SENSIBEL AS

Their core work

Sensibel is a Norwegian deep-tech SME developing optical MEMS microphones that claim the world's highest signal-to-noise ratio. Their core technology replaces traditional capacitive sensing in microphones with optical readout of MEMS diaphragms, enabling superior audio fidelity for applications like voice control, active noise cancellation, and acoustic imaging. They have progressed from feasibility study through scale-up, and their technology has been validated in aviation voice-interaction systems through the Clean Sky 2 programme.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Sensibel's trajectory follows a classic deep-tech scale-up arc. In 2018, they ran two parallel efforts: proving their optical MEMS microphone concept (OptiMEMS, SME-1 feasibility) while simultaneously validating the technology in a real aviation environment (VOICI, Clean Sky 2). By 2020, they secured a substantial EUR 2.5M SME-2 grant (OptiMEMS2) to industrialize production, and their keyword profile expanded significantly — from basic microphone and semiconductor terms to application-specific domains like ANC headsets, acoustic cameras, and microphone arrays.

Sensibel is moving from component R&D into volume manufacturing and diversified audio applications — partners should expect a company transitioning from lab to market.

How they like to work

Sensibel primarily leads its own projects, coordinating 2 out of 3 H2020 grants — both SME Instrument awards where they drove the agenda. Their one participation as a partner was in VOICI under Clean Sky 2, indicating they selectively join larger consortia when it provides a real-world testbed for their technology. With only 3 unique partners across 2 countries, they operate in tight, focused collaborations rather than broad networks.

A small, focused network of 3 partners across 2 countries, reflecting their SME-driven approach where most projects are self-coordinated. Their Clean Sky 2 participation connects them to the European aviation supply chain.

What sets them apart

Sensibel occupies a rare niche: optical readout MEMS microphones, a fundamentally different approach from the capacitive MEMS technology that dominates the market (Knowles, Infineon, etc.). Their progression from SME-1 to SME-2 — securing EUR 2.5M for scale-up — signals that EU evaluators found their technology commercially viable. For consortium builders, they offer a proprietary hardware component that can differentiate any project involving audio sensing, voice interaction, or acoustic monitoring.

Highlights from their portfolio

• OptiMEMS2
  EUR 2.5M SME-2 grant for scaling production — one of the larger SME Instrument Phase 2 awards, signaling strong commercial potential validated by EU evaluators.
• VOICI
  Clean Sky 2 participation applying their microphone technology to aviation crew voice assistants — demonstrates cross-sector applicability beyond consumer electronics.