Fifty of the fastest-growing tech firms in the Netherlands are in Las Vegas this week. The crew crossed the Atlantic to attend CES — the world’s biggest tech show.
By their side is economic affairs minister Dirk Beljaarts, who’s on a mission to promote Dutch innovation. So is TNW. We’ve partnered with the Consumer Trade Association — which organises CES — on its annual Match program at the event. The in-person meetings connect startups with investors and corporate venture arms.
TNW has also checked out the Dutch delegation at CES. Here are seven members of the tech team that caught out eye.
1. SunLED
The sun is shining in Vegas, but the skies in Europe are pretty dark and grey in January. SunLED wants to brighten up our lives. The company develops near-infrared light technology that’s proven to improve mental and physical health. The system integrates with computer screens, car interiors, and lamps.
2. DeepSleep
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After you’ve enjoyed a bright day, DeepSleep can offer you a restful night. The startup’s wearables analyse brainwaves to predict upcoming brain activity. They then deliver gentle sensory stimuli to enhance deep sleep waves. In tests, 64% of users reported improved sleep quality, while 78% said their daytime fatigue had decreased.
3. OrthoFoodie
Another startup planning to boost our health is OrthoFoodie. The company’s app tracks your diet with a unique food analyser. After scanning a product’s barcode, users can instantly log nutritional data into a daily food diary. The app also offers personalised advice on your daily macro and micro needs.
4. Medical-X
Self-care is all well and good, but sometimes we need healthcare from trained professionals. Enter Medical-X. Based in Arnhem, the company develops humanoid robots for medical training. Medical-X describes the droids as “the world’s most realistic, advanced, and customisable patient simulators.”
5. Whispp
Leiden-based Whispp has targeted another healthcare issue. The startup has launched an app for people with voice disabilities and severe stutters. Powered by AI, the system converts impaired speech into a clear and natural voice of the user’s choice — without any delay.
6. Addoptics
Better sight is also on offer at CES. Rotterdam-based Addoptics plans to boost our vision in augmented reality by developing prescription lenses for AR glasses. The lightweight lenses are customised to fit any shape of smart frame. They could also provide a boost to uptake of AR.
7. Flowbeams
Flowbeams has pioneered another path to better health: needle-free injections. Using a laser, the company first heats the relevant liquid. The process creates a micro-bubble, which propels a thin jet through the skin for quick absorption in the body. Besides addressing needle-phobia, the tech could reduce infections risks and hazardous waste.
All this new medtech has made us optimistic about our new year’s resolutions for a healthier life. Yet our top seven is just a taste of the Dutch treats at CES. You can check out all 50 members of the delegation here.
