The History of QualySense

Inspiring people to discover the hidden value of natural resources since 2010.

QSorter Explorer prototype

The first QSorter® prototype

2010: The Vision 

QualySense AG was founded in 2010 in Zürich, Switzerland, by Dr. Francesco Dell'Endice, Paolo D'Alcini, and Olga Peters. United by a shared mission to Help People Discover the Real Value of Natural Resources, the founders combined expertise in science, industrial automation, and finance to rethink how soft commodities are analyzed and valued. This collaboration led to the creation of the QSorter® concept—a proprietary technology capable of analyzing seeds and grains kernel by kernel at high speed. 

2011–2018: Technological Validation & Global Recognition 

QualySense gained international recognition for its pioneering approach to quality inspection. QSorter® technology received several prestigious accolades, including the Venture Kick Award and the Red Herring Top 100 Global Award. During this period, the company also established a landmark partnership with the USDA, validating the technology’s ability to set new standards in food safety and grain analysis. In 2014 the company entered the North American and European markets with the QSorter Explorer. 

2019–August 2023: Business Consolidation 

Following its early breakthroughs, QualySense focused on consolidating operations and refining its technology. This phase centered on strengthening the QSorter® platform, stabilizing internal processes, and preparing the organization for industrial-scale growth and future strategic partnerships. 

August 2023–2025: The Ferrum Era & Market Expansion 

In August 2023, QualySense joined the Ferrum Group, operating as Ferrum Analytics and Sorting AG. This transition provided the stability and resources needed to expand market reach. During this period, the company entered key markets in Brazil and Africa and strengthened its pipeline in the coffee sector, establishing collaborations with major food producers and cooperatives. The Ferrum partnership played a critical role in advancing industrial capabilities and demonstrating global demand for QualySense solutions. 

January 2026: Becoming Part of IEH 

In January 2026, QualySense was acquired by IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group, a global leader in food safety and inspection. Marking a return to its roots with a forward-looking vision, the company rebranded as QualySense Analytics AG. Backed by IEH’s extensive global network, QualySense now combines Swiss engineering heritage with advanced analytical capabilities to support agricultural producers, breeders, and food processors worldwide. 

The QSorter® Explorer 2.0

The QSorter® Horizon