CrowdScan

CrowdScan provides a crowd analytics platform specializing in real-time, privacy-conscious crowd density measurement. Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the University of Antwerp and imec, a leading research and development hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, the company is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium. The founders include Ben Bellekens (CEO), Anton Dierickx (COO), Stijn Denis, and Professor Maarten Weyn. The concept originated from academic research by Bellekens, Denis, and Weyn, which was later tested at large-scale events like Tomorrowland. Bellekens holds a PhD in Applied Engineering with a focus on electronics and ICT, and Dierickx brings field experience from his time with the Antwerp Police department, where he managed safety for major city events.

The company's patented technology utilizes a wireless sensor network that transmits low-energy radio waves (868 MHz) to measure signal attenuation, thereby determining crowd density without relying on cameras, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile device data. This ensures complete anonymity and GDPR compliance. The system consists of battery-powered sensors and a central gateway that processes data and sends it to the cloud for real-time visualization and analysis via dashboards. This technology is designed for large areas and offers easy, cost-effective installation.

CrowdScan serves various markets, including smart cities, public transport operators, and event organizers. Clients use the data for safety management, optimizing passenger flow, and making policy decisions. The business model offers tiered services: Crowd Density Counting, Analytics, Prediction, and Integrated Management solutions co-developed with clients. The company has engaged in significant projects, such as a three-year contract with the city of Bruges to monitor shopping streets and squares and a deployment with TRAM Barcelona to measure platform occupancy. Initially focused on events, the company expanded its services to local governments following the COVID-19 pandemic to aid in social distancing management.

Keywords: crowd density, real-time analytics, wireless sensors, privacy-preserving, smart cities, public transport, event management, IoT, people counting, patented technology