23 July 2025

When people think of startup hotspots in the Netherlands, Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Eindhoven might come to mind. But in recent years, Enschede has quietly become one of Europe’s most promising launchpads for hardware-driven deep tech ventures.

From photonic quantum computers to microfluidic systems and smart food sensors, Enschede-based startups are developing breakthrough technologies with global implications. What sets this region apart is its rare mix of academic excellence, industrial know-how, and a startup ecosystem built around engineering rather than hype.

University of Twente: The Deep Tech Engine

At the center of this transformation is the University of Twente. With its strong focus on applied science, the university has long encouraged entrepreneurship, spinning out over 1,000 companies. Its research institutes in photonics, nanotechnology, robotics, and biomedical engineering provide a steady pipeline of innovations ready to be commercialized.

Companies like QuiX Quantum, which is building a photonic quantum computer that operates at room temperature, trace their roots directly to Twente’s labs. Others, like IamFluidics, emerged from research into controlled droplet generation, now being applied in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

Kennispark and Novel-T: From Lab to Launch

Unlike many ecosystems that separate research from commercialization, Enschede has built an infrastructure to bridge that gap. Kennispark Twente, the innovation district adjacent to the university, is home to hundreds of startups and scale-ups. Here, support organizations like Novel-T provide mentoring, funding access, and venture-building programs tailored for scientists and engineers.

This setup allows deep tech founders to stay close to their technical roots while getting the business support needed to scale. In a sector where commercialization often takes years, this kind of integrated support can make or break a company.

A Hardware-First Mindset

Unlike software-centric hubs that prioritize rapid iteration and minimal viable products, Enschede embraces the longer timelines and higher stakes of hardware innovation. Startups like LioniX International and PhiX have created a local supply chain for integrated photonic chips and packaging, enabling other companies like QuiX to build and test at speed.

Meanwhile, OneThird, a startup tackling food waste with near-infrared scanners and AI, shows how hardware and software can combine to solve urgent global problems. Their device predicts the shelf life of fresh produce, helping growers, distributors and retailers reduce waste and improve margins.

Why It Matters

In an era where European tech policy is increasingly focused on strategic autonomy, semiconductors, and deep tech sovereignty, Enschede is ahead of the curve. The region’s strength in photonics, precision engineering, and applied science makes it a key node in Europe’s innovation network.

The success of these companies isn’t just good news for Twente—it signals a broader shift in how and where Europe will build the next generation of climate tech, health tech, and quantum solutions.

What’s Next?

With increased EU and national funding flowing into deep tech, and a growing awareness of the need for regional innovation beyond the Randstad region, Enschede is poised to grow its influence. Initiatives to attract international talent, improve lab space, and strengthen industrial partnerships are already underway.

For startups that need world-class engineering talent, access to advanced research, and the patience to build real-world solutions, Enschede may just be the best-kept secret in European tech.