Manchester-based PhovIR Raises €3.6 Million Funding

The Manchester-based deeptech startup will use the investment to launch its first product and expand operations.

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Tim Echtermeyer and chaired by tech veteran Dr. Steve Turley, PhovIR is developing next-generation ultra-compact silicon-based NIR sensors for integration into everyday devices like smartphones and smartwatches. Using MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology and configurable software, PhovIR’s sensors are lightweight, scalable, and cost-effective compared to traditional bulky NIR sensors.

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PhovIR’s innovation lies in detecting the “optical fingerprint” of solids, liquids, and gases—unique NIR spectral patterns that reveal material composition. This platform technology has broad applications, including detecting drink spiking, identifying food contamination, assessing fruit ripeness in agriculture, monitoring environmental pollution, and enhancing safety in industrial settings.

Dr Tim Echtermeyer, CTO of PhovIR, said: “I am exhilarated to enter the next part of PhovIR’s journey and turn our vision into reality. I am grateful to the many people contributing and making this happen, particularly Steve, and William Wren and Minh Vu from the Engineering team, who have worked relentlessly.”

PhovIR originated at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) and recently graduated from Northern Gritstone’s NG Studios pre-seed program, which refined its go-to-market strategy. Its technology aims to replace multiple sensors with a single configurable chip, significantly reducing both cost and device complexity.

“I am very excited to be working with PhovIR, not only because of the immense potential that the technology has, but also the great team in Manchester led by Tim. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that the UK can take excellent innovative technology and turn it into a global success story,” said Dr Steve Turley, Chair of PhovIR.

With the new funding, PhovIR aims to grow its team, speed up product development and commercialization, and advance toward large-scale production. The sensor’s capability to “see the unseen” positions it as a valuable tool for health, safety, environmental sustainability, and next-generation digital diagnostics.

“The University of Manchester is home to world-leading innovation in materials science, including graphene. Northern Gritstone is delighted to back Dr Tim Echtermeyer and Dr Steve Turley – graduates of our pre-seed deeptech programme NG Studios – knowing that PhovIR’s technology has the potential to create a global company born in Manchester,” said Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone.

About PhovIR

PhovIR offers a pioneering chip-based NIR-SWIR optical sensor, fully software-reprogrammable for future-proof material detection. Bringing infrared spectroscopy to your hand it enables on-the-spot material analysis, providing accessible, real-time insights anytime, anywhere, for everyone.