Belgian AI start-up Polysense has raised €2 million in a seed round backed by prominent tech investors, aiming to scale its smart process control solutions across Europe’s food manufacturing sector. The company, founded in Ghent, develops artificial intelligence software that enables food processors to reduce waste, enhance operational efficiency, and address mounting cost and sustainability pressures.

The investment round was led by several high-profile Belgian entrepreneurs and investors, including Peter Hinssen, Wim Vernaeve, Jeroen De Wit, Matthias Geeroms, and Coformaco, the family office of Conny Vandendriessche and Matthijs Vanhaelemeesch.

“Food manufacturers are literally throwing away their profit margins. Polysense ensures they regain their grip on the variability in resources, seasons, and environment. That’s how they can get the most out of their process,” said Yarne De Munck, CEO of Polysense.

Polysense’s technology has already been deployed by leading processors such as Belgian French fry producer Agristo, Croky crisp manufacturer Roger & Roger, and Dutch vegetable processor Coroos. The software uses synthetic data and AI-based analytics to offer real-time production insights, replacing manual quality checks with faster, more precise digital inspections.

“We are under increasing pressure due to the increasing resource cost, sustainability legislation, and the war for talent. Their technology is a true game changer to us. They are realizing both an ecological and economic impact,” said Kristof Wallays, Chief Global Expansion, Innovation and Sustainability at Agristo.

By combining computer-aided quality inspection with process data, Polysense enables early detection of defects and deviations, helping manufacturers reduce waste and rework while improving product consistency. According to co-founder Vincent Van Dijck, “With the use of synthetic data, we’re creating a digital replica of customer products in no time. That is how we can generate data fast and efficiently, saving a lot of time and resources for our customers.”

Polysense’s client base is expanding rapidly across the European food industry, supported by a growing team of around 20 engineers and data scientists. The founders—Yarne De Munck, Vincent Van Dijck, and Jarne Bogaert—launched the venture with a vision to digitize quality control in food production.

“Sometimes, it’s surreal to see our growth. Both the growth of our organization and of every individual. That’s what we want to keep focusing on to catapult the food industry towards a new era. We keep looking for the best in the business,” said Bogaert.

The new capital will be used to accelerate R&D, broaden market reach across Europe, and deepen the company’s role as a catalyst for sustainable food production.

“Polysense has already completed a beautiful journey with a brilliant team. Their potential to push food companies forward, and to make them reduce less waste, is exactly the reason why we decided to support them,” said a spokesperson for Coformaco.