Comate and electronics specialist Zenso join forces

Over the past 12 years, Comate has expanded to a team of +60 engineers and designers. Notable milestones include being named SME of the Year in 2019 and launching a hardware startup venture fund in 2021, backed by Alychlo, the family office of Marc Coucke. With offices in Leuven and Ghent, Comate now takes a significant step forward by welcoming Zenso into the fold.

Comate specializes in developing cutting-edge hardware products for clients such as KU Leuven (hydrogen panels by Solhyd), Johnson & Johnson (surgical tools), Australian Home Made Ice Cream (ice cream machines), Cowboy (e-bikes), and HB Antwerp (grinding robots).

“Europe has untapped innovation potential. Belgium is bursting with brilliant engineers and scientists with extraordinary ideas,” say founders Wouter Foulon and Sander Van den dries. “With Comate, we help companies bridge the gap from innovation to market, unlocking Europe’s high-tech potential. The acquisition of Zenso allows us to further elevate the quality of our clients’ hardware products.”

Founded in 2007 by Johan Coosemans and Bart Hermans as a KU Leuven MICAS spin-off, Zenso has built a strong reputation in electronics and software development, particularly in the medical sector. Their innovations include active implants and devices for continuous EEG monitoring in epilepsy patients, serving clients such as Indigo Diabetes, Ontex, UNEEG, and Prolira.

“During our previous collaboration with Comate, it was clear we shared the same vision: always pursue the highest quality, with the product at the center,” says Bart Hermans.

“For 15 years, Zenso has excelled in electronics, software, and medical devices. We’re thrilled to have them join our journey,” adds Wouter Foulon. “Their team shares our relentless drive for innovation and technological progress.”

Cultural fit was the decisive factor. “Our ambitious plans put culture at the core. That’s what makes us unique and able to achieve what others can’t,” Foulon emphasizes. “Finding that same spirit at Zenso is a true stroke of luck.”