Startup’s recipe for international success: A clear vision and the right support

Innovative sensors from lab to consumer

MantiSpectra is an innovative startup emerging from Eindhoven University of Technology’s (TU Eindhoven) startup ecosystem. Around a decade ago, its founders had a clear and strong vision to make optical spectroscopy available to the masses. Optical spectroscopy analyses light variations over a wavelength range to determine a material's chemical properties. The techniques work on various materials, including liquids and solids.

Optical spectroscopy has been confined to research laboratories with expensive, large, and complex machines. MantiSpectra developed a patented approach to make the spectral sensing function small and low-cost. It is, therefore, suitable for integration into consumer products such as wearables, kitchen appliances, and robot vacuums.

The spectral sensing chip can also be applied to professional products such as smart food production equipment, which uses the data provided by the sensor, for example, to optimise the manufacturing processes, trace product quality, or monitor possible contamination.

International potential

MantiSpectra immediately took its product internationally. That is where its potential customers are mainly headquartered: The United States, Japan, and Korea. These big companies have the financial means and technological knowledge to bankroll a high-tech product like MantiSpectra’s. "Leading high-tech players", as Coppola puts it.

"Creating a buzz"

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) supported MantiSpectra's ambitions and provided ample tools to boost their international business adventure. In 2024 and 2025, the company participated in the Dutch startup trade mission to CES Las Vegas, one of the world's most prestigious startup exhibitions.

Participating in CES helped MantiSpectra speed up its promotion. It was fundamental for creating a buzz and meeting with large companies. Without RVO's support, it would have taken longer for MantiSpectra to reach these companies, as the startup was not widely known in the industry.

RVO Supports

By joining one of our startup trade missions, you can focus on promoting your product and meet potential customers while we handle the organisation and logistics.

We support your startup through our international network of embassies, NBSOs and Startup Liaison Officers. You can also use our subsidies aimed at international entrepreneurship.

Please contact us, and we will help you find the right tools for your startup.

Tip: "Stick to your core product"

Giuseppe Coppola helped many startups grow and scale-up in his previous job. He noticed a common pitfall among these companies in the early stages of development. Many lose their focus and venture outside their core knowledge and scope. This de-focusing leads to slower product and market development and, last but not least, exponentially growing costs. In the end, it could result in a startup's failure. Coppola advises startups, "Stick to your product scope and business positioning that fully matches your core know-how. Also, focus on the fastest way to get your first product to market."

Lastly, he points out, "Startups in the Netherlands are lucky to enjoy government support and public-private initiatives. It is great that these groups are there to support Dutch startups in their initial phases."