Prospectral

Founded in 2021 by a team of four University of Cambridge researchers in optical physics and semiconductor engineering, Prospectral is building ultra-compact, chip-based spectral imaging hardware that pairs on-chip optical sensors with AI-driven software to identify and analyse materials in real time, without moving parts. The technology targets applications spanning on-site mineral and material analysis, manufacturing defect detection, and autonomous robotics and automotive systems, offering a cheaper, more portable alternative to traditional lab spectrometers.

Prospectral raised a $1.2M pre-seed round from Creator Fund, Unruly Capital and Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, and has also been backed by ChipStart and Founders Factory.