Today’s wearable devices are highly effective at measuring physiological signals such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, movement, sleep quality and temperature.
The next step is adding molecular sensing capability.
PhovIR is developing miniature spectroscopy technology designed to help future wearable devices measure molecular biomarkers that are currently inaccessible to conventional sensor platforms.
This could provide new real-time insights into hydration, recovery, stress, metabolic state and overall wellbeing through products people already wear every day.
Human biomarker validation programmes are underway, with further NIR and Raman measurement data planned as development progresses.
Today’s wearables pair a PPG sensor and accelerometer with AI to deliver physiological insight only — heart rate, sleep, activity and recovery estimates.
MIEYRA will add molecular measurement to that stack using multiple complementary sensing techniques such as NIR and Raman. The objective is to complement today’s physiological estimates with direct molecular measurements, potentially enabling richer information on hydration, metabolism and recovery.
The long-term opportunity is to move from fitness coaching towards personalised biochemical coaching.
OEM applications: new, non-invasive molecular sensing through the skin to add to the PPG sensor stack in watches, bands and other wearables.
Our long-term vision extends beyond any single biomarker.
We are developing a scalable sensing platform capable of supporting a growing range of molecular measurements as the technology evolves and new applications emerge.
Instead, we work with device manufacturers and technology partners to bring advanced molecular sensing into the next generation of wearable devices.
Our goal is simple: to make meaningful health insights easier, more accessible and available through the technologies people already use every day.
We work with organisations exploring the next generation of intelligent products, wearable technologies, defence systems and sensing platforms.
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.