Best 10 Startups in Enschede: Proven Tech & Sustainability Leaders to Watch in 2025
Enschede, nestled in the eastern Netherlands, has rapidly evolved into a dynamic hub for cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and entrepreneurial innovation. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the city's startup ecosystem as a new wave of ventures emerges, blending breakthrough technologies with a commitment to a greener future.
In this article, we’ll uncover the 10 best startups in Enschede that stand out for their innovation, global reach, and impact across industries. From integrated photonics to AI-driven software, these companies are leading the way in tech-driven solutions and sustainable development. If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or freelancer, this is your chance to get inspired by Enschede’s thriving ecosystem, and perhaps even connect directly with these trailblazers.
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Why Enschede is a Hotspot for Startups in 2025
Enschede boasts a vibrant innovation ecosystem fueled by its proximity to the University of Twente, its strong emphasis on high-tech industries, and a culture of collaboration. According to recent reports, Enschede is internationally recognized as an important player in photovoltaics, photonics, and medtech innovation, drawing talent and investors into the fold.
In 2023 alone, Dutch startups raised $2.2 billion, and Enschede-based companies are increasingly contributing to this impressive trajectory. With government-backed initiatives, co-working spaces like Novel-T, and a strong focus on sustainability, the city is setting a benchmark for what a future-forward startup ecosystem looks like.
So, which startups deserve your attention in 2025? Let’s dive straight into the list.
Top 10 Startups in Enschede in 2025
1. OneThird: The Food Waste Halter
OneThird combines AI and spectral technology to tackle food waste, a pressing global issue. Their groundbreaking scanner predicts the shelf life of perishable products like fruits and vegetables with remarkable precision, enabling retailers to reduce spoilage while optimizing supply chains.
With their eye on scaling globally, OneThird has already caught the attention of investors and is regarded as one of the most promising food-tech startups in Europe. Their solution is not just innovative; it's reshaping a core aspect of sustainability in the food industry.
2. PHIX: Revolutionizing Photonic Packaging
PHIX is an emerging leader in photonic integrated circuit packaging. They specialize in large-scale assembly and testing, allowing tech companies worldwide to use photonic technologies in applications ranging from healthcare to telecommunications.
Their recent investments in scalable production facilities have cemented them as a key player in the global photonics supply chain. With photonics spearheading faster and more energy-efficient computing, PHIX is set to play a huge role in shaping the tech of tomorrow.
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3. Athom: Smart Homes Elevated by Homey
Homey by Athom is redefining smart living. By centralizing the control of all smart home devices into one intuitive app, Athom has turned heads in the global market, competing with giants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Their focus on device agnosticism and ease of use has resulted in wide adoption, while their premium services and subscription model have become highly profitable. Athom is a top innovation leader in IoT (Internet of Things).
4. LionVolt: Sustainable Battery Innovation
Though headquartered nearby, LionVolt’s ties to collaborators in Enschede make them a critical part of this ecosystem. Known for their solid-state battery technology, LionVolt achieves greater energy efficiency with recyclable, heavy-metal-free materials.
Their sustainable approach to high-performance battery systems is transforming renewable energy solutions and garnering significant venture capital attention.
5. DETPAKS: Extending Telecom Boundaries
DETPAKS specializes in advanced microwave and optical communication technologies. Their defense-grade products are vital for secure communication and are now finding applications in civilian sectors like autonomous vehicles and 5G networks.
Their expertise in high-end communication makes them a favorite for government and enterprise-level deals globally in 2025.
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6. Flowbeams: Injection-Free Medical Tech
Innovating in the health tech space, Flowbeams' needle-free injection systems have secured CES 2025 Innovation Awards for their transformational impact on patient care. Their solutions reduce pain and risk during vaccinations and treatments.
The company’s streamlined technology is expected to revolutionize global healthcare delivery.
7. Demcon: Engineering Solutions for a Better Tomorrow
Demcon has its hands in multiple verticals, from medical devices and robotics to smart manufacturing. Known as a market-shaping engineering powerhouse, Demcon builds innovative tech solutions to solve societal challenges.
