Built on a common technology foundation, PhovIR’s miniature molecular sensing platform is designed to enable a new generation of intelligent products across multiple industries.
By bringing laboratory-grade molecular analysis onto semiconductor-scale devices, we are helping unlock applications ranging from physical AI molecular perception, biomarker monitoring and personal safety to defence sensing, and consumer electronics.
AI systems can increasingly see, hear, touch and act. MIEYRA adds a new sense: the ability to understand what the physical world is made of.
Embedded molecular sensing could enable robots and autonomous systems to identify materials, chemicals, contamination and hazards, turning molecular information directly into intelligent action.
Wearable devices that provide deeper insight into hydration, recovery, stress and metabolic health.
Future products will move beyond tracking activity and physiological signals, helping people better understand what’s happening inside their bodies using technology they already wear every day.
Imagine being able to identify suspicious substances, drink contamination or counterfeit products instantly.
Miniaturised molecular sensing could bring this capability into everyday wearables and personal devices, helping people make safer decisions wherever they live, work and travel using technology they already carry.
Defence and security operators need to detect threats invisible to conventional imaging. Compact multimodal sensing can provide real-time molecular information on chemicals, hazardous materials, contamination and other substances at the point of operation.
By embedding sensing into soldier-worn equipment, autonomous platforms and field systems, molecular intelligence becomes part of the operational environment rather than a specialist instrument.
Physical AI and Wearables are the focus. Molecular intelligence everywhere is the destination.
Molecular perception for intelligent systems
Biomarker enabled wearables
Molecular awareness embedded into everyday electronic devices, from smart home controls to environmental monitoring platforms.
We work with organisations exploring the next generation of intelligent products, wearable technologies, defence systems and sensing platforms.
Whether you’re developing new products or exploring new applications, we would welcome the opportunity to work together.
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 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.
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 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.