to everyone, everywhere, on any device.
If there’s one takeaway from my European Inventor Award nomination and seeing the incredible work of other inventors, it’s the value of perseverance. Innovation is a journey that requires dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of making the world a better place. Let’s continue to push boundaries, innovate, and shape the future together.