eLichens Company Profile

Background

Company Overview

Founded in December 2014, eLichens is a French company specializing in environmental gas detection solutions. The company's mission is to provide comprehensive information about air quality, leveraging a portfolio of patents and expertise to develop innovative Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensors and industrial IoT devices. eLichens addresses critical climate issues by offering products that detect, monitor, and predict air quality for both indoor and outdoor environments. The company is headquartered in Grenoble, France, with additional offices in Paris, France, and Texas, USA.

Significance in the Industry

eLichens plays a pivotal role in the environmental monitoring industry by providing advanced gas detection technologies that enhance safety and environmental awareness. Their solutions are integral to various sectors, including industrial safety, smart cities, and agriculture, contributing to improved public health and environmental sustainability.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

eLichens aims to empower individuals and organizations to monitor and improve air quality, directly impacting health and well-being. The company's goal is to provide connected environmental sensing solutions that offer real-time access to air quality information.

Areas of Specialization

The company specializes in developing low-power micro gas sensors and connected stations that detect, monitor, and predict air quality. These solutions cater to both consumer electronics and industrial markets, addressing applications such as industrial safety, gas distribution, and outdoor methane leak detection.

Key Technologies Utilized

eLichens leverages proprietary NDIR sensor technology and artificial intelligence to develop pollution prediction models. Their technological breakthroughs, combined with IoT capabilities, offer new tools to tackle global public health challenges related to air pollution.

Primary Markets Targeted

The company's products serve various markets, including industrial safety, gas detection and monitoring, smart buildings, smart cities, HVAC/DCV systems, and agriculture. By providing real-time air quality data, eLichens enables organizations to enhance employee safety, boost productivity, and optimize energy efficiency.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

eLichens has undergone multiple funding rounds to support its growth and innovation:

Series C (April 2022): Raised $9.9 million.

Series C (June 2020): Amount undisclosed.

Early Stage VC (May 2018): Amount undisclosed.

Early Stage VC (July 2016): Raised $3.32 million.

Accelerator/Incubator: Details undisclosed.

The total funds raised to date amount to approximately $28.2 million.

Notable Investors

eLichens has attracted investment from several notable entities, including:

New Cosmos Electric: A corporation specializing in gas detection technologies.

UI Investissement: A private equity firm.

BNP Paribas Développement: The investment arm of BNP Paribas.

Aereco: A company focusing on ventilation systems.

Bpifrance: A French sovereign wealth fund.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised has been directed towards research and development, product innovation, and market expansion to strengthen eLichens' position in the air quality monitoring industry.

Pipeline Development

Key Products

eLichens offers a range of products designed for various applications:

eLichens Avolta: A natural gas detector.

P2M50 EmiVolta: A low-emission methane sentry.

Aura CO2 Monitor: An indoor air quality monitor.

eLichens eLos: An outdoor air quality station.

Global Air Quality Map API: Provides real-time pollution data across 300 global cities.

Development Stages and Milestones

eLichens has achieved several milestones:

November 2024: Won the NaTran (formerly GRTgaz) Open Innovation Factory challenge with the eLichens Avolta sensor.

June 2023: Selected for the French Tech 2030 program, supporting innovations in strategic sectors.

November 2017: Listed among the 2017 Global Cleantech 100 Ones to Watch by Cleantech Group.

February 2017: Awarded the Katerva Award in the Smart Cities category.

February 2015: Recognized as the most innovative start-up by i-LAB 2015.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

eLichens' proprietary NDIR gas sensors are central to their product offerings, providing high accuracy, long lifespan, and ultra-low power consumption. These sensors are integral to detecting and monitoring gases such as CO2 and CH4.

Scientific Methodologies

The company employs advanced gas dispersion models and artificial intelligence to develop pollution prediction models. These methodologies enable precise air quality forecasting and monitoring.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Wahid Issa, Ph.D.: Co-Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer.

Maklouf Attia: Co-Founder, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Managing Director, and Chief Marketing Officer.

Anne Gabrot: Co-Chief Financial Officer.

Pierre Jallon: Chief Technology Officer.

Grégoire Aujay: Vice President of Research & Development.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within eLichens' leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The air quality monitoring industry is experiencing significant growth due to increasing awareness of environmental issues and regulatory requirements. The market encompasses various applications, including industrial safety, smart cities, and consumer electronics.

Competitor Analysis

eLichens faces competition from several companies:

GSS (Gas Sensing Solutions): Based in Glasgow, UK, GSS specializes in CO2 sensor technology.

Alphasense: Located in Braintree, UK, Alphasense provides a range of gas sensors for industrial applications.

Dawson Geophysical Company: A U.S.-based provider of onshore seismic data acquisition and processing services.

Seitel: An oil and gas service company involved in the creation and marketing of 2D and 3D seismic data.

GEO (Geofinancial Analytics): A data analytics company specializing in climate solutions.

ThinkSense: Provides digital biomarker technology solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

eLichens has established significant collaborations to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:

NaTran (formerly GRTgaz): In November 2024, eLichens won the NaTran Open Innovation Factory challenge with its eLichens Avolta sensor, addressing operational needs for detecting methane emissions at sensitive sites.

French Tech 2030 Program: In June 2023, eLichens was selected for this program, supporting innovations in key strategic sectors.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

eLichens differentiates itself through its proprietary NDIR sensor technology and comprehensive air quality solutions. The company's focus on innovation and strategic partnerships positions it favorably in the competitive landscape.

Market Position

By addressing multiple markets, including industrial safety and smart cities,