Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll, co-founders of Lios, are making significant strides in the battle against noise pollution. Supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, the Irish innovators have developed cutting-edge technologies to address noise pollution and hearing damage. We had a conversation with Rhona Togher to explore Lios' mission, their groundbreaking products, their collaboration with the European Space Agency and their future aspirations.
Tell us about your company.
Lios, formerly known as Restored Hearing, was founded in 2009 by Eimear and me, (Rhona Togher). We are an Irish startup deeply committed to creating a quieter world through advanced technologies. As trained physicists, we leverage our expertise to tackle the challenges of noise pollution and noise-damaged hearing.
Our journey began with the personal experience of tinnitus, which led us to develop Sound Relief, a sound therapy scientifically proven to reduce tinnitus severity. Over the years, we recognised the limitations of conventional acoustic materials in reducing noise pollution, prompting us to create SoundBounce, an advanced material designed to revolutionise noise reduction.
Tell us more about your award-winning product, SoundBounce.
SoundBounce is a breakthrough in advanced acoustic materials, providing superior noise reduction in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and home appliance industries among others. It utilises responsive materials in a custom-made cellular structure to achieve high-performance acoustics. Thin, non-toxic, sustainable, and cost-competitive, SoundBounce not only reduces noise effectively but also aligns with environmental and safety standards.
Lios has been part of the EIC-funded TANDEM project which aims to develop an acoustic insulation metamaterial to effectively reduce noise pollution.
What motivated you to apply, and how did it help you to develop your product?
We applied for the TANDEM project because the EIC supports deep-tech companies like ours, that are on the brink of commercialising their products. Traditional investors often shy away from deep tech due to longer development timelines and greater technology risk. TANDEM enabled us to expand our team, conduct validation testing, and move towards market readiness.
With TANDEM, we expanded our team to include experts in material science, acoustics, mathematical modeling, and commercialisation. This interdisciplinary team was crucial in advancing SoundBounce. We completed pilot projects with leaders in the automotive, construction, home appliance, and aerospace industries, scaling up sample production, and validating these samples through third-party testing, while also creating product datasheets and fostering new partnerships.
What challenges are you currently facing in your innovation journey?
Currently, we are focused on industrialising our manufacturing processes. Having validated SoundBounce both technically and commercially, we are now expanding our production capabilities to meet customer demand. This exciting phase involves working closely with customers to integrate SoundBounce into their next-generation products.
How did the European Innovation Council grant help you in this regard?
The EIC grant was instrumental in helping us reach this stage. It supported our pilot projects and manufacturing trials, and laid the foundation for this new chapter in our business journey.
Back to your company, as we would like to talk about the importance of creating relevant partnerships to grow the business. Can you tell us more about the development contract you signed with the European Space Agency (ESA)?
In 2023, Lios embarked on Phase 2 of a development contract with ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP). As pioneers in acoustic metamaterials, we are developing, testing, and qualifying SoundBounce as a new fairing acoustic protection (FAP) material for space flight. Launch vehicle payloads, such as satellites, endure high noise and vibration levels, which can cause damage. Our collaboration with ESA aims to improve the acoustic environment within the launch vehicle fairing, ensuring safer satellite launches.
Following the success of Phase 1 in 2022, Phase 2, valued at nearly EUR 1 million in co-funding, focuses on meeting the low-mass targets necessary for space flight. We continue to collaborate with leading European space manufacturers to develop this new FAP.
In your opinion, what is the current situation in terms of sound pollution? How do you see the future of the industry?
Noise pollution is pervasive and poses a significant threat to our hearing health, especially for those living in cities. Prolonged exposure to high sound levels can cause irreversible hearing damage. For instance, audio levels at concerts can reach between 110 and 130 decibels, causing hearing loss after only two minutes of exposure.
Awareness of noise pollution is growing, and future regulations will likely enforce stricter noise reduction standards across various products. At Lios, we believe that changing the world requires a change in the materials used in noise reduction. We are at the forefront of this change, providing innovative materials that enable a quieter future.
Last question, what advice would you give to future startups and researchers joining the EIC community? What are the main takeaways you have learned from your journey within the innovation ecosystem?
We advise newcomers to fully utilise the support offered by the EIC. Pitching to market-leading companies in various sectors is a great way to generate new business. Being part of the EIC ecosystem adds a level of credibility and enhances innovation, making it easier to build partnerships and attract customers. Embrace the opportunities and collaborations within the EIC community to accelerate your growth and success.
About Lios
Lios, co-founded by Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll, is dedicated to developing advanced materials for noise reduction. Their flagship product, SoundBounce, offers superior acoustic performance and sustainability, revolutionising industries from automotive to aerospace. Supported by the EIC, Lios continues to lead the way in combating noise pollution and creating a quieter world.
Learn more about Lios by visiting the Horizon Europe database and the company official website.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.