Elwave
French deep-tech company developing bio-inspired electric field sensors using proprietary CEDAR® technology for underwater detection and classification, serving defense, naval, subsea industry, and marine sciences markets with active and passive sensor product lines.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersCarquefou, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Elwave does
Elwave is a French deep-technology company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Carquefou (Nantes metropolitan area), incorporated as a SASU with founder Pierre Tuffigo as CEO. The company designs, manufactures, and sells bio-inspired subsea electric field sensors built on its patented CEDAR® (Controlled Electric Detection And Ranging) technology, which was developed over more than 15 years at the LS2N biorobotics research center jointly operated by ARMINES and IMT Atlantique. CEDAR® mimics the electric sense of tropical freshwater fish to actively detect, classify, and localize underwater objects regardless of water turbidity, burial, or material composition.
Elwave's commercial portfolio comprises two product lines: EPULSE, an active electric sensor range available as OCTOPULSE (8 electrodes, designed for large-area high-speed surveys) and TETRAPULSE (4 electrodes, designed for inspection-class ROV integration), and ESENSE, an ultra-sensitive wideband passive underwater electrometer with sensitivity below 10 pV/m at 1 Hz for detection at hundreds of meters to kilometer-scale ranges. Sensors are designed for integration on ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and permanent deployment platforms. The company has been qualified through NATO programs including DIANA and CMRE's SHINE event, and its products have been demonstrated on platforms from VideoRay, Maritime Robotics, Fugro, and Seaber.
Elwave operates a B2B enterprise model targeting defense and security (navies, coast guards, MCM, ASW, harbor protection), subsea industry (offshore energy, UXO detection, cable/pipeline inspection), and marine sciences customers. Revenue is generated through hardware sales of proprietary sensors and bespoke system integration contracts, sold via direct enterprise field sales and a growing system integrator and OEM partner network. The company markets primarily through defense industry events (UDT, EURONAVAL, MINWARA, SeaSEC, NATO REPMUS) and benefits from institutional backing including Bpifrance, DGA, and the France 2030 investment plan. Public financial information is limited: the company has a share capital of €47,590 and a single small disclosed funding tranche from the EUDIS Business Accelerator.
Elwave firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Elwave
- Legal name
- ELWAVE
- Website
- https://elwave.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- French deep-tech company developing bio-inspired electric field sensors using proprietary CEDAR® technology for underwater detection and classification, serving defense, naval, subsea industry, and marine sciences markets with active and passive sensor product lines.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Elwave industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Underwater Electromagnetic Sensors
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems (IMABAGAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Ruggedized/Harsh-Environment Electronics Manufacturing (IP-rated, shock/vibration, wide-temp) (IMAGAGAF)
Keywords
Where Elwave is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Carquefou
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Elwave business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Sensor Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary electric field sensors including EPULSE (OCTOPULSE, TETRAPULSE) and ESENSE product lines. Sensors are designed for integration on ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and permanent deployment platforms.
- System Integration and Custom Solutions: Delivery of complete hardware and software architectures for underwater monitoring, surveillance, and infrastructure protection. Includes multi-physics sensor integration, distributed sensing networks, edge processing, and C2 system integration.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Enterprise/bespoke pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Elwave product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Elwave designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary underwater electric field sensors — the EPULSE active product range (OCTOPULSE, TETRAPULSE) and the ESENSE passive electrometer range — built on its patented CEDAR bio-inspired technology. The company delivers complete sensor hardware and software architectures for underwater detection, classification, localization, real-time seabed impedance imaging, and surveillance, targeting navies, coast guards, defense integrators, and subsea industry operators. All systems are designed and built in-house, with custom integration services for deployment on ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and permanent platforms.
Product overview
Elwave offers a complete suite of subsea electric field sensors for underwater perception, inspection, monitoring, and surveillance. The product portfolio comprises two core product lines: EPULSE (active electric sensors) and ESENSE (passive electric sensors). EPULSE sensors generate an electric field and measure modulations to provide electrical impedance imaging, available as TETRAPULSE (4-electrode, compact inspection-class) and OCTOPULSE (8-electrode, large-area survey). ESENSE provides ultra-sensitive passive detection of underwater electric fields at mid-to-long ranges. Both product lines are powered by the proprietary CEDAR bio-inspired technology platform. Products target defense & security (mine warfare, infrastructure protection, anti-submarine warfare) and commercial markets (subsea industry, marine sciences).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CEDAR®: Controlled Electric Detection And Ranging - patented biomimicry technology integrated into subsea electromagnetic sensors for detection and classification of objects.
