Dmitri Choutov (Swave Photonics): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Dmitri Choutov is a notable figure in the field of augmented reality and photonics, primarily known as the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Swave Photonics. Founded in 2022, Swave Photonics is a spin-off from IMEC, focusing on the development and commercialization of true holographic display technology that has significant implications for spatial computing and augmented reality. Under Dmitri Choutov's leadership, Swave Photonics has aimed to revolutionize how we perceive digital displays by introducing cost-effective, scalable holographic solutions. In this article, you will discover ten fascinating aspects of Dmitri Choutov’s work and its impact on technology today.

1. Background and Education

Dmitri Choutov was born and raised in Russia, where he developed a keen interest in physics. He earned his Master of Science in Physics from Lomonosov Moscow State University and later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy from the Institute of Applied Physics. Expanding his expertise, he completed a postdoctoral program at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the mid-1990s, honing his skills in semiconductor technology and materials science.

2. Career Path

Before founding Swave Photonics, Dmitri Choutov amassed extensive experience in semiconductor technology. He held key engineering management positions at companies like Lam Research and Maxim Integrated, where he contributed to advancements in product management and manufacturing engineering. His leadership experience was further augmented by his roles in various technology startups that focused on innovative semiconductor solutions.

3. Swave Photonics: The Beginning

Dmitri Choutov co-founded Swave Photonics in 2022 along with colleagues from IMEC, aiming to deliver the world’s first true 3D holographic display technology designed for digital and AI-powered spatial computing. His vision was to create a platform that would overcome the limitations of current display technology, offering users a reality-first experience that naturally integrates with their environment.

4. Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR)

Swave Photonics is renowned for its proprietary Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) technology. This breakthrough allows for the production of ultra-high-resolution, true holographic displays by sculpting lightwaves into 3D images. The HXR platform enables AI-powered devices to deliver imagery that interacts seamlessly with the physical world, making holography accessible for various applications, including augmented reality (AR) smart glasses and heads-up displays.

5. Overcoming AR Challenges

One of Swave Photonics’ primary goals is to address the common challenges faced by AR devices: high costs, cumbersome size and weight, and significant power consumption. Under Dmitri Choutov’s guidance, Swave's HXR technology eliminates the need for costly components like waveguides while offering compact, comfortable design solutions that reduce eye strain and nausea.

6. Funding Achievements

Dmitri Choutov played a vital role in securing essential funding for Swave Photonics. As of January 2025, the company completed a €27 million Series A funding round to bolster the development of its holographic technology. This funding followed an initial €10 million seed round in 2023 and various grants, including support from the European Innovation Council.

7. Patents and Innovation

Swave Photonics, under the leadership of Dmitri Choutov, holds numerous patents related to its groundbreaking holographic technology. The company's portfolio includes 60 key patents that protect its cutting-edge HXR platform and digital holography technologies, reflecting its position as a frontrunner in the holographic display market.

8. Recognition and Awards

Swave Photonics has garnered international recognition for its innovative contributions. The company was a CES Innovation Awards Honoree in 2025 and earned first place in the SPIE Startup Challenge in 2023. Swave’s impressive achievements are attributed to its unique blend of semiconductor and photonics expertise, spearheaded by Choutov.

9. Industry Influence

The advancements made by Dmitri Choutov and Swave Photonics have significant implications for the future of spatial computing and AR. By making true holographic displays widely available, Choutov is helping pave the way for more immersive, interactive, and life-like digital experiences, potentially transforming fields such as gaming, automotive, and metaverse applications.

10. Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Dmitri Choutov envisions Swave Photonics as a key player driving the next wave of technological innovation. With plans to introduce production devices shortly after prototype development kits, Choutov’s mission remains to deliver holographic technology that is both commercially viable and accessible to a wide range of industries, from consumer electronics to professional applications.

Conclusion

Dmitri Choutov’s contributions to the tech world, particularly through Swave Photonics, highlight the transformative potential of holographic technology in augmented reality and beyond. From overcoming existing AR challenges to securing crucial funding and patents, Choutov’s efforts continue to make significant strides toward more integrated and immersive digital experiences. As Swave Photonics readies itself for the future, one can only imagine the new possibilities that true holography will unlock, redefining our interaction with computers and the digital world.