Ten Dutch deeptech scaleups selected for growth programme
Amsterdam, Tuesday 22 September 2026
Techleap has announced the ten advanced technology scaleups joining its ninth Pole Position cohort, helping them secure capital and scale critical innovations internationally.
Pioneering the Next Generation of Dutch Deeptech
On 22 September 2026, Techleap announced the ten highly advanced technology companies selected for Batch 9 of its Pole Position programme [1]. This initiative is strategically designed to guide high-growth Dutch deeptech scaleups through their critical scaling phases, helping them secure crucial venture capital and expand into competitive global markets [1]. The newly admitted cohort focuses heavily on physical infrastructure, representing key technological frontiers such as photonics, advanced sensors, secure hardware, and precision manufacturing [1]. By addressing these complex fields, the programme continues to strengthen the early-stage deeptech ecosystem in the Netherlands, offering vital intelligence for venture capitalists and ecosystem partners [1].
Advanced Photonics and Semiconductor Innovations
Among the selected scaleups, several are pioneering breakthrough developments in optical and sensor technologies. Morphotonics, led by Hugo da Silva, Jan Matthijs ter Meulen, and Bram Titulaer, is scaling its large-area nanoimprinting technology, already serving a global client base across Europe, the United States, and Asia [1]. In the sensing sector, MantiSpectra, led by Maurangelo Petruzzella and Francesco Pagliano, is advancing its ISO-9001 certified ChipSense™ NIR/SWIR hyperspectral sensor chip [1]. Additionally, Brilliance B.V., under the leadership of Douwe Geuzebroek and Tim Tiek, is developing a silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform specifically designed for RGB laser chips [1].
Metrology and Quantum Advancements
The cohort also features companies driving critical innovations for next-generation AI and computing infrastructure. Eindhoven-based Invisix, founded by CEO Christina Porter and CTO Sietse van der Post, leverages over ten years of soft x-ray metrology research and development originally conducted at ASML [1]. The company is currently transitioning its first semiconductor measurement tool from the laboratory environment to the fabrication stage [1]. Meanwhile, Delft-based Groove Quantum, led by Anne-Marije Zwerver and Nico Hendrickx, is focusing on CMOS-compatible germanium qubit technology [1]. Their primary objective is to integrate quantum chips directly into existing semiconductor foundries, facilitating a scalable path for quantum computing [1].
Hardware Security and Infrastructure
As digital networks expand, security and connectivity remain paramount. SandGrain BV, led by CEO a.i. Charles Smit and founder Jeroen Doumen, provides post-quantum resilient identity for connected devices through its Trust Anchor IC and CyberRock authentication platform [1]. In infrastructure sensing, PhotonFirst, led by Leendert-Jan Nijstad, develops integrated photonics-based fiber-optic sensing solutions for aerospace, naval, defence, infrastructure, and industrial applications [1]. Supporting this ecosystem, Photon Bridge, founded in Eindhoven in 2020 by Rui Santos and Xaveer Leijtens, focuses on digital photonic solutions designed to reduce manufacturing complexity and enable scalable optical engines [1]. Completing the hardware-focused line-up is DENSsolutions, led by Hugo Perez, which manufactures MEMS-based nano-scale laboratories for electron microscopes [1].
Operational Excellence in Deeptech Scaling
Scaling deeptech ventures involves navigating intense technical risks and transitioning from proven concepts to reliable operations [2]. To address these hurdles, Techleap hosted a Pole Position session on 13 September 2026, focusing on operational excellence [2]. The session featured industry veterans Adrian Clarke, former CEO of NOVO Energy and alumnus of Tesla, and Fernando Sosa, FOAK CEO of Paebbl [2]. The leaders emphasised that fast, decisive cost decisions are vital for long-term planning, and that organizational structure actively shapes company culture [2]. They also highlighted that robust planning requires pairing a detailed business plan with a clear risk register and defined stage gates [2]. This operational framework supports Techleap’s broader flagship programme, which currently includes energy-focused deeptech scaleups such as SCW Systems, Ore Energy, zepp.solutions, LionVolt, SolarDuck, and Vertoro B.V. [2].