Diving Deep: Cosma's €2.5 Million Leap into Ocean Mapping
July 1, 2025, 3:36 pm
In the vast, uncharted waters of the ocean, a French startup is making waves. Cosma, a Nice-based deep-tech company, has secured €2.5 million in funding to revolutionize underwater imaging technology. This funding round, led by WIND and Ternel, is not just a financial boost; it’s a lifeline for marine biodiversity.
Founded in 2022, Cosma is on a mission. They aim to map deep-sea ecosystems using autonomous underwater vehicles. Think of them as the Google Maps for the ocean floor. Their technology is designed to collect vast amounts of data, capturing up to 100,000 images per hectare of seabed. This is no small feat. The ocean is a mysterious realm, with only 25% of its floor mapped with high precision. Less than 1% of marine species are known. The need for knowledge is immense.
Cosma’s approach is innovative. They deploy swarms of autonomous robots equipped with a 3D photogrammetry system. These robots don’t just take pictures; they analyze habitats and identify species using advanced algorithms. The result? A digital twin of the seabed that provides reliable, repeatable, and easily interpretable data. This is crucial for scientific studies and practical applications alike.
The implications of Cosma’s work are profound. Their data can help avoid sensitive species during offshore construction. It ensures the integrity of critical underwater infrastructure. It also sheds light on the role of seagrass meadows in coastal erosion. In a world where biodiversity is under threat, Cosma places it at the heart of decision-making.
The funding round was bolstered by significant non-dilutive public funding, including support from France 2030. This could potentially double the total amount secured. Such backing underscores the importance of Cosma’s mission. The ocean is not just a resource; it’s a complex ecosystem that needs protection.
The early clients of Cosma reflect the broad appeal of their technology. RWE, a leader in renewable energy, and EGIS, a prominent engineering firm, are among the first to recognize the value of high-resolution seafloor data. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the French Navy (Marine Nationale) are also on board. This diverse clientele highlights the urgent need for reliable measurement technologies in maritime projects.
Cosma’s CEO, Frédéric Mittaine, emphasizes the company’s vision. Biological data should be as accessible and reliable as physical measurements. This philosophy drives their technology and operations. The company has received strong scientific and technical support from IFREMER, the French research institute that originally launched the project. This partnership is crucial, providing the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of marine ecosystems.
The ocean is a treasure trove of biodiversity, yet it remains largely unexplored. Cosma’s technology opens new perspectives for observation and understanding. The potential applications are vast. From environmental monitoring to infrastructure planning, the ability to map the ocean floor with precision is a game-changer.
As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the role of technology in conservation becomes increasingly vital. Cosma’s innovative approach not only aids in scientific research but also supports sustainable practices in marine industries. Their work aligns with global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
The funding will allow Cosma to industrialize its drone fleet and strengthen its software platform. This means more robust AI-powered analysis tools and a structured operation to serve both public and private clients across Europe. The ambition is clear: to become the go-to provider of high-resolution seafloor data.
In a world where the ocean is often seen as an endless resource, Cosma reminds us of its fragility. Their technology empowers decision-makers to prioritize biodiversity. It transforms how we interact with our oceans, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of ecological integrity.
As Cosma embarks on this journey, they are not just mapping the ocean floor; they are charting a course for the future. The ocean is a vast, interconnected system, and understanding it is crucial for our survival. With each image captured and each data point collected, Cosma is paving the way for a more sustainable relationship with our planet’s waters.
In conclusion, Cosma’s €2.5 million funding is more than just a financial milestone. It’s a beacon of hope for marine biodiversity. As they industrialize their technology and expand their reach, the potential for positive impact is immense. The ocean is calling, and Cosma is ready to answer.
Founded in 2022, Cosma is on a mission. They aim to map deep-sea ecosystems using autonomous underwater vehicles. Think of them as the Google Maps for the ocean floor. Their technology is designed to collect vast amounts of data, capturing up to 100,000 images per hectare of seabed. This is no small feat. The ocean is a mysterious realm, with only 25% of its floor mapped with high precision. Less than 1% of marine species are known. The need for knowledge is immense.
Cosma’s approach is innovative. They deploy swarms of autonomous robots equipped with a 3D photogrammetry system. These robots don’t just take pictures; they analyze habitats and identify species using advanced algorithms. The result? A digital twin of the seabed that provides reliable, repeatable, and easily interpretable data. This is crucial for scientific studies and practical applications alike.
The implications of Cosma’s work are profound. Their data can help avoid sensitive species during offshore construction. It ensures the integrity of critical underwater infrastructure. It also sheds light on the role of seagrass meadows in coastal erosion. In a world where biodiversity is under threat, Cosma places it at the heart of decision-making.
The funding round was bolstered by significant non-dilutive public funding, including support from France 2030. This could potentially double the total amount secured. Such backing underscores the importance of Cosma’s mission. The ocean is not just a resource; it’s a complex ecosystem that needs protection.
The early clients of Cosma reflect the broad appeal of their technology. RWE, a leader in renewable energy, and EGIS, a prominent engineering firm, are among the first to recognize the value of high-resolution seafloor data. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the French Navy (Marine Nationale) are also on board. This diverse clientele highlights the urgent need for reliable measurement technologies in maritime projects.
Cosma’s CEO, Frédéric Mittaine, emphasizes the company’s vision. Biological data should be as accessible and reliable as physical measurements. This philosophy drives their technology and operations. The company has received strong scientific and technical support from IFREMER, the French research institute that originally launched the project. This partnership is crucial, providing the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of marine ecosystems.
The ocean is a treasure trove of biodiversity, yet it remains largely unexplored. Cosma’s technology opens new perspectives for observation and understanding. The potential applications are vast. From environmental monitoring to infrastructure planning, the ability to map the ocean floor with precision is a game-changer.
As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the role of technology in conservation becomes increasingly vital. Cosma’s innovative approach not only aids in scientific research but also supports sustainable practices in marine industries. Their work aligns with global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
The funding will allow Cosma to industrialize its drone fleet and strengthen its software platform. This means more robust AI-powered analysis tools and a structured operation to serve both public and private clients across Europe. The ambition is clear: to become the go-to provider of high-resolution seafloor data.
In a world where the ocean is often seen as an endless resource, Cosma reminds us of its fragility. Their technology empowers decision-makers to prioritize biodiversity. It transforms how we interact with our oceans, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of ecological integrity.
As Cosma embarks on this journey, they are not just mapping the ocean floor; they are charting a course for the future. The ocean is a vast, interconnected system, and understanding it is crucial for our survival. With each image captured and each data point collected, Cosma is paving the way for a more sustainable relationship with our planet’s waters.
In conclusion, Cosma’s €2.5 million funding is more than just a financial milestone. It’s a beacon of hope for marine biodiversity. As they industrialize their technology and expand their reach, the potential for positive impact is immense. The ocean is calling, and Cosma is ready to answer.