Demcon enters automation for seed breeding
Contributing globally to food security
Technology developer and manufacturer Demcon has acquired SeQso, based in Apeldoorn, as of January 1. SeQso designs and builds sorting and sowing machines for seed breeders across Europe, Asia, and America. As part of Demcon, SeQso now has the competences to make its machines more precise, faster, and smarter. Additionally, the two companies will collaborate to develop new solutions for further automation in seed breeding, aiming to contribute to global food security, which is increasingly under pressure due to population growth and climate change.
Food security is largely determined by the cultivation of food crops. Yields need to increase worldwide to accommodate population growth, but this is under strain due to climate change. Seed breeders face the challenge of developing new crops that provide higher yields and that are more resilient to climate extremes. To do so, they need the right tools to make their seed breeding process both effective and efficient. Automation is key to ensuring high quality and addressing the labor shortage that the sector faces.
High-quality technology
SeQso contributes to this global challenge by developing and building, among other things, sorting and sowing machines for seed breeders worldwide. Founded in 2010 and based in Apeldoorn, SeQso stands out for its focus on high-quality technology. The company uses advanced methods for seed processing, rapid and precise imaging with various techniques, and sophisticated data analysis through AI (artificial intelligence). "Our machines are highly precise," explains Twan Boot, who became managing director of SeQso on January 1. "This is crucial because the seeds we work with can be incredibly valuable due to their high yield. The machines use imaging techniques to take images of the seeds to assess their quality. What’s unique is that they also use X-rays to examine the embryo's condition. With all this information, an AI model decides if the seed is of good quality for sorting. This ensures only the best seeds reach farmers around the world."
Challenges
Although SeQso has been successful for fifteen years using these technologies, it has faced some challenges, Boot notes. "Our customers continuously challenge us to make our machines faster and more advanced. They also request automation for other steps in the breeding process. We can meet both of these needs, but until now, we did not have the capacity to do so. Our own production also no longer had all the competencies required to build machines that are becoming increasingly high-tech.” In short, SeQso needed more capacity and expertise. This gap has now been addressed with Demcon’s acquisition on January 1, where they took a majority stake in the company.
An attractive growth sector
Jan Leideman, Demcon’s new business development manager, had known SeQso’s founders, Fred Hugen, Peter Kok and Jan Poppe, for some time. Last year, he spoke with them about the company’s continuity and a potential acquisition. "At Demcon, we are interested in companies that are active and make impact in niche markets with their own products, especially when there is a Dutch connection. This is certainly the case in the world of seed breeding, where our country has a global reputation, and SeQso is a leading player. The sector is growing as the world’s population increases and demand for quality food—and quality seeds—rises. At the same time, there is still plenty of room for growth in automation. This makes it an attractive growth sector where Demcon and SeQso can add significant value, as we have already seen in discussions with their customers. SeQso currently provides machines for a small part of the seed breeding process; customers are asking for solutions for the steps preceding and following that part. Think of the seedlings—the plants that grow from seeds sorted and sown by SeQso machines— that need to be examined for breeding and quality control."
New opportunities
Production of the sorting and sowing machines has now been transferred to Demcon industrial systems, says Leideman. "The first systems are being built in Enschede. We are now working with SeQso to develop a technology roadmap for the coming years. We need to increase machine speeds and also see opportunities for new automation solutions in seed breeding. Demcon has a proven track record across these various technological fields, such as industrial machine building, multispectral imaging techniques, custom optics for imaging, and AI models for image processing and data analysis. This makes us a valuable addition to SeQso." Boot agrees, "At Demcon, they have deep expertise in vision systems, for example. They can also take a prototype and turn it into a product that can be produced in significant volumes. With Demcon, we now have access to more engineering and production capacity. I also see room to work on innovations that may take longer to materialize but can result in new products in the long term."
Impact on the food chain
It is not just about generating revenue but also about making an impact on the food chain, Boot and Leideman emphasize in closing. "Our vision is to contribute to long-term food security without heavy pesticide use and food waste. Ultimately, our systems enable farmers to make more efficient use of their land with high-quality seeds, so they can produce stable, high-yielding, quality food."
About Demcon
Demcon (1,100+ employees) develops, manufactures and supplies technology and innovative products. The Demcon group has branches in Best, Delft, Enschede, Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht, Münster (Germany), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore. The company was born out of its founders' passion for combining creativity and technical skills to solve complex issues. These issues are technological and societal in nature and often directly or indirectly impact people and their surroundings. From medical solutions, to systems that keep us safe and sustainable innovations in the realms of water and energy, Demcon's work benefits current and future generations alike. In addition to developing technical solutions, Demcon is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and investing in talent and education.
About SeQso
Founded in 2010, SeQso designs and builds sorting and sowing machines for the seed breeding sector. Based in Apeldoorn, the company distinguishes itself with high-quality technology for seed processing, imaging, and data analysis. SeQso serves large players and local businesses across Europe, America, and Asia, contributing globally to food security. Since January 1, 2025, the company has been part of the Demcon group, which brings additional competencies and capacity for product development and machine construction. Operating under the name SeQso – a Demcon company, it continues to serve the market independently. It will also work alongside other Demcon companies to develop new automation solutions for seed breeding.