Nautilus Cybersecurity: securing what you cannot see

Published on / 24.06.2025

Companies invest heavily in IT security, yet the operational technology (OT) that drives core processes often remains out of sight. This is precisely where major risks lie. CTO Norbert van Adrichem and CCO Jeroen van Es explain how their scale-up, Nautilus, helps businesses identify vulnerabilities that are usually hidden from view.

Operational networks are found everywhere: from security systems and water treatment plants to climate control computers and smart meters. These systems are all connected to the internet, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. They often run for years in the background without issues and are rarely updated. Many are seriously outdated, though this is not visible from the outside. They also rely on specialist protocols that deviate from IT standards and are difficult to interpret without specific knowledge. Nautilus provides visibility into these crucial networks by translating technical data into usable insights.

Turning complexity into clear advice

A sensor box is installed in the network to continuously analyse data traffic, detect anomalies and assess risks using up-to-date threat intelligence. These technical findings are then translated into clear, actionable advice, including an estimate of the financial impact. “We don’t just focus on the technical side, we also want to communicate in a language that boardrooms understand,” Jeroen explains. This enables organisations to set clear priorities, take targeted actions and systematically improve their digital resilience.

Concerned about what you cannot see

The story of Nautilus began in 2023. At the time, co-founder Norbert was still working as an OT consultant and walking through a factory with a client. The client said: “I’m not worried about what I can see, but about what I can’t.” That remark revealed a much bigger issue for Norbert: the lack of visibility in OT networks. Nautilus was born out of the innovation studio of that same client, a French company in the automotive industry. “They became both our first customer and investor,” Norbert explains. This gave the young company not only its first business, but also access to funding, networks and production experience.

Going to market

The next eighteen months were dedicated to product development and validation, after which Nautilus entered the market with a technically mature solution. Thanks to its scalable and modular design, the Nautilus solution can be applied broadly. Soon, discussions and pilot projects started outside of the manufacturing sector – including with water utilities and data centres. “Vulnerable OT networks exist everywhere, from climate systems to fire suppression controls. With minor adjustments, we can tailor our technology to sector-specific needs,” Norbert explains.

“With our tool, companies can not only secure their OT environment, but also show that they meet regulatory requirements”

Norbert van Adrichem, CTO Nautilus OT

Assurance through digital resilience

One of the challenges Nautilus faces is the low willingness to invest among small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to Jeroen, companies are more inclined to invest in IT, leaving OT security overlooked. Gaining access to larger clients is especially difficult. “They often stick with well-established names,” adds Norbert. This is precisely where Nautilus sets itself apart: as a fully European company with no ties to Big Tech or foreign investors, it offers transparency and control over data.

The new European NIS2 directive holds companies accountable for inadequate cybersecurity. This is expected to significantly increase awareness around OT security. “With our tool, companies can not only secure their OT environment, but also show that they meet regulatory requirements,” Norbert explains. “It gives executives and stakeholders the reassurance that their organisation is digitally resilient and clearly compliant.”

Looking to grow and strengthen

With proven technology and the first clients on board, Nautilus is now focused on scaling up further. The sales team has expanded and visibility is increasing through trade fairs, business missions and regional collaborations with organisations such as InnovationQuarter and RVO. The partner network is also growing, with system integrators, IT service providers and ambassadors promoting the technology. “This is how you get the flywheel turning,” says Norbert. The team is actively looking for new investors and strategic partners. The ambition is clear: expansion into new sectors and international markets. “We want to become the leading European provider of accessible and affordable OT security,” Jeroen concludes.

About this series

Nautilus OT was part of the InnovationQuarter pavilion at ZIE 2025. For this interview series, we spoke with seven innovative companies about their growth journey, partnerships, and plans to seize new opportunities. Each of them shows how regional strength can contribute to solving global challenges. Also watch the video with Nautilus.