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Startup mirSense offers laser technology for the defence industry
Startup mirSense, which specialises in quantum laser technology, has attracted investors. The company has raised €7m in a Series A funding round.
mirSense is a French deeptech startup developing quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology. These lasers emit infrared light in the near and far ranges. One of the technology’s key features is its use of two types of beams. This significantly reduces power consumption.
The funds raised by mirSense will be used to increase production and make the product more widely available. The company also plans to produce toxic gas sensors. This development is particularly relevant to the defence, industrial, and environmental sectors.
Key investors in the startup included Safran Corporate Ventures and Supernova Invest. Polytechnique Ventures and Crédit Agricole’s investment arm also participated in the funding round.
Technology features
The range of applications for mirSense miniature infrared laser systems is quite wide. They can become one of the optical countermeasures for defence purposes. In addition, the technology is useful for gas detection in industrial environments.
mirSense plans to invest in scaling up. Its goals include:
- expanding its headquarters in Orsay;
- launching a manufacturing facility in Grenoble;
- upgrading its R&D centre in Montpellier.
It is worth noting that laser modules are not among the products subject to US export controls. This creates significant opportunities for European defence and aerospace companies. They can therefore use advanced technologies more independently. The startup is promoting the powerMir line of lasers as a solution for military applications. These lasers can be used in the onboard systems of helicopters, aircraft, and missile defence systems. According to its data, mirSense remains the only global supplier of such lasers.
The company is also focusing on expanding the functionality of its uniMir platform for use in industry and the environment. It offers precision spectroscopy tools that detect harmful compounds. These include benzene, xylene, and toluene, among others.
mirSense’s technology has attracted investor interest amid growing demand for QCL. The company’s solutions are particularly advantageous due to their compact size, which allows lasers to be integrated into a wide range of applications. These developments enable the high-precision identification of various chemical compounds. The funds received will enable the company to develop the technology rapidly. Moreover, the startup aims to make the technology available to more customers in different fields.
Safran Corporate Ventures recognised the high potential of mirSense’s developments. The French company’s solutions will enhance applications in military electronics and optical telecommunications.