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FORNY20-FORNY2020

KVAL: MARC - a novel multi-purpose optical sensor

Alternative title: MARC - en ny optisk sensor med flere bruksområder

Awarded: NOK 0.50 mill.

Project Number:

327500

Project Period:

2021 - 2022

Funding received from:

Subject Fields:

MARC is a newly developed optical sensor that greatly improves the dynamic measuring range compared to existing technology, without compromising anything on accuracy. This is achieved by utilizing a unique combination of two different sensing technologies: ring resonators and a Mach-Zehnder interferometers. This combination means that we can give each sensor a unique fingerprint, which enables the sensor to both measure the concentration of many different compounds at the same time and to have multiple focal ranges. Additionally, the fact that the sensor can be set up using cheaper laser and detector technology compared to similar sensors, and can be produced using standard semi-conductor technology, makes the MARC sensor well suited for mass production. The sensor is fit for a wide range of purposes, like looking for various biological or chemical markers, gas sensing and environmental surveillance. The team at NTNU has already developed a prototype where the concept itself is verified, and the team has also filed for a patent on the technology. It has also been demonstrated in a previous, related project that a sensor based on ring resonators alone gave quick and accurate detection of a biological markers. During the Qualifications project the plan was to build and calibrate a version of the sensor specifically to demonstrate that it can be used to measure the concentration of a specific protein found in fish. The measured concentration of this protein is then used to assess the exposure the fish has had to pollution and various toxins. In addition to ensuring that the MARC sensor is applicable for detecting a specific biological marker, an important part of the project was to gain market insight so as to better be able to decide on which areas are most suitable for the sensor, which entry market to address and which industry partners to approach as potential licensees. Through the Qualification project valuable market insight was gained. This will be important when deciding how to move forward. Although the total market for optical sensors is growing at a CAGR of over 10 %, the part of the market that could be relevant for the MARC sensor is still immature and there are not many companies that could easily implement this technology. Based on the market research done in the project, several potential licensees have been identified and contacted. Initial discussions confirm that the MARC sensor could add value in the biosensing field, and in particular in low-cost systems. Even though the Qualification project aimed at proving the technology in the field of marine monitoring, it seems that biosensing for medical applications could be the most suited entry market. This is both due to maturity but also based on the need for low-cost and high-quality sensors in the health sector.

Through the Qualification project we have been able to gain valuable market insight. This will be important when deciding how to move forward. Although the total market for optical sensors is growing at a CAGR of over 10 %, the part of the market that could be relevant for the MARC sensor is still immature and there are not many companies that could easily implement this technology. Based on the market research done in the project, several potential licensees have been identified and contacted. Initial discussions confirm that the MARC sensor could add value in the biosensing field, and in particular in low-cost systems. Even though the Qualification project aimed at proving the technology in the field of marine monitoring, it seems that biosensing for medical applications could be the most suited entry market. This is both due to maturity but also based on the need for low-cost and high-quality sensors in the health sector. Due to the Qualification project we were able to identify and reach out to one of the most relevant potential licensee in the market.

Funding scheme:

FORNY20-FORNY2020