Norsk Elektro Optikk AS (NEO) was established in 1985 as a privately owned research company within the field of electro optics. The founders had their scientific and technical background from the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, which for the last 30-40 years have been the leading research organization in electro optics in Norway. The company has grown to be the largest independent research and development organization in electro optics in Norway, and has established itself as a reputed manufacturer of advanced electro optical products for an international market.

The hyperspectral imaging activities at NEO started in 1995 with the HISS (Hyperspectral Imager for Small Satellites) project for ESA. The R&D activities in hyperspectral imaging has been partly funded through participation in several EU projects, as well as projects funded by the Ministry of Defense and the Norwegian Research Council together with internal funding through commercialization of the technology.

The NEO lab and production facilities include highly specialized equipment in the field of optical technologies, such as spectral and radiometric calibration sources, lab equipment for focusing, adjusting, testing and characterizing hyperspectral imaging systems. Furthermore, more general labs for laser technology, optics and electronics are also available in-house, together with a mechanical workshop for fast prototyping.