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Polysense, a Belgian technology start-up specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) for the food sector, has successfully raised €2 million in seed funding to enhance its innovative solutions aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency in food production processes.
The funding round, backed by a consortium of tech entrepreneurs, positions Polysense to further disrupt the food industry and support manufacturers facing increasing operational challenges.
The food manufacturing sector is grappling with rising resource costs, stringent sustainability regulations and a competitive labour market. Yarne De Munck, CEO of Polysense, highlighted the urgency for food manufacturers to optimise their processes. “Food manufacturers are literally throwing away their profit margins," he said. "Polysense ensures they regain their grip on the variability in resources, seasons, and environment.”
Prominent clients such as Agristo, known for its French fries, and Roger & Roger, recognised for Croky crisps, are already leveraging Polysense’s technology. Kristof Wallays, chief global expansion, innovation and sustainability at Agristo, commented: “Their technology is a true game changer for us. They are realising both an ecological and economic impact.”
Polysense employs AI to facilitate quicker and more precise process control for food manufacturers. By integrating results from computer-aided quality inspections with production parameters, the start-up enables faster detection of defects and errors, thereby reducing reliance on manual inspections. This advancement not only streamlines production but also minimises waste and rework, contributing to overall efficiency.
Lucas Van Dijck, the company’s CTO, highlighted the use of synthetic data to create digital replicas of customer products rapidly, allowing for efficient data generation that saves time and resources. This capability is particularly crucial in a landscape where speed and accuracy are paramount for maintaining competitive advantage.
The €2 million investment will facilitate Polysense's continued growth, focusing on the development of new innovations and expanding its market share within Europe’s food industry. The company has already attracted a team of about 20 experts, growing from its founding trio, and aims to maintain this momentum.
Co-founder Jarne Bogaert expressed enthusiasm about the company’s trajectory: “Sometimes, it’s surreal to see our growth. Both the growth of our organisation and of every individual. That’s what we want to keep focusing on to catapult the food industry towards a new era.”
