PhovIR: Manchester Spinout Secures £4m for Optical Sensor Innovation
Deal News | Aug 19, 2025 | Business Cloud
PhovIR, a University of Manchester spinout, has raised £4 million in seed funding to advance its optical sensor technology. Co-founded by Dr. Tim Echtermeyer and based in the university's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, PhovIR's innovative sensor uses near-infrared light to identify optical fingerprints of various materials, offering real-time analysis. Northern Gritstone, a Manchester-based DeepTech investment firm, and SCVC co-led the funding round. The development promises applications across detecting contaminants, pollution monitoring, and industrial safety. The sensors are miniaturized via MEMS technology, allowing integration into portable devices like smartwatches. The funds will help launch PhovIR's first product and expand its team.
Sectors
- Technology
- Venture Capital
- Research and Development
Geography
- United Kingdom – PhovIR and Northern Gritstone are based in Manchester, UK, indicating the geographical relevance.
- Europe – The funding and technological development have implications across European tech sectors.
Industry
- Technology – PhovIR is developing advanced optical sensor technology which falls under the tech industry.
- Venture Capital – Northern Gritstone is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage tech companies like PhovIR.
- Research and Development – The spinout from the University of Manchester highlights R&D in new technological fields.
Financials
- £4 million – The total seed funding raised by PhovIR for product launch and team expansion.
- 37 investments – The number of investments made by Northern Gritstone in early-stage Northern businesses since May 2022.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhovIR | Target Company | Company | A University of Manchester spinout specialising in optical sensor technology. |
| Northern Gritstone | Co-Lead Investor | Company | A Manchester-based DeepTech investment firm focusing on early-stage Northern businesses. |
| SCVC | Co-Lead Investor | Company | A specialist investor co-leading the seed funding for PhovIR. |
| University of Manchester | Educational Institution | Company | Provided the foundation and location for PhovIR's development at its Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre. |
| Dr. Tim Echtermeyer | Co-Founder | Person | Co-Founder of PhovIR, involved in the creation and advancement of its optical sensor technology. |
| Dr. Steve Turley | Co-Founder and Part of the NG Studios programme | Person | Co-Founder and participant in Northern Gritstone's NG Studios programme aiding PhovIR's growth. |
| Lord Jim O'Neill | Chair of Northern Gritstone | Person | Chairs Northern Gritstone, supporting early-stage investments in the North of England. |