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 research featured at the 11th Workshop on Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Lasers
The 11th Workshop on Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Lasers brought together scientists, engineers and industry experts in Toruń, Poland, from 18–22 October 2026. Organised by the Candela Foundation and
From cleanroom collaboration to photonic microphone progress: PIONEAR releases its third newsletter
The PIONEAR consortium has released the third edition of its project newsletter, sharing the latest progress towards the development of a novel photonic microphone with better-than-human-ear sound quality. This issue
PIONEAR advances product development through Lumiary’s new collaboration with Myfab in Uppsala
At PIONEAR’s 7th General Assembly in Uppsala, Sweden, project partner Lumiary shared a major development for the project’s next phase. Starting in September 2025, Lumiary is partnering with Myfab and
Project partners
