Introducing Optics11
Discover the Visionaries Shaping the Future of Sensing
Technology
Optics11 is the world leader in fibre-optic sensing technology for ultra-sensitive early warning systems. Operating from the Netherlands, a country renowned for high-tech industry and maritime innovation, Optics11 works passionately to help protect our sea-lanes, critical offshore infrastructure, and energy supply against disruption.
Revolutionizing Precision: Advanced Fiber Optic Interferometry
Optical fiber sensing offers a unparalleled solution for various applications requiring precise measurements in demanding environments. The ability of light to travel undisturbed within the fiber, coupled with the use of glass or silicon for the sensing component, allows it to effectively tackle environmental challenges such as extreme temperatures, liquids, electrical or magnetic fields, and even remote locations.
Although numerous optical sensing techniques exist, we are convinced that only one fiber sensing technology delivers the optimal combination of sensitivity, bandwidth, and dynamic range: interferometry. This method entails directly measuring the phase of light, and Optics11 achieves this with industry leading precision.
Team
World-Class Talent, Real-World Impact
Our strength lies in our people. With more than 120 specialists across 32 nationalities, including 12 PhDs, we combine deep scientific expertise with practical industry experience. From underwater sensing to energy infrastructure monitoring, our teams work together to solve complex challenges and deliver reliable insights where they matter most.
Paul Heiden
Paul’s path to Optics11 includes key roles at Bynder (acquired by THL) and Ultimaker, boosting their 3D printing leadership. He founded BHOLD, leading to its Microsoft acquisition, and served as a Captain in the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, with deployments to the Arctic Circle.
Dr. Grzegorz Gruca
Grzegorz graduated as an microelectronics engineer focusing on development of novel micromechanical biosensors. He continued his scientific career in a group of Davide Iannuzzi, obtaining PhD based on innovative mixture of fiber optics and micromechanics.
Since smooth transition to company environment, Grzegorz supports and leads the technical growth of Optics11.
Hanneke Rinkes
Hanneke is an entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience in senior leadership and talent acquisition, including her roles as MD at Newpeople and CEO at Care Cosmetics. She has a proven track record in scaling organizations, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and building high-performing teams—perfectly aligning with Optics11’s mission and values.
As Chief People Officer, Hanneke is dedicated to driving growth through transformative leadership, championing a culture of innovation, and nurturing the talent that fuels Optics11’s success.
Daniel Ruiter
With extensive international leadership experience across high-tech industries, Daniel has a strong track record of guiding organizations through growth and transformation. At Optics11, Daniel will focus on expanding our role in underwater security, strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, and advancing long-term solutions to protect critical maritime infrastructure worldwide.
History
With a vision to revolutionize the fiber optic sensing industry, a team of innovators founded a company in Amsterdam. Read on to discover their journey.
Optics11: Pioneering the Future of Fiber Optic Sensing
OPTICS11 is an Amsterdam based fast-growing high tech company that offers state-of-the-art fiber optic sensing systems for unmatched performance. Our products are supplied worldwide to various markets such as structural health monitoring, condition monitoring, energy, R&D, rail, defense and more. Fiber optic sensing outperform classic electrical technologies in challenging operational environments, such as in strong electrical or magnetic fields, high radiation, extreme temperatures or in liquids. Our solutions aim at detecting and monitoring the earliest signs of malfunction of critical structures and providing assets owners with precise and reliable data.
Our mission is to provide flawless fiber optic sensing systems that empower system integrators with high quality key information to break new ground and transform their industries. We at Optics11 explore new opportunities of fiber optics and are committed to continue bringing more innovative solutions to disrupt the industry.
The beginning
First prototype Nanoindenter
The first step was to build a very basic version of a product that would demonstrate the added value of this fiber sensing technology, such that there was a low threshold for potential users to start working with it. Having the technology in the hands of users at the earliest stage turned out to be very important, and proved very valuable for our optical fiber sensing systems.
Start development industrial sensing products
Investors
Growth
Release of OptimAE
Launch of Optics11 Life
Acquisition of FAZ technology
Release of OptimAE PD monitoring system
Release of NovaFAZ SHM monitoring system
€5 Mio Investment
Split of Optics11
