One platform.
Multiple global markets. Common architecture.

Platform Strategy

PhovIR is building the MIEYRA molecular sensing platform that can serve multiple markets without creating a different technology stack for each one. NIR, MIR and Raman are being developed around a common architecture, manufacturing approach and software layer, allowing us to extend into new applications while reusing the same core technology, expertise and infrastructure.

Platform value story

One core platform. Many growth opportunities.

The same core platform can be configured for wearables, defence and security, robotics, industrial sensing and other high-value applications. Rather than building isolated products for each market, PhovIR can adapt the sensing modality, packaging, software and application model around a shared technology base. Each new deployment strengthens the platform rather than starting again from zero.

Why this matters

Platform economics.

Shared architecture reduces development cost and risk across NIR, MIR and Raman.
Multiple sensing modalities open distinct markets from the same technology base.
Common manufacturing and software infrastructure improves capital efficiency as the platform scales.
Each deployment adds molecular data that can strengthen application and biomarker models.
One platform supports multiple commercial pathways across hardware, software, data and licensing.
investor perspective

Investment Thesis

PhovIR is building a scalable molecular sensing platform spanning NIR, MIR and Raman from a patented common core architecture. That creates leverage across technology development, manufacturing, software and data, while opening multiple routes to commercialisation. As deployments grow, the value of the platform can compound through its intellectual property, molecular datasets, application models and biomarker models.

Evidence

Validated in hardware, not simulation

The first MIEYRA-NIR beta platform is operational today, validating the core architecture and demonstrating a practical semiconductor manufacturing route. It is already capturing high-quality raw spectra from real-world materials and early human measurements.

News

News & Media

Stay up to date with our latest company announcements, business milestones, strategic developments, and media coverage.

STARTUPS MAGAZINE – PhovIR raises £4M seed round led by Northern Gritstone

Northern Gritstone, the groundbreaking life sciences and deeptech investment firm chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill, has announced a combined £4 million seed round investment into the optical sensor startup PhovIR. Northern Gritstone is co-leading the investment alongside deeptech specialist SCVC.

Northern Gritstone leads £4 million seed round investment in pioneering University of Manchester spinout

Northern Gritstone, the groundbreaking life sciences and deeptech investment firm chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill, has announced a combined £4 million seed round investment into the optical sensor startup PhovIR. Northern Gritstone is co-leading the investment alongside deeptech specialist SCVC.

SCVC backs pioneering optical sensor startup PhovIR in £4 million seed round

Northern Gritstone, the groundbreaking life sciences and deeptech investment firm chaired by Lord Jim O’Neill, has announced a combined £4 million seed round investment into the optical sensor startup PhovIR. Northern Gritstone is co-leading the investment alongside deeptech specialist SCVC.
Investor contact

We welcome engagement from venture investors, strategic investors and industry partners.

For investor enquiries, please contact: Investor Relations — Email: enquiries@phovir.com

For requests relating to investment information, corporate updates, governance materials, or shareholder communications, please get in touch and a member of the team will respond.

Shaping the future of molecular sensing.

We work with organisations exploring the next generation of intelligent products, wearable technologies, defence systems and sensing platforms.

John Williams

Investor Director

John represents SCVC (Science Creates Venture Capital) on the PhovIR board. A serial entrepreneur and investor, John is best known as the founder of Kudan, one of the early pioneers in Physical AI and machine perception. Having built and scaled a publicly listed deep-tech company, he brings valuable expertise in venture growth, capital formation, commercialisation, and international expansion.

Khadija Ashfaq

Investor Director

Khadija Ashfaq is an Investment Director at Northern Gritstone, a leading investor in university spinouts and deep-tech businesses across the North of England. Representing Northern Gritstone on the PhovIR board, she brings extensive experience in evaluating and scaling science-led companies across semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies, and advanced engineering, providing strategic guidance on growth, investment, and commercialisation.

Dr. Tim Echtermeyer

Founder & Chief Technology Officer

Tim is Founder and CTO of PhovIR Technologies and inventor of the company’s proprietary MIEYRA sensing platform. Combining over 20 years of experience in photonics, semiconductor technologies, MEMS, and advanced materials, Tim brings a rare blend of deep scientific expertise and commercial technology development experience. His career includes roles at Bosch and IMEC, alongside internationally recognised research leadership, providing the foundation for PhovIR’s next generation of optical sensing technologies.

Tim holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge and a degree in Electrical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University.

Ben Jensen

Chief Executive Officer

Ben is Chief Executive Officer of PhovIR Technologies and a deep-tech executive with more than 20 years of experience scaling businesses in photonics, advanced materials, and semiconductor technologies.

Prior to PhovIR, Ben led multiple deep-tech companies, including 2D Photonics, where he was responsible for founding, strategy, fundraising, and commercialisation. Across his career, he has helped secure over €250 million in venture investment and government funding.

Ben founded Surrey NanoSystems and led the invention and commercialisation of the globally recognised Vantablack® technology platform. He has built international manufacturing and supply chains across China, Vietnam, and Mexico for automotive applications, alongside technology programmes supporting space and defence markets in Europe and the United States.

An inventor or co-inventor on 28 patents, Ben leads PhovIR’s corporate strategy, investment activities, partnerships, and product commercialisation as the company develops the next generation of optical sensing technologies.