About us

The history of IrriWatch is one rooted in innovation, driven by a commitment to revolutionize agricultural practices and empower farmers worldwide. Founded in 2019 by Wim Bastiaanssen, IrriWatch emerged as a response to the pressing need for standardized methodologies in operational irrigation and crop management.

Wim Bastiaanssen’s journey into the realm of water management began against the backdrop of his upbringing on a reclaimed farm in the Netherlands. From a young age, he was captivated by the intricacies of transforming reclaimed land into fertile farmland, instilling in him a passion for water management that would shape his career trajectory.

Wim’s professional journey took a significant turn in 1986 when he joined the Instituut voor Cultuurtechniek and Waterhuishouding (ICW) in Wageningen. It was here that he encountered thermal infrared data from Landsat satellites during a project in Egypt, sparking his transition from practical engineer to aspiring scientist. This pivotal moment led to the development of SEBAL, a groundbreaking method for assessing evapotranspiration, which formed the foundation of IrriWatch’s technological infrastructure.

Throughout the 1990s, Wim’s participation in international flux campaigns further enriched his understanding of soil physics and micro-meteorology, culminating in the refinement of SEBAL and its derivative, METRIC, as standard ET algorithms globally. These advancements laid the groundwork for the establishment of IrriWatch as a leading force in the field of agricultural technology.

The lack of standard methodologies for operational irrigation and crop management prompted Wim in 2019 to start IrriWatch. The science was already established for a long period, but imbedding in daily on-farm decisions was in its infancy. He developed SEBAL-4 with the capacity to have daily ET images and a data subscription system. Since the start of IrriWatch, it has marked a turning point in the agricultural industry, offering farmers access to cutting-edge tools and insights previously unavailable. Leveraging SEBAL-4, IrriWatch provides farmers with daily ET images and a data subscription system, enabling informed decision-making and optimizing resource allocation. IrriWatch has monitored crop health and guided irrigation actions on over 1 million hectares of farmland, empowering farmers to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability in their operations. “It is a great satisfaction to help farmers directly without decisions from third parties that only create unnecessary obstacles,” said Wim, reflecting on the company’s impact. He is now back to the community he originated from, committed to advancing agricultural practices and supporting farming communities worldwide.

The acquisition of IrriWatch by Hydrosat in June 2023 marked a significant milestone, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation for the company. Today, fueled by this acquisition and relentless dedication to innovation, IrriWatch continues to expand its reach and impact. With the largest team since its inception and the imminent launch of a new IrriWatch portal in 2024, the company remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionize agriculture and support the sustainable growth of farming communities worldwide.