Voxdale: Innovating the Path from Concept to Mass Production in Antwerp

Nestled in an unassuming industrial area of Wijnegem, Voxdale stands as a beacon of innovation, where ideas transform into tangible products. The company, led by CEO Tim Dieryckx, has become a go-to partner for a range of clients, from the Antwerp-based earbud maker Loop to the Saudi oil giant Aramco, all seeking to navigate the complex journey from concept to mass production.

Voxdale's workspace resembles a cross between a workshop, an industrial hall, and a dream factory. Within its walls, cutting-edge technology thrives, with prototypes ranging from autonomous vaccination robots to mobile power banks designed for electric vehicles. Here, Dieryckx passionately explains that while developing a product may seem straightforward, scaling it to a million units poses monumental challenges.

For instance, the creation of Loop's noise-canceling earbuds required meticulous decision-making surrounding production volumes, materials, and precision engineering. Every component, down to a tenth of a millimeter, must fit flawlessly, as even minor errors can lead to catastrophic failures—something the hardware industry knows all too well. "Hardware is hard," as the saying goes, and unlike software, where adjustments can be made after deployment, a manufacturing misstep can incur significant costs.

Voxdale's 38-member team focuses on rigorous testing, iterating through trial and error to refine products. Dieryckx highlights the necessity of a diverse team, which expedites error detection and reduces costs. For example, when developing a fingertip blood sampling device for the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine, the team quickly adjusted designs after discovering the initial prototype was ill-fitted for women.

The facility is equipped with advanced machinery, including 3D printers and laser cutters, enabling rapid prototyping and experimentation. Recent projects include drones equipped with lightweight fiber-optic cables designed for military use, showcasing how incremental improvements can drastically extend operational capabilities in critical situations.

Despite facing economic turbulence, including the fallout from the pandemic and inflationary pressures, Voxdale's revenue has nearly doubled over the past five years to approximately €4 million. The firm has adapted its client base, now focusing more on established companies rather than solely on startups, which often face fundraising challenges.

Dieryckx's background in innovation management has informed his approach at Voxdale, emphasizing the need for a culture that fosters radical innovation—a rarity within large corporations. With clients ranging from Airbus to Pfizer, Voxdale is well-positioned to navigate the future of manufacturing, aiming to compete with larger European firms.

As the world increasingly demands sustainable solutions, Voxdale is also tackling environmental challenges, such as reducing waste in the biomedical sector. Projects like the development of reusable packaging for medical tests reflect the company’s commitment to innovation that not only meets market demands but also addresses pressing global issues.

In this vibrant environment, where creativity meets engineering, Voxdale continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, proving that the journey from concept to mass production can be both a challenging and rewarding endeavor.