Project Foundation Launched to Scale Thermal Sensors
The initiative aims to secure semiconductor sovereignty by expanding manufacturing capacity in Europe and the US.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Semiconductors
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The Fourth Law and Odd Systems have launched Project Foundation to manufacture thermal imaging sensors. The venture, headquartered in Eindhoven, plans to scale production facilities across Europe and the United States starting in 2027.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to increase domestic semiconductor output for thermal imaging to improve supply chain resilience. It addresses the growing need for regional control over deep-tech hardware production in both European and American markets.
The project draws on the team's 14 years of camera development experience and a track record of producing over one million consumer smart cameras. The venture plans to scale by integrating external partner foundry lines with its own newly constructed facilities.
The players
The Fourth Law
A company founded in 2023 with a track record of producing consumer smart cameras.
Odd Systems
A technology firm established in 2023 that specializes in imaging hardware development.
The details
Project Foundation utilizes established expertise in optical and imaging systems to develop specialized thermal sensors. The manufacturing strategy involves leveraging regional specialists and dedicated deep-tech infrastructure to bridge the gap between sensor design and mass production. The process combines existing partner foundry lines—specialized manufacturing facilities for semiconductor fabrication—with proprietary production lines to meet the planned output targets.
Timeline
2023: The Fourth Law and Odd Systems were founded in Kyiv.
2027: Thermal imaging sensor production is scheduled to begin.
Three years: The planned timeframe to quadruple European production.
The Tech Race
Project Foundation follows the pattern of industry efforts to align with the semiconductor sovereignty goals established by the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. It represents a shift from consumer-grade camera production toward high-barrier deep-tech semiconductor manufacturing.
This project impacts industrial and professional sectors reliant on thermal imaging hardware by providing a more resilient supply of sensors. While the venture focuses on production infrastructure, the scaling of operations will begin in 2027.
The takeaway
The project signals a significant push to localize critical imaging hardware production. Watch for further announcements regarding specific facility locations and the onboarding of partner foundries as the 2027 production target approaches.
Further reading
Read more about the state of the industry in the Semiconductors section.
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Should nations prioritize domestic manufacturing of critical technologies like thermal sensors to ensure independence?
