Defense: deeptech Prophesee launches into the fight against drones

Arrived at the head of the company since last November, following the departure of its historic leader Luca Verre, the new CEO of Prophesee, Jean Ferré, finds himself thrust into the heart of a major transformation.

Because at its origins, the nugget, born in 2014 from the Vision Institute, aimed to bring about a new generation of sensors inspired by the functioning of the human eye (protected by 51 patents), associated with a software layer integrating models of artificial intelligence.

With, as a result, large-volume opportunities expected in the automotive, robotics and consumer electronics sectors. But also first rapprochements with Qualcomm, Asian smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi. And even a first emblematic contract with the world leader in image sensors Sony, signed in 2021.

But in October 2024, Prophesee’s trajectory was stopped in mid-flight by the opening of legal recovery proceedings.

Its new CEO, Jean Ferré, himself from Microsoft, Thales or even the Boston Consulting Group, returns to the initial bet which failed: “ Prophesee had developed sensors and very efficient software, but it is not easy to sell a camera to a manufacturer of augmented glasses or to an automobile manufacturer who needs large volumes for very low prices per unit…».

And this, even though the demand from certain players in the world of defense for a very specific outlet has exploded in parallel: that of anti-drone surveillance.