InSpek, a startup focused on photonic sensing innovations, has successfully raised €3.5 million in a seed funding round co-led by Breega and Wind, with participation from returning investor Quantonation. The funding is complemented by a €2.5 million Accelerator grant from the European Innovation Council, aimed at supporting the commercialization of InSpek’s advanced Raman-on-chip spectroscopy sensor.
The company’s technology seeks to address critical monitoring challenges in industries reliant on bioprocesses, including pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and sustainable manufacturing. By facilitating real-time insights into key parameters such as cell growth, nutrient levels, and metabolic activity, InSpek aims to optimize biomanufacturing processes, reduce delays, and enhance production efficiency.
Traditional monitoring methods, characterized by offline sampling and batch testing, often fail to provide timely data needed for modern bioprocessing. InSpek’s innovative photonic technology, based on Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), offers a solution by enabling miniature optical systems to be integrated onto a single chip. This advancement allows for precise, multi-parameter monitoring in constrained environments while maintaining energy efficiency.
“Real-time, high-precision monitoring can transform bioprocess control and open new avenues for scaling production,” said Jérôme Michon, CEO and co-founder of InSpek. The technology is positioned to address various industrial applications by offering non-invasive monitoring that potentially leads to higher productivity and reduced waste.
Investment partners Breega and Wind expressed optimism about the future impact of InSpek’s technology. “This offers engineers the ability to make immediate adjustments during production, reducing failures and promoting sustainability in the industry,” remarked François Paulus, co-founder at Breega.
Xavier Gury, Co-Founding Partner at Wind, highlighted the technology’s potential to streamline processes across diverse sectors, reinforcing the commitment to support InSpek in advancing bioprocessing innovations.
