High-throughput hyperspectral imaging across the VIS-SWIR spectrum in a single device

Project Information

HYPERIA

Grant agreement ID: 101058039

DOI

10.3030/101058039

Project closed

EC signature date 17 March 2022

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 31 August 2024

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 1 500 000,00

EU contribution

€ 1 500 000,00

Coordinated by

NIREOS SRL
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HYPERIA (High-throughput hyperspectral imaging across the VIS-SWIR spectrum in a single device)

Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2024-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Traditional hyperspectral imaging (HSI) cameras are typically limited by their bulky size, high cost, poor sensitivity, and limited spectral coverage, usually covering either the visible or the near-infrared portion of the spectrum. This often requires multiple costly devices and complex integration of different data sources.
HYPERIA's breakthrough innovation lies in NIREOS' core proprietary technology: time-domain Fourier-transform spectroscopy, a radically different paradigm compared to competitors. This technology enabled the development of an HSI system with an unprecedented level of sensitivity, even in low-light conditions, and covering a much wider wavelength range—from the visible to the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR).
The HYPERIA camera has broad potential applications, including monitoring food freshness and composition, separating plastic waste, analyzing fine arts, and performing remote sensing or inspecting building materials. It achieves these tasks using a single device, delivering a hyperspectral datacube with unmatched sensitivity at a lower overall cost.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the last period of the HYPERIA project, significant progress was made across key areas. The business plan was finalized, incorporating feedback to evolve HYPERIA into a turnkey system, and providing a comprehensive strategy for market entry and scale-up. The project’s dissemination and communication efforts were successfully executed, enhancing visibility and engagement, with plans in place for continued support beyond the project's conclusion. A complete blueprint for the prototype was established, including updates on its MVP specifications. Additionally, HYPERIA demonstrated TRL6 performance in six application-relevant use cases, validating its operational readiness. An innovation and IP management strategy was solidified, ensuring freedom to operate in target markets. The Data Management Plan was confirmed as comprehensive, with a key addition of an open-access dataset to promote transparency and knowledge sharing.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

In the final phase of the HYPERIA project, we advanced beyond the state of the art by demonstrating novel and patented technology's operational readiness at TRL6 across six application-relevant use cases, including healthcare and material science. This validation in realistic environments marks a crucial step towards developing a portable TRL7 system. Additionally, we have successfully built relationships with key industry players, signing multiple letters of intent for participation in the beta testing phase. Notably, we established collaborations with vertical farms Agricola Moderna and Plenty, conducting extensive tests and working closely to integrate the HYPERIA camera into their operations. Our refined optical design is further protected through intellectual property management, reinforcing our competitive edge. Evolving HYPERIA into a full-stack solution with a comprehensive market strategy, including finalized analyses and benchmarks, lays the foundation for transitioning into a turnkey system ready for market entry, poised to deliver a sustainable and impactful solution across industries.

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