Hypersoniq uses sensors and data analysis to boost efficiency of water treatment systems

Food production and processing in the food processing industry consumes huge quantities of water. Before this heavily polluted water can be discharged into sewers, it needs to be treated – often chemically. Underusing these chemicals leaves the door open for residual pollutants, while overuse is wasteful and damaging to the environment. And with current sensors ill-equipped to measure heavily polluted water, companies don’t have the insights they need to get those dosages right. The only other option is to send water samples to the lab – a time-consuming process that prevents real-time management.

Hypersoniq’s sensors and data models analyze water pollution on the spot. “Our technology monitors the composition of heavily polluted fluids in real time by sending many electrical signals through the water. Each of these signals has a unique shape, producing a ‘fingerprint’ of the water. Rather than relying on a lab, we can use a data base and machine learning to extract the right values on-site,” says CEO Joris van Aken.

Hypersoniq is currently preparing two pilots, which will begin around summer 2025. “The first will be at a potato processor, where we’ll be monitoring the quantities of preservatives added during the production process. At the second, we’ll be optimizing wastewater treatment for a different producer,” says Joris. Both pilots will improve the efficiency of chemical use, cut emissions, and deliver cleaner water, all while reducing the chances of blockages in treatment plants. There are gains on multiple fronts.”

With the sensors having been developed into a prototype, the donation from the Rabo Impact Fund will now help Hypersoniq solve a key technical challenge: how to clean the sensors between measurements. “We’ve developed our own method, and we’ll be able to carry out more tests thanks to the donation. If the method is successful, we’ll initiate our two pilots this summer. And if those pilots are successful, we have two new sites in the pipeline that want to work with our technology,” says Joris.

On April 30, Mario van Vliet – member of Rabobank’s Council of Members – handed over the cheque to Hypersoniq on behalf of Rabobank. “Hypersoniq’s founders may be young, but they possess a wealth of experience, having raised over a million euros in funding and entered into a collaboration with TU Delft. Those achievements gave us confidence in their technology, which is fully aligned with Rabobank’s goal of supporting the food system transition. Given the growing threat of water scarcity, the ability of their technology to deliver clean water is a source of inspiration.”

As a cooperative bank, Rabobank invests part of its profits into community and innovative projects by associations, foundations, and organizations. Precedence is given to projects that have a major impact on society and which are related to issues that Rabobank supports: the Energy Transition, the Food System Transition, and Financially Healthy Life.