- EPULSE
- ESENSE
- OCTOPULSE
- TETRAPULSE
Products and services
- EPULSE Active Electric Sensor Range Active electric field sensor product range based on CEDAR technology that generates an electric field around the vehicle and measures modulations to detect objects with differing conductivity. Provides real-time electrical impedance seabed imaging with sub-decimetric resolution and super-classification of metallic versus non-metallic objects for defense, subsea industry, and marine science customers integrating on ROVs, AUVs, and USVs.
- ESENSE Passive Electric Sensor Ultra-sensitive wideband underwater electrometer sensor for passive detection and classification of underwater electric field sources at mid to long ranges. Sensitivity under 10 pV/m at 1Hz enables detection of any surface and underwater targets emitting an electric field, supporting harbor protection, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance for navies, coast guards, and defense integrators.
- OCTOPULSE 8-Electrode Active Sensor 8-electrode active electric field sensor in the EPULSE range designed for large-scale, high-speed initial seabed impedance surveys. Mountable on ROTV, ROV, or AUV platforms to detect buried targets including non-ferrous objects for offshore energy, marine archaeology, and UXO survey applications.
- TETRAPULSE 4-Electrode Active Sensor 4-electrode active electric field sensor in the EPULSE range enabling real-time super-classification of metallic and composite mines, laid and buried into the seabed, in clear and turbid waters. Compact design supports integration on mini-ROVs and inspection-class ROVs for mine countermeasure and inspection missions.
- System Integration and Custom Sensing Solutions Delivery of complete hardware and software architectures for underwater monitoring, surveillance, and infrastructure protection. Includes multi-physics sensor integration, distributed sensing networks, edge processing, and C2 system integration for defense and subsea industry customers requiring tailored, mission-specific solutions.
Companies that use Elwave
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Elwave technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature4 records
Elwave partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Atlantas MarinecoreMulti-partner sea trial campaign in Portland Harbour (UK) for UXO and Mine Countermeasure operations. Collaboration evaluated complete robotic workflow combining ELWAVE's TETRAPULSE with Atlantas Marine's operational capabilities.
- FugrosupportingPartnership for SeaSEC Challenge 2025 demonstrating OCTOPULSE sensor integration on ROV deployed from USV for seabed impedance surveys.
- MacArtneycoreStrategic partnership announced during UDT 2026 with Memorandum of Understanding to explore joint solutions for monitoring and protection of critical underwater infrastructure. Combines ELWAVE's electric-field sensing technology with MacArtney's expertise in subsea connectivity, data acquisition and system integration. Aims to develop modular and scalable surveillance solutions for ports, subsea communications, offshore energy, scientific infrastructure and environmental monitoring.
- SonardynesupportingSea trial partner providing SPRINT-Nav inertial navigation system integrated with ELWAVE's TETRAPULSE sensor for precision positioning during UXO/MCM operations.
- ECS Special ProjectssupportingMulti-partner sea trial participant contributing operational expertise to UXO and Mine Countermeasure workflow evaluation.
- Maritime RoboticssupportingIntegration partner for ESENSE ultra-sensitive wideband electrometer deployment on Mariner USV during NATO REPMUS 2026.
- VideoRaycoreROV manufacturer whose Defender platform integrates ELWAVE's TETRAPULSE and EPULSE sensors for MCM operations. Demonstrated during NATO SHINE event at CMRE and Portland Harbour trials.
- SeabersupportingIntegration partner for autonomous platforms enabling ESENSE sensor deployment on various unmanned underwater vehicles.
- IMT AtlantiquecoreScientific and academic partner. LS2N biorobotics research center jointly operated by ARMINES and Mines-Telecom Atlantique Institute developed electric sense technology since 2007. Continued collaboration on research and development.
