Reviewed by Lexie CornerFeb 11 2025
Synature, an EPFL start-up, has developed a smart microphone system capable of recording and analyzing animal sounds to support environmental research and conservation efforts. The system enables organizations, researchers, and consultants to study animal behavior, assess environmental changes, and provide data to inform policy decisions. It can also be used to evaluate the impact of habitat modifications, such as the establishment of nature reserves or infrastructure development.
The microphone developed by the start-up. The case was designed with the help of the Enabled by Design program at EPFL and ECAL. Image Credit: ©Synature
Acoustic monitoring is one of the most effective methods for identifying species within a natural habitat.
“Our devices also provide an acoustically engaging way to get people interested in nature,” said Synature CEO Olivier Staehli. The system has been tested in Glaris canton, France, and South Africa and will soon be ready for large-scale manufacturing.
Three-Month Battery Life Thanks to a Reduced Power Requirement
Monitoring wildlife populations through animal sounds is a well-established method, but it is typically performed manually by researchers who record audio on-site and analyze the data afterward.
Our smart microphones filter out the background noise from the animal sounds. Then, algorithms recognize the sounds made by specific species. This information is displayed in an app in an easy-to-read format.
Olivier Staehli, Chief Executive Officer, Synature
The system was initially tested on wolf populations by Staehli and his colleague Noah Schmid (CTO). In 2022, they conducted experiments in Glaris Canton to assess the device’s potential for determining the location and population size of these animals. While the technology cannot yet identify individual specimens based on unique acoustic signatures, it can differentiate between the calls of adults and their offspring.
Our goal is not to replace existing monitoring systems but rather to supplement them with another approach. Each method has its own limitations, so by combining different ones, scientists can get a much more representative view of biodiversity.
Olivier Staehli, Chief Executive Officer, Synature
Unlike other wildlife monitoring techniques such as remote sensing and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis—which identifies genetic material left in the environment from organisms' cells, excretions, hair, scales, or organic debris—Synature’s system provides continuous recording. This enables more precise tracking of ecosystem trends than intermittent measurements taken annually or less frequently.
A key challenge for the developers was reducing the microphone’s power consumption to extend battery life, minimizing the need for frequent fieldwork. To achieve this, they implemented a transformer-based architecture for animal detection, which allows for more precise identification using less data than conventional methods. The system, which currently detects thousands of bird species, is now being expanded to include amphibians.
Synature is engaged in several pilot projects. At the Hectar pilot farm southeast of Paris, researchers are testing new and regenerative farming techniques. On over 300 hectares of land, Synature's smart microphone is being used to monitor local wildlife and analyze the ecological impact of ongoing agricultural projects.
EPFL has been Crucial to the Company’s Existence
“Without EPFL, we would not have been able to get our business off the ground,” said Staehli.
Staehli enrolled at EPFL in 2021 to study Management, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (MTE). As part of his master's program, he and Schmid developed a business plan and began establishing a company.
Their mentors supported the initiative, recognizing the potential of the smart microphone concept, particularly given the increasing focus on biodiversity conservation. After completing their master's degrees, Staehli and Schmid expanded their company.
“We took part in EPFL’s Blaze startup accelerator program for students, which gave us useful advice from some coaches, and in the Enabled by Design program, where we worked with a designer to improve the aesthetics of our device and app.”
Synature received funding from Switzerland's Venture Kick and Bridge startup support programs.
According to figures from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, nearly half of the 230 types of natural habitats in the country are under threat, and 35% of the species analyzed are considered threatened. What is more, the amount of land used for residential buildings and infrastructure has nearly doubled in the past 50 years, putting additional pressure on the country’s ecosystems.
Olivier Staehli, Chief Executive Officer, Synature
As regulations to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems continue to expand, reliable environmental data is becoming increasingly important for businesses and city officials.
In recent months, Synature has received multiple inquiries from companies interested in testing its smart microphone. The company is currently conducting a funding round to scale production and expand its team.