In a world increasingly reliant on sensor-driven technologies, French defense tech startup mirSense is positioning itself as a global leader with a €7M Series A funding round, led by Safran Corporate Ventures and joined by Supernova Invest, Polytechnique Ventures, and Crédit Agricole Alpes Développement (C2AD).
This marks a pivotal moment for the company, which specializes in quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology and miniature gas sensors with applications spanning defense, industrial safety, and environmental monitoring.
Founded in 2015 by former Thales researchers Mathieu Carras and Mickael Brun, mirSense has developed a unique approach to infrared sensors that allows for cost-effective, high-precision detection in a wide range of applications. From missile decoy defense systems to detecting toxic gases in industrial settings, mirSense’s sensors are poised to change the way both military and civilian sectors operate.
The Genesis of mirSense: Bridging Defense and Civilian Innovation
“Back when I was at Thales, I was involved in cutting-edge research on lasers, including missile decoys and gas detection systems,” said Carras. “Thales focuses on large-scale systems, so they weren’t bringing these components directly to market. I saw an opportunity to accelerate the pace of innovation and bring our solutions to market, and that’s when mirSense was born.”
Carras and Brun started by developing two parallel product lines: one for defense, targeting missile defense and precision guidance, and another for civilian use, focusing on toxic gas detection. The decision to pursue both markets was deliberate. While the defense sector saw quicker traction, Carras believes the balance between both fields strengthens the company’s position and market adaptability.
Quantum Cascade Laser Tech solutions
MirSense produces three Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) based solutions:
- powerMir delivers high-powered output for military-grade defense systems. It is used to effectively "blind" attacking missiles, setting them off course. The only independent, global supplier of this technology, MirSense equips military aircraft, helicopters, and anti-missile turrets.
- uniMir uses molecular spectroscopy to detect harmful compounds such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), offering precise chemical detection for industrial and environmental monitoring.
- Newcomer mirChip is a miniature, highly precise gas sensor designed to detect toxic gas leaks in the most sensitive of environments in real-time, helping to improve safety across various sectors.
"The laser is shone onto the gas, and if the toxic molecule we're looking to detect is present, it will heat up as the laser passes over it and then cool down again," Carras said. "When it does so, it creates an acoustic wave that we capture with a small microphone, similar to the ones used in mobile phones. This sound alerts us to the presence of the toxic molecule in the gas."
The Competitive Edge of Being ITAR-Free
In the laser market, mirSense stands out for a major reason: its technology is ITAR-free. The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) controls the export of defense-related technology, placing a burden on companies based in allied countries. However, mirSense does not contain any components, materials, or technical data subject to ITAR controls.
As a result, mirSense’s defense contracts are heavily international, with clients in allied countries such as the UK, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and the Middle East. Despite its growing presence on the global stage, Carras pointed out that, for now, the French market remains a smaller part of the business.
“We’re proud to be the only ITAR-free player in this space. It’s increasingly important in the current geopolitical landscape,” Carras explained. “Defense customers are looking for suppliers who are independent of U.S. export control laws. We offer a solution that doesn’t depend on the whims of U.S. policy.”
From Sensors to Solutions: Scaling the Technology for Mass Adoption
mirSense’s growth trajectory is also driven by its ambition to make robust, high-end laser sensing technology accessible to mass markets.
“Traditionally, infrared lasers cost anywhere from €50,000 to €100,000,” Carras said. “Our goal is to bring that cost down to just €100 or €200.”
This vision is becoming a reality through the company’s innovative approach to miniaturization and vertical integration. By developing the components in-house, including microchips and microphones, mirSense can drastically reduce costs while maintaining the robustness and precision of its sensors.
The company’s flagship products, powerMir and uniMir, are already integrated into defense systems and industrial gas detection equipment. But it’s their miniature gas sensor, the mirChip, that’s generating the most interest.
A Boost for European Sovereignty and the Defense Sector
The €7 million Series A funding round will allow mirSense to scale its operations significantly. The company plans to expand its production capacity by upgrading its historic site in Orsay, opening a new production unit in Grenoble, and further developing its R&D center in Montpellier. With this investment, mirSense is also positioning itself as a critical player in Europe’s push for greater technological sovereignty.
“The defense sector’s increasing reliance on local supply chains is a trend we’re actively responding to,” Carras remarked. “We are working hard to relocalize our own sourcing and find partners closer to home. At the same time, the balance between strategy and cost is always a challenge.”
This shift toward European self-sufficiency is essential in an era when geopolitical tensions and export controls complicate international trade.
The Changing Face of DefenseTech in France
When mirSense launched in 2015, the French startup ecosystem was hesitant about defense tech.
“It was a real challenge to hire engineers, especially younger ones, who were wary of working in defense,” Carras recalled. “But in the past couple of years, the stigma has shifted dramatically. Gen Z talent is much more open to working in this space now.”
Despite the changing perception, the startup initially faced pushback from some investors, particularly those focused on impact investing. But as the company’s market validation grew, more investors began to see the value in supporting dual-use technologies.
“We noticed a shift in the types of investors who were open to defense tech,” Carras said. “As the world moves toward sensor-driven warfare and autonomous systems, defense technologies are no longer seen as just a niche - they’re part of the broader tech ecosystem. We also have close ties with Bpifrance, which is actively helping to boost the sector.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Carras sees huge potential for mirSense’s laser technology in both the defense and civilian sectors. “We’re not just building lasers; we’re developing solutions that will make industries safer and more sustainable,” he said. “Whether it’s detecting toxic gases in industrial settings or protecting aircraft from incoming missiles, our goal is to make high-precision sensing technology accessible to everyone.”
The company is committed to maintaining its position as a leader in Europe’s infrared sensor market. Its €7 million Series A funding will help finance mirChip's go-to-market, grow its team from 35 to 50 employees over the next year, expand its global presence, and fuel further R&D to continue pushing the boundaries of infrared and gas sensor technology.
Carras said, "We want to continue to help develop the laser business as a whole, so you always need money to invest."
