Founded in 2021 by Jérôme Michon alongside Juejun Hu, Laurent Vivien and Derek Kita, Paris-based startup Inspek is developing next-generation photonics sensors to bring real-time, non-invasive monitoring to biomanufacturing processes. Their miniaturised, on-chip technology enables precise analysis of complex fluids, paving the way for faster, safer, and more sustainable bioproduction – particularly in pharmaceuticals, fermentation, and synthetic biology.
WHY IT MATTERS
Biomanufacturing is becoming a cornerstone of the green transition, with applications in everything from lab-grown meat to vaccine production. However, current monitoring tools are costly, bulky, and often require interrupting production. Inspek’s real-time analytics could revolutionise the field by boosting efficiency, yield, and quality control while reducing waste and costs.
Photonics has become a critical enabler of future industrial technologies, and France is emerging as a European leader in the field.
THE INVESTMENT
Inspek has raised a €6 million seed round to scale its technology and bring its solution to market. The round was led by Wind and Breega alongside Quantonation Ventures, and with participation from Unibio, SpaceFounders France, and Bpifrance via Deeptech and i-Lab programs.
This raise builds on Inspek’s early research support and academic partnerships, particularly with institutions like Institut d’Optique Graduate School and Université Paris-Saclay.
NEXT STEPS
With fresh funding in hand, Inspek plans to:
- Finalise industrial prototypes of its photonics chip platform
- Expand its engineering and commercial teams
- Launch pilot projects with early industrial partners in the life sciences sector
- Strengthen its position as a European deeptech leader in photonic process monitoring As the biomanufacturing boom continues, Inspek is well-positioned to become a go-to monitoring solution for next-gen bio-industrial players.
RESOURCES