Editor's note: Frits Magazine featured inPhocal in its High Tech Campus special edition magazine. It is published here with permission.
inPhocal has much to celebrate. Recently, the team marked its fifth anniversary and opened a new office in HTC 32, complete with their own laser system. As a deep-tech scale-up, inPhocal develops advanced high-precision laser technology. Its unique long-focus laser beam increases speed and quality, even on curved surfaces.
“We’ve invented a new optical technology that makes laser processes much more efficient,” says CEO and co-founder Robert van Tankeren.
inPhocal’s technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional marking solutions. Worldwide, five billion bottles and cans are produced daily, typically marked with ink. This leads to 160 million liters of ink waste annually. inPhocal aims to eliminate this with their laser technology.
“Our laser technology is three times faster, and up to ten times more efficient on curved surfaces, compared to current systems,” explains van Tankeren. This speed makes it possible to laser unique QR codes, something existing technologies cannot achieve. Bottling facilities benefit from faster, low-maintenance systems while significantly reducing environmental impact.
According to CTO Martijn Boerkamp, inPhocal’s system is already three times faster than competing solutions, with plans to make it four times faster soon. While the current focus is on the beverage industry, inPhocal also has long-term ambitions in the semiconductor market.
Humble Beginnings in the High Tech Campus
inPhocal’s journey started five years ago on the High Tech Campus Eindhoven. Originating from CERN technology, the startup joined the HighTechXL program in 2019, where the team developed expertise, created a business plan, and secured initial funding.
Since then, inPhocal has refined its technology, secured patents, and installed systems on production lines. With a team of 20 employees, the company remains committed to the Campus, which they see as crucial for their growth.
“The level of innovation and collaboration here – with companies like ASML, Philips, and startups – is unique,” says van Tankeren. “We even repurpose surplus equipment from other companies, which is a great advantage.”
The pandemic initially forced the team into a virtual workspace, but returning to the physical environment of the Campus made a significant difference. “Now we can share knowledge, use in-house labs, and be part of an innovative community,” he adds.
Growth and Expansion Plans
After rapid growth, inPhocal outgrew its space at HTC 27 and moved to HTC 32. The team plans to expand to 50 employees in the coming years. “We’ve already discussed adding an extra wing in our current building with the Campus,” says van Tankeren. “It’s the ideal setup for us to grow from a single, central location.”
With a production facility outside the Netherlands, inPhocal envisions a scalable model to replicate production facilities globally while keeping its headquarters in Eindhoven. The Campus also supports their efforts to attract international talent. “The innovative ecosystem here helps convince people to relocate and contribute to our work,” van Tankeren explains.
Impact Over Technology
Laser marking is just the beginning for inPhocal. Their technology has potential applications in industries such as semiconductors, automotive, and healthcare. “Laser processes are widely used in these fields, and our technology makes them more efficient,” van Tankeren notes. “This means less energy use, fewer production steps, and reduced waste – making the world a bit better.”
inPhocal aims to become a tech leader with vast market potential. With the support of the High Tech Campus, they’re well-positioned to grow – not only now but as they work toward their bigger dreams.