 |
10 Oct 2024
Singapore startup says that its scalable silicon-based devices also offer low power consumption.
Meridian Innovation, a startup in Singapore that makes low-cost thermal sensors using a silicon CMOS-compatible approach, says it has raised $12.5 million in its latest funding round.
Bringing total funding in the company to $30 million, the new support should help the firm scale operations, launch a second-generation product, and expand its reach into broader consumer and commercial markets.
In a report on the thermal imaging sector published earlier this year, analyst Yole Intelligence highlighted Meridian's development of an innovative solution that could be boosted by artificial intelligence for various applications, and compete with entry-level microbolometer technology.
Aside from its Singapore headquarters, the company lists operations in Hong Kong, the US, and the UK.
Portable thermography
Co-founded by CEO Hock Leow, COO Hasan Gadjali, and VP of engineering Piotr Kropelnicki eight years ago, Meridian currently offers its “Cougar” and “Bobcat” first-generation products, offering 80x62 resolution in video and still-image formats.
The company’s patented wafer-level vacuum packaging is said to enable sensor production at higher volumes and therefore at lower cost than is possible for conventional long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensors.
“Unlike traditional thermal sensors, which rely on more expensive materials and production methods, Meridian's CMOS platform guarantees a significantly lower cost of manufacturing while maintaining the highest levels of performance for the consumer and commercial markets,” claims the firm.
“Over the past few years, Meridian has shipped to many customers in numerous market segments, including IoT devices; smart appliances; in-cabin automotive monitoring; AI-assisted baby monitoring and elderly care; security and safety products, as well as portable thermography instruments."
Gen-2 product launch
CEO Leow said of the latest investment round: “We are thrilled to have Moveon [Technologies], TCVC and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation as new investors. This funding marks a significant milestone in our journey to become the leading provider of CMOS-based thermal imaging technology.
“Our CMOS-based approach gives us a clear advantage in delivering cost-effective thermal imaging sensors at scale, making thermal imaging more accessible than ever.
“We are committed to constant innovation and, with this new investment, we are accelerating our product development. We will be shipping our second-generation, higher resolution, 160x120, sensor in Q4 2024.”
Kropelnick indicated that those new products were already in the pipeline, posting on LinkedIn: “Today, I’m proud to share that we have established a solid customer base and launched mass production of our second-generation thermal imager modules.”
Teck Lee Chee, the CEO of the Singapore-based optics manufacturer and new investor Moveon Technologies, commented:
“We are excited to deepen our partnership with Meridian and support its mission to bring cutting-edge thermal imaging technology to mass markets. Their unique CMOS-based approach is a game-changer, not only in terms of cost but also in manufacturing scalability.
“We believe this investment will help Meridian Innovation to solidify its leadership in the industry and unlock new applications in our own product portfolio.”
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| © 2024 SPIE Europe |
|
