Klearia: the power of microfluidics in reducing water pollution

Klearia is all about technology, environment and innovation. Their advances in microfluidics, analytical chemistry and water monitoring make this company a true benchmark thanks to its potential implications in various industries and the search for a more sustainable future.

Today we are pleased to interview Clément Nanteuil, CEO of Klearia, to learn more about their latest developments, experience with the EIC Accelerator and much more.

Klearia is an excellent example of how technology and innovation can get us closer to a greener future. Please tell us more about the importance of your field, water monitoring, to achieve a sustainable society.

First, I would like to briefly explain what microfludics is.

Microfluidics is the science that manipulates fluids of micro-scale (typically sub-millimeter). It is a science inspired by nature: you can find microfluidics in the vessels of the vascular system carrying blood through the whole body; the vein xylem of leaves transports water and minerals, consuming a small amount of energy and spiders make precise, silky and harmonious spider webs. 

Microfluidics enable the miniaturisation and automatisation of complex chemical processes by simplifying its use and improving environmental and societal needs.

Microfluidic systems transport, mix, separate, or process different fluids.  It has practical applications in numerous fields: water, agriculture and food industry, pharmaceutical, medical diagnostic and testing, cosmetics, petroleum, nuclear, among others. 

Back in 2010, when I did my PhD thesis, I immediately understood the necessity of implementing a solution detecting water pollution through microfluidics. And that is how PANDa was born.

Microfluidics contribute to a greener future by offering solutions that enable smarter pollution monitoring through better management (more efficient and at a lower cost), produce less waste, save energy, purify raw materials and contribute to innovative approaches to develop pioneering products in an eco-friendly way.

Your project, PANDa, can monitor the presence of heavy metals in water accurately and in real-time. What are its main benefits, and how can it improve consumers’ lives?

PANDa stands for Portable ANalyzer for trace metals Detection, and it is our new generation of analyzer that provides a simple, fast and autonomous monitoring solution. 

PANDa can help you achieve your CSR policy and produce in a more eco-friendly way while increasing your production performance. 

PANDa provides lab results in less than 2 and a half hours (target 30 minutes at the end of the project). 

This device is low maintenance and does not require any special training for the user. 

Thanks to miniaturisation and its cartridge design all-in-one, PANDa uses a small amount of chemicals and produces minimum waste. Then, waste is stocked in the cartridge and Klearia recycles it. 

It’s easy to install, easy to use and easy to maintain.

Besides the monitoring, we know that Klearia also provides solutions that impact many sectors through microfluidics (microreactors). Can you tell us more about it and why it is so relevant? What role is Klearia playing in all this?

As mentioned previously, microfluidics have an application in multiple fields.

Klearia not only works in water monitoring but also designs and develops industrial devices and solutions to help companies become greener and improve their economic and environmental performance. 

We work hand in hand with our clients and provide them with turnkey solutions. From the initial idea, through the concept, design, prototype and industrial scale-up, to the final device. 

We are currently working on several projects in the beverage and food industry, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and fuels, to name a few.

Thanks to its disruptiveness, this project obtained the support of the EIC Accelerator programme. What would you highlight about this support from the European Commission?

We are currently in the first stages of the project (we recently received the first part of the grant). 

However, all the preparation work (the file to present) was extremely structured. The standard expected by the EIC requires mastering several subjects (market, legal, technical, etc.): preparing the file to present, set the milestones to make the project evolve by itself.

For Evolution has been a pleasure working with you to develop your funding strategy. How has our collaboration been in this process? 

We are very pleased with the collaboration with Evolution. It’s a long-lasting relationship that started in 2018.

We particularly appreciated: 

– Your sharp knowledge of the EIC Accelerator. 

– Your engagement towards our project, which led to a precise understanding of our goal, to better identify our weaknesses and the aspects we needed to work on, in order to obtain such a selective grant.

– Your working process that facilitated the interface with our teams, involved in structuring the project.

– Finally, and mostly, compared to other consultants we met: Evolution is engaged in the success of the company, and they provide the necessary resources to succeed (I’m thinking about the coaching for the pitch with examples of Q&A and public speaking). You gave us plenty of tips about the jury and words of encouragement that made a big difference.

We really recommend Evolution for this kind of specific and exacting endeavour.

Thank you for your words and time, Klearia. We are sure we’ll hear more about your innovative ideas in the upcoming future!