XINTC: a serious competitor to fossil fuels
In the Netherlands, we tend not to stick our heads too far above the parapet. That’s why entrepreneur Wilko van Kampen finds it quite difficult to voice his company’s ambitions. “Still, I’ll say it: we have international ambitions and we’re convinced we’re going to solve a global problem.” With an investment from Oost NL, XINTC from Eerbeek in Gelderland will enter the market in 2025 after years of development. The company is launching scalable, modular electrolysers.
What does XINTC do?
Wilko van Kampen, CEO of XINTC: “XINTC develops and manufactures scalable, modular electrolysers - fully standardised. An electrolyser is a system that uses electricity to split fresh water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced is a clean, green energy carrier. We use green electricity from solar and wind power during the process, making it fully sustainable. Our electrolyser can produce hydrogen at the lowest possible cost worldwide. That makes us a serious competitor to fossil fuels.”
Rick Mintjes, investment manager energy at Oost NL: “XINTC is going to serve customers around the world who currently depend on natural gas or diesel - primarily industrial clients for whom electrification isn’t an option. That’s going to make a big difference in the energy transition. We’re involved with XINTC not only as an investor, but also through business development support. For example, the company took part in the European subsidy programme STEPS, working with international partners to further develop their product.”
How does XINTC contribute to solving a societal challenge?
Van Kampen: “To counter global warming, the global population must reduce CO₂ emissions. One way to achieve that is by using fewer fossil fuels. Hydrogen offers an alternative. But so far, the electrolysers used to produce hydrogen are expensive systems. They are made from scarce and costly metals. As a result, hydrogen also remains expensive. That prevents the energy transition from gaining momentum.”
“We are the only company in the world that has succeeded in building electrolysers using plastic. This makes the systems maintenance-free, relatively low-cost to produce, and recyclable. Our technology also makes it possible to connect electrolysis to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. By adapting to what nature provides, our electrolyser achieves a yield many times higher than that of traditional systems.”
Mintjes: “XINTC holds a promising technology that is in high demand. Hydrogen is considered one of the key energy carriers for making polluting industries and heavy transport more sustainable. The (eastern) Netherlands has a strong position when it comes to hydrogen. To maintain that lead, it is crucial to invest in innovative technologies.”
Oost NL contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals
Money is just a means; it’s Oost NL’s involvement that truly makes the difference.
Wilko van Kampen - CEO of XINTC
How has Oost NL made a difference for XINTC?
Mintjes: “We’ve been able to invest in XINTC across three funding rounds. That fits a Dutch entrepreneur with a typically Dutch approach: we do things step by step. The first two rounds were financed through ION+: a fund aimed at technological development in the most high-risk phase. This helped XINTC to further develop its unique technology. The third round came from Oost NL’s Participation Fund, clearly showing that the company has made significant progress.”
Van Kampen: “Oost NL standing behind us as a regional development agency has a positive impact—whether it’s applying for subsidies or finding support within our own network. Their backing is proof that we’ve already jumped through quite a few hoops. Their involvement accelerates the growth of our network.”
What stands out in the collaboration with Oost NL?
Van Kampen: “I work to contribute something meaningful to the world. Of course we’re a commercial company, but for now, gaining market share serves a greater purpose than generating profit. It’s reassuring to work with a partner that’s willing to invest for the long term and isn’t focused on quick returns. Oost NL understands and shares our ambition to make a societal impact and reduce our global footprint. Money is just a means; it’s Oost NL’s involvement that truly makes the difference.”
Visit the XINTC website.