Their emphasis on integrating sustainability into industrial processes is a testament to their forward-thinking ethos.
8. LioniX International: Leaders in Integrated Photonics
LioniX International remains dominant in integrated photonic systems for broadband communication, life sciences, and metrology. A spin-off from the University of Twente, LioniX leads breakthroughs that balance cutting-edge innovation with market viability.
Their modular approach to system design has become a hallmark of efficiency, catching the interest of enterprises worldwide.
9. SortWind: Better Wind Energy Operations
SortWind uses AI-powered predictive analytics to optimize wind farm maintenance. By accurately forecasting equipment failure, they help energy companies save millions annually while ensuring stability in renewable energy production.
SortWind’s technology is uniquely suited for Europe’s ongoing energy transition, setting a new standard for efficient green energy solutions.
10. Axign: Fine-Tuned Audio Innovation
Specializing in semiconductor solutions for optimal sound experience, Axign’s focus lies in providing ultra-efficient, highly scalable solutions for audio equipment manufacturers.
Their semiconductors power globally recognized audio brands, making them a sought-after partner in wireless and professional audio sectors.
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How Can Startups Avoid Growth Pitfalls?
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Conclusion: The Bright Future of Enschede's Startups
When you think of thriving startup cities, Enschede might not be the first name that comes to mind, but 2025 proves that perceptions are changing. These 10 standout companies highlight the city’s commitment to sustainability, deep tech, and innovation.
Whether it’s OneThird’s food-tech ingenuity or the sophisticated photonic systems by PHIX, Enschede startups exemplify how regional ecosystems can drive global change. Entrepreneurs who learn from their journeys, especially the importance of early marketing, are primed for success.
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Embrace innovation; the future is happening in Enschede!
FAQ About the Best 10 Startups in Enschede: Proven Tech & Sustainability Leaders to Watch in 2025
1. What makes Enschede a hotspot for startups in 2025?
Enschede benefits from its proximity to the University of Twente, a deep-tech-focused ecosystem, and government support for innovative industries like photonics, healthcare, and renewable energy. Explore Enschede's rise as a tech hub.
2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?
If your startups needs to drive targeted traffic and build authority with high-volume, niche-relevant content placements in articles that rank well not only in Google, but also in Perplexity and ChatGPT, then you might want to publish your guest post in one of the F/MS Startup Game's blogs. Get a quality backlink
3. Which Enschede startup is tackling food waste?
OneThird uses AI and spectral technology to predict the shelf life of perishable food, helping reduce food waste and improve supply chain efficiency. Learn how OneThird's tech works.
4. What is the focus of PHIX in Enschede’s startup ecosystem?
PHIX specializes in photonic integrated circuit packaging, enabling advanced technologies in healthcare, telecommunications, and other industries. Discover PHIX’s impact on photonic technologies.
5. Which startups are transforming the renewable energy industry?
SortWind optimizes wind energy operations through AI-driven predictive analytics, while LionVolt works on high-performing, sustainable battery systems. Learn more about LionVolt’s battery innovations.
6. How are Enschede startups innovating in healthcare?
Flowbeams leads in medical technology with its needle-free injection systems, making treatments safer and less painful. Explore Flowbeams’ groundbreaking healthcare tech.
7. Can I use AI to write SEO-optimized articles that help my brand grow?
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8. What makes Athom’s Homey stand out in the smart home market?
Athom’s Homey unifies the control of smart home devices into a single app, offering a user-friendly solution that is device-agnostic. Check out Athom's Homey technology.
9. Which startup is a leader in integrated photonics?
LioniX International focuses on photonic systems for applications in broadband communication, life sciences, and more. Their efficiency-focused approach is transforming the industry. Learn about LioniX’s photonic systems.
10. How can Enschede startups avoid common growth pitfalls?
To succeed, startups must involve customers early, invest in marketing from day one, and leverage local ecosystem advantages. Tools like the F/MS AI SEO Tool can boost their reach and efficiency. Discover F/MS Marketing Tools
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
