MIEYRA (Mi-Ra) is designed to give future electronic systems a new sense: the ability to understand the molecular composition of the world around them.
The platform combines NIR, MIR and Raman sensing in a common semiconductor architecture, enabling partners to build intelligent sensing solutions small enough to fit into everyday devices.
The future of molecular sensing starts with miniaturisation, but it does not end there. It is about enabling entirely new categories of products that were previously impossible.
PhovIR’s technology is based on a proprietary MEMS sensor architecture built around a redesigned Michelson interferometer. Manufactured using standard MEMS fabrication process flows, the platform is designed for highly scalable, low-cost production. Its simple out-of-plane architecture requires only a single photodetector, reducing system complexity, size, and cost compared with conventional miniaturised spectroscopy approaches.
Built from conventional materials and without complex optical structures, the sensor is designed for movement, supports free-space optical coupling without optical fibres, and is straightforward to calibrate and integrate.
The platform has already demonstrated spectral coverage from 1-2.6 µm with signal-to-noise ratios exceeding 50,000. Near-term developments will extend operation to 785 nm and to 2-5 µm in the mid-infrared, enabling a common sensor platform for NIR, MIR, Raman, and future multimodal Raman/NIR spectroscopy.
The architecture maintains high spectral resolution with acquisition times below 100 ms, supporting a wide range of next-generation sensing applications.
Our platform combines miniature Near Infrared (NIR), Mid Infrared (MIR) and Raman spectroscopy, as well as a pathway to future multimodal sensing using Raman and NIR on the same die. This enables partners to select the sensing or combination of sensors best suited to their application.
Whether analysing biological markers, identifying hazardous chemicals or verifying material authenticity, our technology provides a scalable platform for next-generation, highly mobile, miniature sensing systems.
MIEYRA captures the molecular spectrum. PhovIR’s chemometric and machine-learning layer converts that spectral data into application-specific information, from material differentiation to future biomarker models. The result can then be passed directly into the host device, robotic system or application software.
MIEYRA is being developed as a semiconductor-scale molecular sensing platform combining multiple sensing modalities in ultra-compact silicon packages, including multimodal sensing on a single die. Built around one common architecture, the platform is designed to bring molecular intelligence into mass-market devices through semiconductor economics, ultra-low SWaP, foundry scalability and high-volume deployment.
Miniature MEMS-based infrared spectroscopy. Beta NIR hardware available today. MIR in Q3 2027
Laser-based molecular fingerprinting on silicon. Beta samples Q2 2027
Raman combined with NIR or MIR on a single die. Beta samples targeted Q1 2028
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.