
Living Optics is a company founded in 2020, emerging from the University of Oxford's Physics department, focused on making hyperspectral imaging widely accessible. Their core product, the Living Optics Camera, offers snapshot video-rate hyperspectral imaging, capturing data in real-time at video frame rates. This technology reveals hidden details by analyzing light beyond the visible spectrum, providing insights for applications in food, healthcare, security, and industry. Their mission is to democratize and miniaturize hyperspectral systems, moving them from specialized labs to everyday use. The company has secured significant funding from investors like Octopus Ventures and Oxford Sciences Enterprises.

Living Optics is a company founded in 2020, emerging from the University of Oxford's Physics department, focused on making hyperspectral imaging widely accessible. Their core product, the Living Optics Camera, offers snapshot video-rate hyperspectral imaging, capturing data in real-time at video frame rates. This technology reveals hidden details by analyzing light beyond the visible spectrum, providing insights for applications in food, healthcare, security, and industry. Their mission is to democratize and miniaturize hyperspectral systems, moving them from specialized labs to everyday use. The company has secured significant funding from investors like Octopus Ventures and Oxford Sciences Enterprises.
Founded: 2020 (University of Oxford spinout)
Product: Compact, video-rate hyperspectral camera plus software and cloud tools
Headcount: 11–50 employees (reported), 42 (one source)
Series A: Closed Oct 2022 (~$25M / £20M)
Lead investors: Octopus Ventures; Oxford Sciences Enterprises; Foresight Williams
Making hyperspectral imaging affordable, portable and usable in mainstream applications (food/agriculture, healthcare, security, industrial inspection, remote sensing).
2020
Imaging technology / Optical sensing
25,000,000
Announced ~£20M / $25M Series A to commercialise technology
“Backed by multiple institutional investors including Octopus Ventures, Oxford Sciences Enterprises, Foresight Williams, Braavos Partners, and named angel investors.”