Made@MICS | LMesh: “We create sensors that help predict the future”

At the Mechatronics Innovation Campus Schiedam (MICS), Vince Tunzi and Mustafa Saloukha of LMesh are developing sensor technology that makes the invisible visible. “Measuring is knowing – especially with unpredictable materials such as wood or biobased insulation. Our sensors help you understand when maintenance or replacement is needed, long before visible damage occurs.”

The collaboration between Vince and Mustafa began years ago, when Mustafa – originally from Syria – started an internship at Vince’s former company Heycop. The connection was instant. That internship grew into a strong partnership that laid the foundation for LMesh. Vince contributes an extensive commercial network and entrepreneurial experience, while Mustafa excels in creative technical solutions.

From measurement to prediction

LMesh does more than just build sensors. They develop complete monitoring systems that collect data, transmit it, and translate it into actionable insights. Some of these systems last up to thirty years without a battery replacement. Examples include moisture measurements in crawl spaces, temperature monitoring in church structures, or alerts when a soap dispenser is nearly empty. “Sometimes a single measurement per month is enough to plan timely maintenance,” Vince explains.

“Biobased materials behave differently than steel or concrete,” Vince adds. “They are non-linear, which means standard models don’t work. You need to measure to understand when to intervene and schedule maintenance.”

Applications across every sector

The applications are wide-ranging: from smart soles for Defence that measure heart rate, temperature, and location, to systems that translate brain activity for people who cannot speak. “Our sensors don’t just measure; they communicate wirelessly and respond in real time. We build technology that thinks ahead,” says Mustafa.

Often, LMesh uses LORA, an energy-efficient communication technology with a long range. “Perfect for long-term measurements in remote places or within a wooden church structure,” Mustafa explains. Depending on the situation, they also deploy Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 2G.

From concept to web app

“Our philosophy is: you ask, we deliver – and a bit more,” laughs Vince. “We co-develop, co-think, and sometimes even co-invest. Sometimes customers don’t pay us entirely in cash, but partly in revenue share or production margin. That’s how we build the future together. We provide the full trajectory – from concept and prototyping to production – covering circuit design, firmware, cloud solutions, and mobile/web apps. We also design PCBs and prototypes.”

Global network, local roots

Although the core LMesh team consists of four people, they work with a flexible network of around 25 specialists worldwide. “From Syria – where Mustafa’s roots lie – to Curaçao: we collaborate across borders,” says Mustafa. “Our working language is English, except at the coffee machine.”

The hybrid model requires flexibility – also legally. “Some combine their work at major tech companies, such as ASML, with projects for us. We are exploring models to support that,” Vince adds.

At home at MICS

For the past year, LMesh has been based at MICS. For Vince, it immediately felt like the right place. “I felt at home here from the start,” he says. “It’s full of technical companies, all working in similar fields. You really notice that people understand each other.”

The LMesh workspace is often quiet, but appearances can be deceiving. “It may seem silent, but everyone is working hard – often remotely,” Mustafa explains.

Vince values the facilities: “We have about 64 square metres here – which is perfect. There’s a coffee corner, meeting rooms, and parking right outside. That makes it practical, too. It’s a fantastic place for mechatronics, with like-minded companies all around.” Mustafa adds: “Mechatronics is more than mechanics and electronics: it’s data, insight, prediction. MICS is where that all comes together.”

The campus offers not just space, but also opportunities. “There is a wealth of technical knowledge here, but if we can add more expertise in data science, we can make real leaps forward,” says Mustafa.

He also sees potential in attracting external organisations: “If institutes like TNO opened a desk on campus, it would create even more cross-pollination between practice and research. We already collaborate intensively with TNO on models that predict the behaviour of biobased materials, but lowering the threshold for others would strengthen the ecosystem even further. Just like Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences already has a desk here – you can just walk in.”

Call to the network

LMesh is actively looking for partners with strong ideas. “From moisture measurements in biobased insulation to smart dosing systems in hospitality – if you can imagine it, we can probably measure it,” Vince laughs. They also call on the municipality and policymakers to keep spreading the MICS story: “It gives direction and helps the whole region move forward.”

Want to know more about LMesh? Visit their website.