SenseGlove establishes headquarters in Katoenhuis Rotterdam

During Immersive Tech Week (ITW) at de Doelen, Alderman Simons (a.o. Port and Economy) announced that the rapidly growing tech company SenseGlove will establish its new headquarters in Katoenhuis, Rotterdam, as of January 1, 2025. This milestone underscores the city and region’s role as a hub for innovative technology and collaboration.

SenseGlove and the future of immersive technology

SenseGlove, a pioneer in advanced haptic gloves that allow users to feel virtual objects and perform actions, leads the way in the application of immersive technology. This groundbreaking innovation is utilized globally in industries such as healthcare, defense, and aviation, offering companies more efficient and cost-effective training solutions.

According to Gijs den Butter, co-founder of SenseGlove, the move to Rotterdam is strategically significant:
“Rotterdam offers a unique mix of creativity and technology. By establishing ourselves in Katoenhuis, we become part of a vibrant ecosystem where businesses, education, and culture intersect. Through the SHINE network, we not only aim to advance our technology but also contribute to the growth of the entire sector.”

Efforts by the City of Rotterdam and Province of South Holland

The arrival of SenseGlove and the development of the SHINE network (South Holland Immersive Network & Ecosystem) are direct results of collaborative efforts by the City of Rotterdam and the Province of South Holland, among others. SHINE focuses on building and expanding a network between governments, businesses, and knowledge institutions to make immersive technology inclusive and practical. By organizing joint events and creating physical meeting spaces, the initiative promotes knowledge exchange across regions.

Alderman Simons emphasizes:
“In Rotterdam, we know: working together makes us stronger. With SHINE, we combine the strengths of businesses, education, and experiments. This is beneficial for companies like SenseGlove, but also for new experiments and labs where we are building the future. It’s about opportunities for talent, support for entrepreneurs, and technology that makes a difference. This way, we continue to lead and keep our city innovative and entrepreneurial.”

The collaboration also yields tangible milestones, such as the establishment of the national trade association Dutch XR in Rotterdam and the organization of international events like ITW. Research by Birch confirms that the Rotterdam region already boasts a relatively high number of startups in immersive technology, with SenseGlove being one of its most prominent examples.

Katoenhuis: a hub for creativity and technology

The Katoenhuis in the Merwe-Vierhaven area (M4H) is a public/private initiative that serves as a hub, bringing together businesses, education, and culture around immersive technology while connecting the region. SenseGlove is an important player in the high-tech manufacturing industry that is now establishing itself here. Additionally, the Katoenhuis hosts events such as Rotterdam Gaming Connect on December 6th and screenings of immersive films during IFFR.

A future full of opportunities

Through initiatives such as SHINE, Katoenhuis, and the close collaboration between public and private entities, Rotterdam continues to lead the way in immersive technology, attracting talent and businesses from both the Netherlands and abroad.