PhovIR: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

PhovIR is an innovative technology company spun out from the University of Manchester, specializing in advanced Near-Infrared (NIR) optical sensor technology. Founded around 2020-2023, PhovIR aims to revolutionize material analysis by miniaturizing powerful spectroscopic capabilities into portable devices such as smartphones and smartwatches. By tapping into the invisible optical 'fingerprints' of various solids, liquids, and gases, PhovIR's technology enables real-time, on-the-spot identification and composition analysis of materials. This breakthrough is noteworthy for its potential applications across multiple sectors including healthcare, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and industrial safety. In this article, discover key aspects of PhovIR — from its cutting-edge MEMS-based approach and funding milestones to its broad societal impact.

1. Origins and University Spinout

PhovIR originated as a spinout from the University of Manchester, particularly leveraging research at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC). Founded by Dr. Tim Echtermeyer, the company harnesses extensive university expertise in microelectronics and infrared spectroscopy to develop its unique technology platform. The spinout embodies a successful translation of academic research into commercial deep tech, supported heavily by the University’s Innovation Factory, which helped nurture the technology and prepare it for market entry.

2. Core Technology: Near Infrared (NIR) Optical Sensor

At its heart, PhovIR's breakthrough lies in a near-infrared optical sensor capable of detecting the distinct "optical fingerprint" of diverse substances. NIR spectroscopy involves analyzing how materials interact with light beyond the visible spectrum, revealing detailed information about their molecular composition. PhovIR's innovation miniaturizes this traditionally bulky and expensive technology onto a silicon chip, elevating portability and affordability. Their sensor operates over a broad spectral range (~1 to 2.6 micrometers), providing rapid and precise material identification without the need for complex, specialist operation.

3. MEMS-Based Miniaturization and Manufacturing

A distinctive feature of PhovIR’s product is the use of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to fabricate the sensor. By integrating micromechanical and semiconductor elements on a single chip, MEMS enables ultra-compact, lightweight, and scalable manufacturing. This contrasts starkly with legacy NIR spectrometers, which are typically bulky and costly. The MEMS approach drastically reduces material and production costs, facilitating the integration of high-performance spectroscopy into everyday consumer electronics like smartphones and wearables.

4. Software and Analytical Capabilities

PhovIR pairs its hardware with advanced, configurable analytical software based on sophisticated algorithms and a comprehensive spectral database. This software performs real-time analysis by interpreting the optical spectra and identifying materials quickly and accurately. Being fully software-reprogrammable, the platform is flexible for future detection enhancements and new applications. It is designed to replace multiple sensors with a single chip system, reducing device complexity and costs for manufacturers and end-users alike.

5. Breadth of Applications and Market Potential

The platform nature of PhovIR’s technology lends itself to an expansive range of applications. Potential fields include:

Healthcare: Non-invasive diagnostics, drink spiking detection, and physiological monitoring.
Agriculture: Monitoring crop ripeness and fruit quality to optimize harvest timing.
Food Safety: Detecting contaminants and ensuring product authenticity.
Environmental Monitoring: Pollution detection and industrial safety.
Security: Rapid identification of hazardous substances. Such versatility presents a significant commercial opportunity by serving multiple sectors with a single core sensor technology.

6. Funding and Investment Milestones

PhovIR has successfully secured significant seed funding, notably raising approximately £4 million (about €3.6-4.6 million) in an oversubscribed round co-led by Northern Gritstone, a deeptech investment firm, and SCVC. This capital injection supports bringing their first commercial product to market, expanding their team, and accelerating product development. Northern Gritstone, chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill, is recognized for backing early-stage science and technology companies in northern England, further highlighting PhovIR’s eminence in the UK deeptech ecosystem.

7. Leadership and Team Expertise

The company’s leadership blends strong technology and business acumen. Founder and CTO Dr. Tim Echtermeyer brings deep expertise in microelectronics and nanostructures from the University of Manchester. Executive Chair Dr. Steve Turley, with over 25 years of experience scaling deeptech ventures, including roles as Chair of Effect Photonics and CEO of Perpetuum, guides PhovIR’s strategic growth. The team also includes skilled engineers like William Wren and Minh Vu who have been pivotal in driving technology development.

8. Commercial Strategy and Accelerator Support

PhovIR has benefited from completing the NG Studios pre-seed accelerator program run by Northern Gritstone. This program sharpened PhovIR’s commercial strategy, helping transition from a research project to a customer-focused, scalable startup. The accelerator support includes talent management, growth advisory services, and business infrastructure, preparing PhovIR to compete in global markets while refining its route-to-market approach.

9. Integrating into Everyday Devices

One of PhovIR’s most compelling advantages is its sensor’s small size and low power consumption, enabling seamless integration into common consumer electronics. The goal is to embed the NIR spectroscopy capability inside devices like smartwatches and smartphones, democratizing material analysis outside laboratory settings. This portable approach allows end-users to gain instant, on-the-spot insights into the chemical composition of objects or substances anywhere, broadening accessibility and practical utility.

10. Contribution to Health, Safety, and Environmental Goals

PhovIR's mission is to "make the invisible visible," empowering users with enhanced perception beyond human sight. This capability promises to improve human health—for example, by rapidly detecting harmful contaminants—and planetary health through improved environmental monitoring. By fostering safer food, cleaner water, and healthier surroundings, PhovIR is positioned at the forefront of technologies addressing pressing global challenges in sustainability, safety, and diagnostics.

Conclusion

PhovIR stands as a pioneering deeptech venture transforming infrared spectroscopy from large, costly instruments to compact, accessible devices. Grounded in university research and propelled by innovative MEMS technology, PhovIR offers a versatile platform for real-time material analysis with profound applications across healthcare, agriculture, security, and environmental sectors. Its successful funding, expert leadership, and integration potential into everyday electronics forecast a promising future. As PhovIR advances toward commercial launch, it invites us to rethink how we perceive and interact with the world, revealing vital material truths previously hidden to the naked eye.