Newly Founded: Start-up WAIV-FTIR Brings Compact High-Performance Spectroscopy to the Market

Hamburg’s innovation landscape has just gained a promising new addition: WAIV-FTIR GmbH, a newly founded start-up by Dr. Ekaterina Jung and Erik Jung, is developing cutting-edge, compact FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared) spectrometers that set new standards in resolution, robustness, and usability. Formerly known under the name 5pectre-optixx, the start-up has now entered a new phase of its journey with its rebranding as WAIV-FTIR.

Technology that Excites – From Research to Application

The founding team combines scientific excellence with entrepreneurial vision: Dr. Ekaterina Jung completed her PhD at DESY, where she developed the first ultra-broadband FTIR spectrometer prototype. Her expertise in high-power laser systems and optical system design now plays a key role in the product’s development. Erik Jung brings extensive experience in software development, business strategy, and company leadership. Together, they share a clear goal: to build the most powerful, compact, and user-friendly spectrometer in its class.

Compared to conventional devices, the WAIV spectrometer offers numerous advantages: it is extremely compact and rugged, delivers exceptionally high-resolution results thanks to purely reflective optics, and requires significantly smaller sample volumes – ideal for use cases where space, speed, and precision are crucial. Its intuitive operation further sets WAIV-FTIR apart from existing solutions, making advanced spectroscopy accessible to a broader range of users.

Versatile Applications and Strong Market Potential

The range of potential applications is vast: from environmental monitoring, materials analysis, and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, food safety, and fundamental research. Thanks to its flexibility and performance, the technology has the potential to become a key enabling tool across multiple industries and scientific fields.

DESY – A Strong Partner on the Start-up Journey

Since July 2022, Dr. Ekaterina Jung has been actively supported by the DESY Start-up Program. The DESY Start-up Office provides strategic guidance, resources, and mentoring throughout the spin-off process. WAIV-FTIR has also received support from the Helmholtz Enterprise Program – another important milestone in translating groundbreaking research into real-world innovation.

Pictures: DESY, Angela Pfeiffer
Erik Jung, WAIV FTIR GmbH