Corda Campus Hasselt – On June 10, Hammer-IMS welcomed around 70 guests in the PhiliCorda room to celebrate the launch of the new spin-off. During the event, Noël Deferm (general manager) and Tom Redant (technical & product manager) unveiled their plans for their non-nuclear Marveloc measurement technology, which is based on millimeter waves. Following their presentation, Professor Patrick Reynaert (KU Leuven), Kurt Hensen (CEO of T&M Solutions, now Averna), and Lieven De Jonge (Head of Smart Manufacturing, LRM) addressed the attendees. Both founders developed new systems for measuring thickness and weight in production lines, which are currently being tested by international producers of paper, plastic sheets and films, composites, textiles, glass wool, and other materials.
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Festive reflection and outlook
To celebrate the launch of Hammer-IMS, the majestic PhiliCorda room in Corda7 was transformed into a compact, modern party hall. 'We settled on the Corda Campus in Hasselt about two months ago, which is why we chose this location for this festive occasion,' said Noël Deferm. 'Many visitors expressed their appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere and the interesting, easy-to-follow presentations.'
As is well known, Hammer-IMS was founded in April as a spin-off from the internationally renowned research lab ESAT - MICAS at KU Leuven. The start-up received a capital injection of €800,000 from the Gemma Frisius Fund of KU Leuven and the Limburg Investment Company (LRM). During the reception, Noël Deferm and Tom Redant accepted the 'LRM tombstone' from Lieven De Jonge, Head of Smart Manufacturing at LRM. The tombstone symbolizes LRM's capital investment.
Many attendees were familiar with the founders of Hammer-IMS from their study and research period at KU Leuven (including supervisors, professors, assistants, students, LRD, LCIE, IMEC, etc.). From the business world, representatives of interested parties such as ANL Plastics, Trocellen, Amcor, Averna, and Sirris Smart Coating Lab were present, as well as important (potential) suppliers like Dekimo and Vansighen. Numerous attendees from Limburg, including representatives from UHasselt and the province, also attended. Naturally, several representatives from the investors were present, along with individuals from professional organizations and the media.
Hammer-IMS in a Nutshell
In his introductory speech titled "The Start of Measuring the Future," general manager Noël Deferm introduced the company, Hammer-IMS. He discussed their Marveloc measurement solutions, which use millimeter-wave technology as an alternative to the widespread use of nuclear-based measurement systems in industries such as plastic production, paper processing, and other sectors. Noël also elaborated on the company’s vision and mission, the initial capital, and introduced the entire team (Noël Deferm, Tom Redant, Tom De Bruyne, Rob Snoeijs, and Sam Verhaegen). The team is set to expand further in July.
During his presentation, "Millimeter Wave Sensing in a Box," technical & product manager Tom Redant explained the concept behind millimeter-wave technology. He provided more detail on the Marveloc 602 family of measurement solutions, which offer various options for precision and speed. Additionally, Hammer-IMS offers a 'measurement curtain,' a unit equipped with multiple sensors distributed across the width of the films and sheets as they emerge from the production machines.
Special Guests Speak ...
The first guest speaker was Professor Patrick Reynaert from the ESAT - MICAS research group at KU Leuven. He was the supervisor of Noël's doctoral research, from which Hammer-IMS emerged. Patrick Reynaert humorously reflected on that exciting period and wished both founders great success. He also highlighted the importance of close research collaboration with industry, the practical and realistic validation of promising new technologies, and their commercialization on an industrial scale.
Next, it was Kurt Hensen's turn, CEO of T&M Solutions (now Averna). In his presentation, titled "Industrial Sensing: The Key to Efficient and High-Quality Production," the well-known Limburg entrepreneur delved into various industrial sensors, both present and future. He explained how innovations in sensors and the optimal use of measurement data can significantly enhance the speed and quality of production processes, as is the case with Hammer-IMS.
Last but not least, Lieven De Jonge (LRM Head of Smart Manufacturing) addressed the attendees about the role of LRM and Corda in Limburg’s startup scene. In addition to presenting the ‘LRM tombstone,’ he provided insight into the main reasons why LRM is financially supporting Hammer-IMS. Lieven also gave an interesting overview of the various incubators spread across the province of Limburg, each focusing on different sectors and types of activities.
