Eindhoven, Netherlands – June 21, 2024 – Last Friday, HighTechXL and DeepTechXL proudly hosted XL Day, an event that highlighted the incredible strides being made by deep-tech ventures in the Netherlands. Held at the High Tech Campus Conference Center in Eindhoven, this event showcased the potential of deep-tech and the Dutch and Global ecosystem to revolutionize industries and tackle grand societal challenges.
The event opened with a powerful message: we are living in a time of both incredible volatility and endless possibility. Deep-tech companies are leading the way, revolutionizing industries and inspiring future generations. HighTechXL and DeepTechXL believe in thinking big while staying grounded, aiming to position the Dutch economy as a global innovation powerhouse through entrepreneurship and collaboration.
The pitching sessions kicked off with VitalWear, a HighTechXL alumni. Eric Thelen introduced their optical fiber sensing technology, which enables non-invasive medical monitoring. This was followed by INNER, a venture focused on optimizing electric vehicle battery use from both economic and circular perspectives, presented by Efrat Avnet Steinberg.
A highlight of the day was a keynote by Professor Earl Goetheer, who addressed the urgent challenge of energy transition. His insights emphasized the critical role of innovation and collaboration in achieving sustainable energy solutions.
The event also featured SandGrain, a DeepTechXL venture that has developed advanced cybersecurity solutions using electronic trust anchors. René Claessen’s presentation highlighted the significance of robust security in today’s digital age.
Inspiration came not only from pitching but also from engaging panel discussions with outstanding speakers. The fist panel put on the spotlight young talents: Mihai Mihut, Analyst at DeepTechXL, Anna can den Boom, Innovation Manager at InPhocal and Miriam Domingos Antonissen, Marketing and Communication Assistant at Senergetics. Moderated by Joris Jansens, Technology Scout & Venture Support Manager at HighTechXL, the panel explored the challenges and opportunities for young professionals in the deep-tech startup ecosystem. Which are the challenges that young talent are facing today when entering a fast-growing environment and how can experienced professionals help them challenge themselves and grow are just some of the discussed topics. As Mihai stated: “Give us something that matters and we will live up to it.”
The second panel moderated by Hessel Mittelmeijer, Investment Manager & Sustainability Officer at DeepTechXL investigated the challenges of creating, building, and investing in energy and material transition together with Beatrix Bos, Project manager & impact creator at Carbyon, Jeroen Glansdorp, Co-Founder at Veridis and Teun Brand, Co-Founder at Catalyzer Technologies. This discussion provided valuable insights into the investment landscape for sustainable technologies.
Further enriching the event, Senergetics presented their innovative use of integrated photonics for monitoring and detecting corrosion under insulation and leak detection, contributing to energy efficiency. Frank Jacobs led this presentation. Tomosono, introduced by Gert Schoonenberg, showcased advancements in healthcare and MedTech, a result of collaboration between HighTechXL, BOM Development Agency, and Philips.
The event concluded with AVOXT, a HighTechXL alumni venture focused on accelerating decarbonization by making green hydrogen a cheaper alternative to fossil fuels. Pascal van Bakel’s presentation wrapped up the day on an optimistic note, highlighting the tangible impacts of deep-tech innovations on sustainability.
HighTechXL and DeepTechXL continue to foster innovation and support the next generation of deep-tech leaders. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the exceptional speakers, our ecosystem partners, the enthusiastic audience at the High Tech Campus Conference Center, and our dedicated crew for making this event a resounding success.
About HighTechXL and DeepTechXL
HighTechXL is a deep-tech venture building program based in Eindhoven, while DeepTechXL focuses on accelerating the growth of deep-tech startups. Together, they aim to create an ecosystem where innovation thrives, and ambitious founders can realize their dreams, tackling global challenges and making a lasting impact.
