On Monday, Feb. 2, the first 2026 meeting of the ICD Focus Group High Tech Sensoring was held. The turnout was again good, with about 20 participants. In addition, we were pleased to welcome two new companies: Horus and Medusa Radiometrics.
The focus group is part of Innovatiecluster Drachten (ICD): a partnership of (currently) 23 innovative companies active in Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe. Within the focus group, the strengthening of cooperation and knowledge sharing around high-tech sensing is central.
Getting to know each other and connecting competencies
The core function of the focus group is clear: get to know each other better and gain insight into each other's competencies in the field of High Tech Sensoring within the Northern Netherlands. By bringing together companies, knowledge institutions and experts, a strong regional ecosystem for technological innovation is created.
A guest at Exosens
This meeting, the group was the guest of Exosens. Melvin Akker(plant manager) took the participants through recent developments within the fast-growing concern. Among other things, the growth is being achieved through a clear buy & build strategy. As a result, Exosens now covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from X-ray to LWIR, with a wide diversity of sensor technologies.
It also discussed Exosens' increasing activities within the defense industry, a market that is currently developing rapidly.
Delving into NIR, SWIR and specialty sensors
Frederique Boss presented the latest developments in NIR and SWIR cameras. This led to much interaction and substantive discussion with the participants.
Then outlined Emilie Kernen the developments of the specials within the group, from the Ultimate Detection BU, which enter mainly into scientific end markets.
Research and sensor networks with AI
The second part of the program was provided by Heinrich Woertche, lecturer in Sensor & Smart Systems at the Hanze University Groningen and professor of sensor technology at the TU Eindhoven. He gave an overview of available competencies and example projects in which his research group is active.
Of particular note was the explanation of the strong international cooperation, including the long-standing relationship with Brazil. The expertise is particularly in the field of (low-cost) sensor networks, in which AI, machine learning and explainable AI are playing an increasing role.
Interesting were the projects combining high-tech sensors with low-cost sensors. Cleverly integrating these into a single network creates solutions that are closer to high tech in terms of performance, but at significantly lower cost. The project on condition monitoring of the crane vessel Sleipnir of Heerema captured the imagination.
Outlook: Sensoring & Sensorfusion in Drachten
Finally, the focus group looked ahead to the 2026 agenda. A key moment is March 12, when a Sensoring & Sensorfusion market and master class will be held at SKILL Drachten.
With these activities, the ICD continues to actively build a strong position of High Tech Sensoring in the Northern Netherlands, in close cooperation with companies and knowledge institutions.