Edgehog

Edgehog, a spin-off from the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, was co-founded in 2021 by CEO Calvin Ku, alongside CTO Nicolas Pilon and COO Bradley Cherniak. The company commercializes a proprietary nanostructuring technology that applies an anti-reflection coating directly onto glass surfaces.

The founders' backgrounds are deeply rooted in the technology they are developing. Calvin Ku holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Sherbrooke, where his research focused on solar cell efficiency, providing a direct lineage to Edgehog's applications in photovoltaics. Nicolas Pilon, also with a background from the University of Sherbrooke, brings expertise in the nanostructuring process itself, which forms the core of the company's intellectual property. Bradley Cherniak complements the technical team with his operational and business development acumen, crucial for steering the company's go-to-market strategy.

Edgehog operates on a B2B business model, primarily targeting two distinct, high-value markets: imaging and solar energy. For the imaging sector, which includes clients in automotive (specifically for ADAS), security, and aeronautics, their technology addresses the persistent issue of stray light artifacts like glare and ghost images in CMOS cameras. By creating a 'moth-eye' nanostructure on the glass of camera sensor cover glass, Edgehog's solution significantly improves image clarity and the performance of machine vision systems that depend on precise visual data. Unlike traditional multi-layer thin-film coatings, this textured surface is more durable and effective across a wider range of light wavelengths and angles.

In the renewable energy sector, the company's technology is applied to the cover glass of solar panels. This application minimizes reflection losses and enhances light absorption, thereby increasing the overall energy output and efficiency of photovoltaic modules. Edgehog's manufacturing process is designed for large-scale production, enabling it to be integrated into existing manufacturing lines. The company generates revenue by selling these advanced glass components directly to manufacturers of camera modules and solar panels.

Keywords: anti-reflection, nanostructure, glass coating, optical solutions, CMOS sensors, image quality, solar panel efficiency, photovoltaics, stray light, machine vision