GLASSUP SRL

Their core work

GlassUp is an Italian SME that designs and manufactures augmented reality (AR) smart glasses for hands-free information display. Their core product delivers contextual information to users in active, mobile scenarios — from factory floors to sports and construction sites. They apply their wearable AR hardware across multiple industry verticals, serving as a technology provider that brings head-mounted display capabilities into EU research consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

GlassUp began in H2020 by applying its AR glasses to manufacturing environments (SatisFactory, 2015), then pivoted to develop its own consumer/sports product through the SME Instrument (Uno-sport, 2017-2019), which was its largest and self-led project. Most recently, they moved into the construction and energy renovation sector via BIMERR (2019-2022), though with a very minor financial role (€16,875), suggesting they contributed hardware components rather than leading R&D. The trajectory shows a company exploring which vertical market best fits its core AR glasses technology.

GlassUp appears to be testing the construction/renovation sector as a new application domain for its AR wearable technology, though their minimal investment in BIMERR suggests this remains exploratory.

How they like to work

GlassUp operates primarily as a technology supplier within larger consortia (2 of 3 projects as participant), contributing AR hardware to multi-partner projects. Their one coordinated project (Uno-sport) was an SME Instrument grant — a single-company funding scheme focused on their own product development, not consortium leadership. With 28 unique partners across 12 countries, they integrate into diverse teams but likely as a specialized component provider rather than a project architect.

GlassUp has worked with 28 distinct partners across 12 countries, indicating broad European reach for a 3-project SME. Their partnerships span manufacturing, ICT, and energy sectors, suggesting they are sought out as an AR hardware specialist by varied consortia.

What sets them apart

GlassUp brings dedicated AR smart glasses hardware to consortia — not software, not consulting, but a physical wearable product designed for hands-free use in demanding environments. This makes them a rare find for projects that need actual head-mounted display technology rather than screen-based AR. Based in Modena (Italy's engineering heartland), they are one of very few European SMEs manufacturing their own AR glasses, which gives consortium builders a non-Asian hardware option for wearable display integration.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Uno-sport
  Their flagship self-coordinated project (€1.08M SME Instrument Phase 2), focused on commercializing AR glasses for sports — their largest single investment and clearest product-market signal.
• SatisFactory
  Their entry into H2020, applying AR glasses to improve factory worker experience and satisfaction — demonstrated industrial applicability of their technology.
• BIMERR
  Most recent project exploring construction/renovation sector, though the very small funding (€16,875) suggests a minor or third-party-like contribution.