This summer, we stepped through the doors of Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech Innovation in Nivelles for an exclusive meeting with Tom Krekels, the Managing Director.
Originally from Antwerp, Tom Krekels recently joined the company, which specialises in optical technologies. A PhD in physics with a background in electron microscopy, he began his career at Philips (FEI/Thermo Fisher) before joining Umicore, where he spent 27 years.
At Umicore, he worked extensively in the field of infrared optics, initially in the UK, where he developed solutions for industrial lasers used in cutting and welding applications. He also led Umicore’s activities in Bretagne (Rennes), a site dedicated to the development and commercialisation of infrared optical systems for night vision.
My experience in optics, combined with my experience managing innovation ecosystems and incubators within a major group such as Umicore, is a major asset in my new role at Lambda-X Verhaert – Tom Krekels
I joined Lambda-X on 7 April 2026, succeeding Olivier Dupont as Managing Director. Olivier founded the company exactly 30 years ago! In practice, I was already very familiar with the company through the Verhaert Group, whose founder, Paul Verhaert, was also one of Lambda-X’s co-founders. Since then, Lambda-X has merged with the Verhaert Group to become Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech – Tom Krekels
From innovation to industrialisation: mastering the full optical systems value chain
Since its creation, Lambda-X has supported its customers throughout the entire innovation journey: from design and development to prototype qualification, industrialisation and production.
Our role is primarily to develop optical engines and high-precision mechanics – in other words, the optical core of the systems – while Verhaert focuses more on the enclosure and mechatronic components. We are therefore highly complementary in the end-to-end solutions we offer our customers.
Lambda-X got its start in the space sector, where projects tend to be long-term, highly demanding in terms of investment and relatively limited in number – a challenging business model for a small company.
Building on its expertise in the space sector, Lambda-X began looking to diversify into other markets. Success in space requires systems capable of withstanding exceptionally harsh conditions: vibrations of several dozen G, extreme temperatures, the vacuum of space and radiation levels far higher than those encountered on Earth.
Today, when we develop products for industrial control, medtech or life sciences, these space heritage and requirements give us a real competitive edge. The solutions we design are highly reliable, robust and resilient, drawing on the experience, expertise and technologies developed to meet the demanding conditions of the space industry.
Lambda-X has carved out a position in the market for advanced optical technologies such as Raman, fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging. We integrate these technologies into systems and products designed to deliver exceptional durability and reliability, particularly in environments where they operate 24/7, seven days a week, such as industrial laboratories – Tom Krekels
Today, Lambda-X Verhaert’s business is spread across four main markets: space, which accounts for around 30% of its activity; defence (30%); medtech and life sciences (30%); and industrial control (10%).
Its offering covers the entire product development journey, from initial concept through to industrialisation. Whether a customer comes to Lambda-X Verhaert with a prototype or simply an idea, the company can work alongside them to turn that initial concept into an industrialisable solution.
These projects consistently combine our company’s expertise in advanced optical solutions and cutting-edge technologies with its ability to transform them into robust, industrialised products ready to be deployed in demanding environments.
Our company is, of course, open to new opportunities, particularly in the New Space sector, which is increasingly focused on Low Earth Orbit (LEO), a segment experiencing strong growth – Tom Krekels
The growing number of objects in orbit is also raising major questions around space debris management. Space Situational Awareness (SSA) systems, designed to monitor and characterise objects in space, are opening up new opportunities for the development of camera-based systems. Lambda-X Verhaert is working on this type of project in close collaboration with leading European players. Within this ecosystem, the European Space Agency (ESA) is Lambda-X’s key partner, alongside opportunities arising from BELSPO and European defence calls.
The company is also developing cameras for Earth observation. These technologies can, for example, help assess the health of forests, monitor water quality, and detect and quantify methane emissions.
In the life sciences, advanced optical technologies are also opening up new possibilities for the pharmaceutical industry. Raman technologies, in particular, can be used to characterise materials at the molecular level, identify microorganisms and observe how they respond to changes in their environment.
Your predecessor led Lambda-X for nearly 30 years and played a defining role in shaping the company. How do you approach such a significant transition?
I think the Verhaert Group ran a very thorough recruitment process – and not just because they chose me! (he smiles). Above all, the leadership team was looking for someone who shared Lambda-X’s values and identity. I also spent three months working alongside Olivier to ensure a smooth transition and to define together the strategy for taking the business forward.
Europe is investing heavily in strengthening its defence industrial and technological base. How does your company intend to capitalise on this momentum?
Europe’s renewed focus on defence is a real opportunity. Defence already accounts for around a third of our revenues, so we are well positioned to benefit from this momentum. But I also believe we need to use this opportunity to create bridges with other sectors and strengthen the wider industrial ecosystem. We should not put all our eggs in one basket.
The priority now is to bring the right players together and help accelerate the development of this high-tech industry. Lambda-X Verhaert is a European company, and we intend to keep working with European partners to address the needs of European markets.
What are the main challenges your company is facing today?
One of the biggest challenges is managing growth and, in particular, making the right investments at the right time. That means investing in people, equipment and infrastructure, while anticipating major projects such as the construction of cleanrooms. At the same time, we need to strengthen our quality systems and obtain the certifications required to enter new markets.
For a company of our size, the key is finding the right balance: investing enough to support growth without taking on unnecessary risks.
What position does Lambda-X Verhaert aspire to occupy within the Belgian and European photonics ecosystem by 2030?
We want to keep growing, but without losing what makes Lambda-X unique. Our DNA is built around curiosity, co-creation, commitment and, above all, a genuine desire to work closely with our customers.
By 2030, I would like our company to be recognised far beyond Belgium and to have established itself as a leading player in photonics in Europe.