- CMRE (Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation)coreNATO research facility where ELWAVE sensors were qualified through SHINE event. Sensors tested on various mine shapes and materials with integration aboard subsea vehicles.
- DSTA (Singapore)supportingDGA-DSTA SME Seminar participant in Singapore. Exchanges on emerging defence technologies and future collaboration opportunities in maritime domain awareness and critical underwater infrastructure protection.
- DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement)coreFrench Defence Procurement Agency supporting French defence deep-tech companies. Partner logo displayed on company website.
- SaipemsupportingInternational oil and gas contractor. Partner logo displayed on company website indicating potential commercial partnership.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Elwave competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Exail (formerly iXblue): French subsea navigation, positioning and acoustic/electromagnetic sensing company serving defense, hydrography and offshore. Overlaps with Elwave in subsea sensing and is a natural local competitor/complement.
- Saab (Seaeye / Kockums): Swedish defense prime with submarine, MCM and unmanned underwater vehicle portfolios. Comparable customer base (navies, MCM operators) and overlapping AUV/ROV product lines.
- Teledyne Marine: Broad subsea instrument and imaging incumbent (sonars, magnetometers, subsea vehicles) serving defense, hydrography and offshore markets. Overlaps with Elwave in seabed imaging and underwater detection categories.
- Thales Underwater Systems: Global defense prime with sonar suites, ASW and unmanned maritime systems for navies. Comparable in naval undersea sensing customer set and procurement cycle.
Direct peers
- EdgeTech: US manufacturer of side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profilers and bathymetric systems used for seabed imaging and UXO/MCM surveys. Closely comparable sensor offering in seabed characterization where Elwave's OCTOPULSE competes.
- Sonardyne: UK-headquartered subsea sensing, navigation and positioning specialist. Partnered with Elwave in Portland Harbour trials; competes and complements in the same undersea detection / survey workflow.
- Klein Marine Systems: Specialist in side-scan sonar and seabed imaging sensors, with deep use in mine countermeasure and hydrographic surveys. Comparable product category to Elwave's EPULSE for seabed imaging.
- ATLAS ELEKTRONIK: German naval sensor and MCM systems prime supplying sonar and unmanned underwater systems to global navies. Direct peer in defense undersea detection and MCM where Elwave's CEDAR® competes as a complementary modality.
Others
- Fugro: Global geo-data and seabed survey services company; partner in SeaSEC 2025 demonstrating Elwave on USV-deployed ROV. Customer/channel rather than direct competitor, but defines the addressable market for subsea sensing services.
Emerging players
- VideoRay: US-based mission-grade ROV manufacturer whose Defender platform integrates Elwave's TETRAPULSE sensor. Adjacent/partner competitor in MCM robotic workflows.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Elwave social profiles
Digital presenceElwave financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Elwave leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Elwave funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Elwave M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Elwave
What does Elwave do?
Elwave designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary underwater electric field sensors — the EPULSE active product range (OCTOPULSE, TETRAPULSE) and the ESENSE passive electrometer range — built on its patented CEDAR bio-inspired technology. The company delivers complete sensor hardware and software architectures for underwater detection, classification, localization, real-time seabed impedance imaging, and surveillance, targeting navies, coast guards, defense integrators, and subsea industry operators. All systems are designed and built in-house, with custom integration services for deployment on ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and permanent platforms.
Is Elwave a public or private company?
Elwave is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Elwave founded?
Elwave was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Elwave based?
Elwave is headquartered in Carquefou, France, in the Europe region.
How does Elwave make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Sensor Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are system Integration and Custom Solutions.
Who are Elwave's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Exail (formerly iXblue), Saab (Seaeye / Kockums), Teledyne Marine and Thales Underwater Systems. Direct peers are EdgeTech, Sonardyne, Klein Marine Systems and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK. Fugro is listed as an others. VideoRay is listed as an emerging player.
Does Elwave have an API?
No public API is recorded for Elwave.
What industry is Elwave in?
Elwave's product category is Underwater Electromagnetic Sensors. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAGAD, Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems, with a secondary code of IMAGAGAF, Ruggedized/Harsh-Environment Electronics Manufacturing (IP-rated, shock/vibration, wide-temp). Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.