"We are not talking about a small step but a breakthrough."

Delft-based Tree Composites is developing a revolutionary technology that makes steel structures last 5,000 times longer. This technology can be applied, for example, to offshore wind turbines. Company founder Maxim Segeren talks more about the sustainability benefits of their innovation, the protection of their ideas and the importance of government support.

From researcher to entrepreneur

Maxim Segeren did his doctoral research at TU Delft on connections for foundations of offshore wind turbines. "I came across a technique in 2017 that solved such a big problem that I thought: we have to do something with this," Segeren says. He believed this technology would become a gamechanger. That's why he started Tree Composites five years ago. The company now has 25 employees.

A revolution in steel joints

Tree Composites are replacing traditional welds in marine structures. "Every time you make a traditional weld, at that point the steel weakens," Segeren says. "Our composite and resin-based joining technology offers a strong, lightweight and corrosion-free solution." And that solution is groundbreaking. "We're not talking about a small step, but a breakthrough. Full-scale tests show a 5,000 times longer lifetime. In addition, the composite joint can be used for any steel structure, for example for bridges but also for repairs whose strength we can predict."

Less material, more durability

The benefits go beyond longer life. "You can halve the weight of structures at sea," Segeren explains enthusiastically. "If we can use half the materials, we can make 2 structures with the same amount of raw materials." This has major implications for sustainability. Less material means less cost and a smaller carbon footprint. Installation also becomes cheaper. "If structures are lighter, you need less heavy and expensive ships to transport them," Segeren explains.

Recognition as most innovative SME

Tree Composites won the KVK Innovation Top 100 in 2025. "It is very special that we were chosen as the most innovative SME in the Netherlands," Segeren says proudly. The award helps with market introduction. "The recognition helps with market introduction and gives visibility with investors, policy makers and partners." The win included an IP Smart Scan from Octrooicentrum Nederland. This scan provides insight into strategic intellectual property (IP) opportunities.

Protection of knowledge and ideas

Tree Composites is committed to its IP. The company has filed 3 patents and conducted Freedom-To-Operate searches. Says Segeren, "Further honing our IP strategy, especially in the scale-up phase, is just very important. "After speaking with a patent attorney, they are now also using an i-depot. An i-depot is a digital vault and can be used to maintain your trade secrets in non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), for example. Segeren: "Sometimes you want to be able to discuss things, but not patent yet."

Support from RVO crucial for growth

Tree Composites also made grateful use of many RFO schemes. "WBSO, HER+, MIT scheme, EKOO and in the future we expect to use other schemes as well," Segeren lists. The Innovation Credit is also in the pipeline. "We would not be this far without the support of RVO." Cooperation is going well and RVO is actively thinking along. "It goes relatively quickly and we are well spoken to."

Golden tip for other entrepreneurs

Segeren has a clear message for other entrepreneurs. "Take advantage of all the support out there. Don't think there is nothing out there for you. An exploratory interview can already yield a lot."

With an ambition to become the new standard for complex welding worldwide, Tree Composites shows how technical innovation, smart IP protection and public support can combine to create impactful solutions.