Sensmet, an industrial technology company, has received a €1.5 million investment from EIT RawMaterials to support the scaling and deployment of its real-time metal monitoring solutions.
The funding is aimed at strengthening Europe’s access to critical raw materials by improving efficiency and transparency in industrial processes.
What The Company Does
Founded in 2017, Sensmet develops analytical technology for continuous, real-time monitoring of metals in liquid process streams. Its core innovation, Micro-Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (µDOES), enables simultaneous multi-metal analysis directly within industrial environments.
The system delivers laboratory-grade results without the need for manual sampling or off-site testing. This allows operators to monitor key elements such as lithium and other battery metals in real time, improving process control and decision-making.
Sensmet’s technology is applied across sectors including battery production and recycling, wastewater treatment, lithium processing, and fertiliser manufacturing, where accurate and continuous measurement is critical for efficiency and compliance.
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Market Context / Industry Background
The demand for critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements is increasing rapidly due to the growth of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. These materials are essential components in batteries, electronics, and various clean energy technologies, making their availability closely linked to the pace of industrial and technological development.
Ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of these materials has become a strategic priority in Europe. This includes improving resource efficiency, increasing recycling rates, and reducing dependence on external supply chains. Policy frameworks and industrial strategies are increasingly focused on strengthening domestic capabilities and supporting a more resilient materials ecosystem.
Technologies that enable better monitoring and optimisation of extraction and processing are seen as key enablers of this transition. Real-time data can help maximise recovery rates, reduce waste, and lower environmental impact, contributing to both economic and sustainability goals. Improved data collection and analysis can also support more consistent operational performance across different stages of the value chain.
In addition, greater transparency in material flows is becoming increasingly important for both regulatory compliance and supply chain management. Digital tools can support traceability and provide insights into the origin and processing of raw materials, which is relevant for meeting environmental and sustainability standards. As a result, the integration of data-driven technologies into resource management processes is gaining attention across both industry and policy contexts. This development is also linked to broader efforts to align industrial activity with sustainability targets and long-term resource planning across different sectors.
These approaches may contribute to more efficient coordination between stakeholders and improved visibility across complex supply networks, supporting more informed decision-making and resource allocation strategies across industries globally, particularly in resource-intensive sectors and critical infrastructure systems.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Dr Toni Laurila, CEO of Sensmet, highlighted the operational benefits of the company’s approach, noting that continuous measurement of key metals allows process managers to optimise extraction and processing efficiency compared to traditional laboratory-based methods.
EIT RawMaterials, co-funded by the European Commission, supports innovations that enhance Europe’s access to strategic materials and strengthen industrial competitiveness across the region.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The €1.5 million investment will be used to scale the deployment of Sensmet’s µDOES analysers and expand their use across industrial applications.
The company aims to increase adoption of its technology within Europe, supporting initiatives to improve raw material resilience and reduce environmental impact in resource-intensive industries.
About Sensmet
Sensmet is a technology company providing real-time analysis of lithium, battery metals, and trace elements in liquid processes. Founded in 2017. Headquartered in Finland. Its µDOES technology enables automated, online multi-metal monitoring with performance comparable to laboratory-based systems, supporting efficient and sustainable industrial operations.
