​Lower carbon emissions, better occupational safety, and fewer costly gas leaks

eLichens miniaturized, connected, ultra-low-power, high-performance sensors continuously measure the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in the air.

“Aura CO2”, the eLichens connected CO2 detector. Courtesy of: eLichens

Startup eLichens has developed particularly innovative gas sensors in partnership with the CEA. Dedicated to the detection of CO2 and methane, two of the main greenhouse gases, these sensors are six times smaller than their direct competitors, consume ten times less energy, and remain drift-free over their entire fifteen-year lifespan.

The infrared sensors are coupled with data fusion and analysis tools to detect the presence of gases, measure their concentrations, and issue alerts if necessary. The objective is threefold: to guarantee health and safety at work and at home, to reduce the cost of leaks (e.g. on distribution networks), and to limit environmental impacts.

With a portfolio of 59 patents (including 19 CEA patents), eLichens generates 90% of its revenue from exports. It is developing even more sensitive gas micro-leak sensors in a joint laboratory with the CEA. For methane alone, these leaks represent losses of several thousand tons per year.

Key figure: 10

eLichens gas sensors consume 10x less than competing products for exceptionally long battery life

Key markets:

• Industrial safety
• Natural gas supply and distribution
• Indoor air quality monitoring

Technologies:

• Very low power NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared Detection) gas sensors
• Data fusion and analysis software
• IoT devices

Year founded: 2014

Originating institute: CEA-Leti