PERCEIVE3D SA

Their core work

Perceive3D is a Portuguese technology SME that develops computer vision and 3D navigation systems for surgical applications, particularly arthroscopy. Their core product uses endoscopic video feeds to provide real-time intra-operative navigation and measurement without requiring external tracking hardware. More recently, they have expanded into verification and validation of automated systems, applying their expertise in safety-critical software to broader domains beyond medical devices.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Perceive3D began with a tight focus on surgical navigation technology, progressing from an SME Phase 1 feasibility study (P3DNavitech, 2015) to a fully funded Phase 2 product development project (in.nav, 2017-2019) — a classic SME Instrument success story. By 2020, they broadened their scope by joining VALU3S, a large research consortium on verification and validation for automated systems, signaling a move to apply their safety-critical software experience beyond the medical domain. This suggests a deliberate diversification from a single-product medical company toward a wider safety and automation consultancy profile.

Perceive3D appears to be broadening from medical-only applications toward general safety verification of automated systems, which positions them for collaborations in automotive, robotics, and industrial automation.

How they like to work

Perceive3D primarily leads its own projects — two of three H2020 projects were coordinated by them, both under the SME Instrument scheme designed for ambitious small companies. Their participation in VALU3S (41 partners, 10 countries) as a contributor shows they can also integrate into large consortia when the topic aligns. This mix suggests a company that prefers to drive its core product agenda but is open to joining larger research efforts to expand capabilities.

Through 3 projects, Perceive3D has worked with 41 unique partners across 10 countries, though the bulk of this network comes from the large VALU3S consortium. Their SME Instrument projects were single-beneficiary, so their collaborative network is relatively recent.

What sets them apart

Perceive3D sits at the intersection of computer vision, surgical technology, and safety verification — an unusual combination for a small company. Their successful progression through both phases of the SME Instrument demonstrates a credible product development track record, not just research participation. For consortium builders, they offer hands-on experience in building safety-critical perception systems, which is transferable across medical, automotive, and robotics domains.

Highlights from their portfolio

• in.nav
  Their flagship project with EUR 1.3M in funding — a full SME Phase 2 effort to bring arthroscopy navigation from concept to market-ready product.
• VALU3S
  Marks their strategic pivot into automated systems V&V, joining a large multi-partner consortium focused on safety and security testing.