The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed $29 million in venture debt financing to Dutch technology company Optics11, a leader in fibre-optic sensing systems. This funding, provided under the European Commission’s InvestEU programme, is aimed at accelerating research and development for civilian and defence applications. The investment highlights Europe’s focus on enhancing strategic autonomy and resilience in critical sectors such as energy and underwater security.
Advancing Underwater and Energy Infrastructure Security
Optics11 specialises in ultra-sensitive fibre-optic monitoring systems capable of detecting vibrations and acoustic signals in challenging environments. These technologies have applications ranging from submarine and border monitoring to structural health surveillance of naval and energy infrastructure. By strengthening the ability to monitor undersea cables and high-voltage grids, Optics11’s solutions aim to protect infrastructure critical to Europe’s energy supply and maritime trade.
Strategic Importance of EIB Support
The EIB backing comes as part of InvestEU, the European Union’s flagship programme designed to mobilise long-term private and public investment across Europe. The programme aggregates various EU financial instruments, enhancing flexibility and efficiency while leveraging private capital to support policy goals, including the European Green Deal and digital transition. Through this framework, the EIB can provide targeted financing to companies like Optics11, whose technologies contribute directly to European security and energy resilience.
European Perspective on Technological Autonomy
“From the energy sector to security and defence, Europe must deploy the best technology to face known and emerging threats,” said Robert de Groot, Vice-President of the EIB. He highlighted that companies developing advanced monitoring solutions are central to creating a safer, more secure Europe. The EIB investment reflects a broader strategy to ensure that the continent can maintain technological and strategic independence across vital infrastructure sectors.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Trade
Optics11 CEO Paul Heiden noted that disruptions to subsea networks, maritime transport, or high-voltage grids can have immediate and far-reaching societal consequences. He emphasised that the EIB funding will help the company accelerate the deployment of its fibre-optic sensing systems across Europe, particularly in areas where infrastructure is most vulnerable. Ensuring the uninterrupted supply of power, oil, gas, and data, as well as the continuity of maritime trade—which accounts for 70% of Europe’s trade volume—is central to maintaining European prosperity and security.
Optics11’s Role in Maritime and Energy Innovation
Based in the Netherlands, Optics11 has established itself as a global leader in fibre-optic sensing technology for early warning systems. The company’s solutions are designed to monitor and protect offshore infrastructure, underwater assets, and critical energy networks. Leveraging the Netherlands’ reputation for maritime and high-tech innovation, Optics11 combines cutting-edge sensor technology with practical applications that safeguard essential infrastructure against disruption.
The $29 million EIB venture debt financing is a milestone for Optics11, enabling the company to scale its technology and support Europe’s strategic autonomy. By enhancing monitoring capabilities for subsea cables and high-voltage grids, Optics11 contributes to the continent’s security, energy resilience, and technological competitiveness. As Europe seeks to protect critical infrastructure against both natural and human-made threats, investments like this demonstrate the role of advanced sensor technology in building a safer and more secure future.