Villari expands to Germany with support from the Global Market Entry Program (GMEP)
Monitoring bridges, cranes and wind turbines remotely without physical inspections. That is exactly what the Delft-based technology company Villari enables with its advanced sensor technology for infrastructure monitoring.
Originally developed as a PhD project at TU Delft, Villari created sensors that detect changes in the magnetic field of steel structures. This allows engineers to continuously monitor crack formation and structural fatigue in bridges, cranes and wind turbines. The result is real-time data that helps organizations predict maintenance needs and make smarter infrastructure decisions.
Addressing the challenge of aging infrastructure
Villari’s technology responds to a growing global challenge: aging infrastructure. Millions of bridges and industrial installations worldwide are approaching the end of their technical lifespan.
By installing sensors directly on steel structures, inspections can be performed more efficiently and infrastructure owners gain better insight into which assets require immediate repair or replacement—and which can safely remain in operation.
In the Netherlands, Villari already works with organizations such as Rijkswaterstaat, ProRail and Tata Steel, where its technology supports infrastructure monitoring and maintenance planning.
Entering the German market
While the company quickly found its way in the Dutch market, expanding into Germany required a different approach. The German infrastructure market offers significant opportunities, but decision-making processes and partnership structures differ from those in the Netherlands.
This is where the Global Market Entry Program (GMEP) played an important role.
Through GMEP, Villari received support in exploring the German market, identifying relevant stakeholders and navigating the local business ecosystem. The program helped the company connect with key decision-makers and develop a strategy for entering Germany’s infrastructure sector.
First breakthrough in Germany
These efforts resulted in a concrete milestone: a bridge monitoring project in Krefeld, where Villari’s sensor technology will be evaluated for infrastructure monitoring.
The project serves as a technology evaluation and could open the door to further collaborations and projects within Germany’s infrastructure network.
Villari’s journey shows that successful international expansion requires more than just innovative technology. Understanding local markets, building the right partnerships and navigating new ecosystems are essential steps.
Programs like the Global Market Entry Program (GMEP) help innovative companies accelerate that process and successfully enter new international markets.
For the full article, visit:
https://www.dnhk.org/nl/nieuws/2026/bruggen-monitoren-grenzen-verleggen-hoe-villari-de-stap-naar-duitsland-maakte
