ELWAVE (France): Bio-Inspired Underwater Electrosensing for Mine Countermeasures and Infrastructure Security

ELWAVE is a French deep-tech company pioneering a radical new form of underwater sensing inspired by nature. By mimicking the electro-sensory abilities of certain tropical fish, ELWAVE has developed a unique technology that allows robots to “feel” their surroundings in murky waters where cameras and sonars falter[1][2]. From its base in western France, this young firm has swiftly attracted attention in both the civilian offshore industry and the defense sector. ELWAVE’s electric sense innovation promises to transform how Europe inspects critical subsea infrastructure and detects hidden threats on the seabed. Its breakthrough sensors can detect objects of any material, in 360° and in real time, even if buried under sediment[3][4]. Such capabilities directly address emerging European security needs – from safer offshore wind operations to advanced naval mine countermeasures. The company’s bold vision aligns with Europe’s drive for technological sovereignty beneath the waves. ELWAVE’s story – spinning out of a research lab to become a one-of-a-kind provider of bio-inspired sensors – offers a glimpse into the future of underwater robotics and Europe’s quest to reduce reliance on foreign technologies. It is a story that underscores how homegrown innovation can bolster strategic autonomy while opening new frontiers in ocean exploration.