The EU-funded MIMIR project has officially launched its 36-month journey to pioneer a paradigm shift in analytical chemistry by transitioning high-end laboratory spectroscopy directly into the field. Coordinated by CyRIC – Cyprus Research and Innovation Center Ltd, this ambitious initiative builds upon the breakthrough results of the previous BROMEDIR project to develop and commercialize a new generation of miniaturized, handheld spectral analyzers operating in the mid-infrared (MIR) region.
Traditionally, mid-infrared spectroscopy has been restricted to large, expensive, and bulky laboratory instruments. Available low-cost scanners on the market operate primarily in the near-infrared (NIR) region, which lacks specificity and accuracy needed for complex sample interpretation.
MIMIR disrupts this landscape by integrating an ultra-compact, silicon-based miniature spectrometer core-engine into a single, cost-effective handheld unit weighing just 1 kg. Utilizing the unique advantage of silicon transparency across extensive spectral ranges, this robust and vibration-resilient device delivers an extended operational range, reaching well into the MIR region.
The versatility of the modular MIMIR platform will be demonstrated and validated under real-world conditions across two critical target application domains:
1. Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health
The device will be used directly in the field for high-resolution soil quality evaluation. By providing rapid, non-destructive on-site measurements, it will instantly assess physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. This replaces slow laboratory testing, enabling site-specific interventions to support sustainable farming and crop production.
2. Point-of-Care Healthcare Diagnostics
The analyzer will act as a rapid, low-cost tool for clinical medical diagnostics with minimal sample preparation. Validated on whole blood and urine samples, MIMIR targets the simultaneous quantification of 8 specific analytes: Albumin, Cholesterol, Total Protein, Urea, Triglycerides, Hematocrit, Creatinine, and Ketone. Furthermore, the project will explore the device's potential for non-invasive liquid biopsies, starting with urine-based screening for bladder cancer.
By bridging the gap between hardware portability and digital intelligence, MIMIR drives the transition toward green and digital solutions that directly enhance food safety, climate resilience, and public health outcomes.
Project partners include: CyRIC - Cyprus Research and Innovation Centre (Cyprus), Si-ware Systems S.A.S) (France), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), Servizo Galego de Saude (Spain) and Qurin PCR (Netherlands)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
