Matis: The Venture Leader Technology enabling AI-driven multispectral material identification

26.03.2026 11:00, Rita Longobardi

Meet Marie Didier, CEO of Matis. The ICT company applies AI to provide accurate and secure material identification across art, forensic, and industrial sectors. Marie and the other nine Swiss National Technology Team members will fly to Silicon Valley in April.

Name: Marie Didier
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Nationality: French – soon Swiss!
Graduated from: EPFL, PhD in Physics and Optics
Prior role: Product Engineer in another startup
Founding team members: Me originally, then 2 other late co-founders
Number of employees: 6
Money raised: USD 3.1 M


What does your product or solution do, and what makes it unique?
We develop a portable imaging system that reveals material information you can’t see with the naked eye. It combines three key elements: the camera, a software platform that makes the results easy to visualize and interpret, and a growing database of material intelligence. What makes it unique is that it brings all of this together in a tool that can be used directly on site, not just in labs.

What trend or shift in your industry is currently creating the biggest opportunity for you?
There’s a strong shift toward predictive analysis, not just observing materials but anticipating degradation, detecting counterfeits, and improving material classification. At the same time, the trend is moving away from generating massive amounts of data toward more targeted and efficient approaches. That’s why we focus on multispectral rather than hyperspectral imaging, combined with both theoretical and experimental data to build more robust and scalable models.

How did the idea for your startup originate?
It came from my passion for material analysis in art and cultural heritage, and my experience in science diplomacy. Being close to the field, I could clearly see what was missing in terms of tools and accessibility. So I decided to create a solution that brings advanced imaging technologies directly where they are needed.

Which market are you addressing, and what potential do you see for your startup in that market?
We’re at the intersection of art, conservation, forensics, and industrial inspection. The potential is huge because material analysis is needed everywhere, and current tools are often too complex or not scalable. Our next move is also into critical infrastructure inspection, where early material diagnostics can have a major impact.

What impact do you want your technology to have five years from now?
I’d like MATIS to become a standard tool for understanding materials across different sectors. In cultural heritage, especially in conflict zones, I want it to help prevent trafficking and protect artifacts, for example, by being deployed at customs checkpoints. In parallel, I see a strong impact in monitoring critical infrastructure and making MATIS a standard tool for forensic investigations.

What major challenges have you faced so far?
Building both hardware and software at the same time, while educating the market. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about changing how people work.

What motivates you on tough days?
The feeling that we are building something meaningful, and those small moments where the technology actually helps people understand something new. Also, the bond with my team, the shared adventure, and the path we are building together.

Why did you decide to join the Venture Leaders Roadshow, and what are you most excited about?
It’s a great opportunity to connect with the US ecosystem and challenge our vision. I’m especially excited to meet people who think big and move fast. Being surrounded by other founders with a similar mindset is also very refreshing; it’s the kind of environment where ideas and creativity really flourish. And of course, San Francisco is the perfect place for that.