PION
EAR
Developing a photonic microphone with better-than-human-ear sound quality
PIONEAR key facts
PIONEAR is an EIC-funded project within the Horizon Europe framework of the European Union, aiming to develop a novel photonic microphone technology with better-than-human-ear sound quality, improving by far the quality of current Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEM) microphones. The proposed innovation anticipates a profound impact across various sectors from consumer electronics to autonomous vehicles, promising programmable directivity and unprecedented selectivity.
- 7 Partners
- 4 European countries
- 4 years
- € 3.6M+ funding
“The PIONEAR project makes it possible for us to turn this audacious technical concept into reality, in collaboration with some of the very best people in their respective fields.”
Per Grön – Founder of Lumiary & PIONEAR project coordinator
Our technology
PIONEAR technology relies on a technique called chromometry, using light instead of electrical signals to detect sound. This novel approach allows our microphone to achieve unparalleled sensitivity and dynamic range, capable of capturing the faintest whispers and the loudest roars with exceptional clarity. As a result, our everyday electronic devices, smart TVs, smart speakers, and even smart cars could reliably be controlled by voice commands regardless of the background noise. Acoustic hearing aids would provide a more natural acoustic experience to those with impaired hearing.
Latest updates
PIONEAR advances frontiers in photonics at its 5th General Meeting at UCC / Tyndall, Cork, Ireland
The PIONEAR consortium convened for its 5th General Meeting over two days (15–16 October) at the University College Cork (UCC) / Tyndall National Institute in Cork, Ireland. A total of
Project partner OST presents SLE Process for PIONEAR at 126th DGaO Annual Meeting
Team members from the University of Applied Science of Eastern Switzerland (OST) presented their process on selective laser-induced etching (SLE) within the PIONEAR project during the 126th Annual Meeting of
PIONEAR partners talk about their experience in developing a novel photonic microphone
During PIONEAR’s 4th General Assembly Meeting from 1-3 April 2025 in Buchs, Switzerland, seven consortium partners met to discuss the progress, challenges, and future of the novel photonic microphone technology
Project partners
