Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions that puts data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.
Hexagon also runs an incubator program called Sixth Sense, which is an open innovation platform where ambitious and scaling startups can connect with world-class companies to find scale and solve some of the biggest challenges. To learn more, Pulse 2.0 interviewed Milan Kocic, the head of Hexagon’s Sixth Sense.
Milan Kocic’s Background
What is Kocic’s background? Kocic was born in Belgrade, then Yugoslavia (now Serbia), and moved to the US at the age of 15, completing his high school education in Washington D.C. And Kocic said:
“Growing up, I was captivated by a variety of interests, including art, music, design, science, and innovation, likely influenced by my parents’ professions in nuclear engineering and architecture.”
“Despite my passion for creative pursuits, I found myself steered towards a choice between engineering or medicine by my Eastern European upbringing. Opting for the former, I pursued a degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Economics at King’s College London before delving into music and eventually settling in Chicago for a consulting role.”
“My career path took a pivotal turn when I joined what would later become Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in many roles, ranging from technical engineering to commercial sales, and I even ventured into product development with Zeiss. However, it was my return to Hexagon where I truly found my calling, championing design thinking, UX, and leading disruptive innovation initiatives.”
“Notably, I spearheaded projects such as MyCare and MyQuality services, and more recently, I’ve been at the forefront of the Sixth Sense Open Innovation Platform. This platform, conceived, developed, and managed by me alongside a dedicated team, embodies my enduring passion for innovation and designing impactful solutions. In essence, my journey has come full circle and has reaffirmed my commitment to creating both remarkable and functional innovations alike.”
Formation Of Hexagon’s Sixth Sense
How did the idea for Hexagon’s Sixth Sense program originate within Hexagon? Kocic shared:
“It probably makes sense to first give you some more background on Hexagon. Today, Hexagon technologies are used to manufacture 90% of aircraft, 75% of smartphones, and 95% of every automobile produced worldwide. The company itself traces back about 25 years when a Swedish multinational company embarked on a purposeful journey to reshape its destiny. With a strategic vision in mind, Hexagon gradually transitioned, ultimately emerging as the preeminent global authority in digital reality and autonomous solutions across various industrial sectors.”
“Hexagon’s Sixth Sense was inspired by Hexagon’s realization of the transition to Industry 4.0 and its potential to address significant manufacturing challenges. Understanding the necessity to confront these challenges head-on, we’ve sought solutions that not only bolstered performance but also prioritized societal and environmental well-being.”
“In acknowledging that resolving monumental issues necessitates tackling smaller ones first, we made a deliberate choice to extend an invitation to the next generation of industrial innovators who can work alongside Hexagon. By fostering a collaborative environment and facilitating the exchange of resources, we aimed to forge connections that could expedite progress. Our collective aspiration is to push the boundaries of design, manufacturing, and engineering while jointly envisioning a brighter future.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Kocic’s favorite memory from Hexagon’s Sixth Sense or working with the startups in the three different cohorts so far? Kocic reflected:
“One specific memory happened during this most recent cohort with one of our winners Zaptic. We spent several weeks looking for the fit of what they do and the things we currently deliver to our customers. We were getting close when Sandy Reid, CCO of Zaptic, said, ‘Let me show you some cool stuff we are doing with ChatGPT.'”
“I saw it, and I remember saying, “That’s it!!” This is the workflow we should show as the opportunity. Sandy and his team then validated the case with several Hexagon Customers, developed a business case and revenue potential, and showed the PoC at the event, which earned them a victory.”
“The program is filled with moments like these where weeks go by where we discuss different opportunities and a spark makes it all come together. I live for these moments.”
Benefits Of Joining Sixth Sense
What are the main benefits to startups joining Hexagon’s Sixth Sense program? Kocic explained:
“Sixth Sense is an open innovation platform coupled with a rapid – around 10-week – accelerator program. Through Sixth Sense, ambitious industrial startups at various stages of growth can collaborate with leading companies to address significant global challenges.”
“This platform facilitates the transformation of real-world problems into groundbreaking solutions by leveraging the resources and expertise provided by Hexagon. It invites proposals from early-stage and scaling startups focused on specific challenges aligned with customer demands. In exchange, participants gain access to our cutting-edge technology, extensive data, and customer network.”
Challenges Faced
Have there been any major challenges to getting the program off the ground, and how did you overcome them?
Kocic acknowledged:
“The biggest challenge we encountered in getting the program off the ground was ensuring significant outcomes for the startups involved, rather than just establishing partnerships in name only. Many corporate venture programs tend to struggle with this, often resulting in partnerships that don’t translate into tangible business growth for either party involved. To overcome this challenge, we focused on rolling up our sleeves and actively engaging with startups to drive product-market fit and scalability. We prioritized transparency and accountability in order to really allow these startups to provide feedback and even leave the program if necessary.”
“By concentrating on product development and strategic growth opportunities rather than peripheral issues like HR or sales organization, we aimed to create lasting value for both the startups and Hexagon alike. We also worked on refining our messaging and processes to ensure clarity and effectiveness in achieving our program’s objectives.”
Evolution Of Each Cohort
How has each cohort evolved in terms of the innovative new technologies these startups are bringing to the program each year?
Kocic noted:
“Each cohort within Hexagon’s Sixth Sense program has demonstrated a progression in the innovative technologies brought by participating startups, reflecting the dynamic landscape of manufacturing and the ongoing need for cutting-edge solutions.”
“In the inaugural cohort, startups like RIIICO and SmartParts introduced groundbreaking solutions such as a ‘Sims-style’ virtual factory floor and embedded digital barcodes for 3D printing. These technologies aim to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and traceability in manufacturing processes.”
“Our second cohort expanded on these themes with startups like CASTOR, GelSight, and JITbase. CASTOR’s automated 3D printing software focuses on analyzing parts and providing technical insights to optimize additive manufacturing processes. GelSight’s tactile sensing technology provided detailed surface characterization, enhancing robotic sensing capabilities and enabling various surface measurement applications. And JITbase’s smart manufacturing software utilized machine data to optimize machinist activities on the shop floor, aiming to maximize machine fleet availability. This cohort emphasized the use of AI, advanced analytics, and automation to address manufacturing challenges related to production optimization, quality control, and workforce productivity.”
“In this most recent third cohort, startups like Flexxbotics, Zaptic, and Circularise continued this trend with solutions focused on workcell digitization, connected worker platforms, and digital product passports for supply chain traceability. Flexxbotics’ workcell digitization technology aimed to enhance automation in manufacturing environments, facilitating flexible machining operations. Zaptic’s connected worker platform targeted workforce efficiency and capability building through AI-guided instructions and collaboration tools. Circularise’s digital product passports enabled end-to-end traceability and data exchange in industrial supply chains, supporting transparency and sustainability initiatives. This cohort underscored the digitization of manufacturing processes, workforce empowerment, and supply chain sustainability, reflecting a growing emphasis on Industry 4.0 principles and circular economy practices.”
“Overall, each cohort has showcased a diverse range of innovative technologies in order to address various aspects of manufacturing, from process optimization and quality control to sustainability and workforce empowerment, further demonstrating the ongoing evolution of the Sixth Sense program in nurturing cutting-edge solutions for the industry.”
Significant Milestones
What have been the biggest milestones for Hexagon’s Sixth Sense? Kocic cited:
“Well, of course, we just recently announced the two winners from our third cohort, highlighting the ongoing success of our program. A panel of distinguished judges from Hexagon’s corporate leadership team awarded Flexxbotics as a winner for its technology that provides workcell digitization for ‘robot-driven manufacturing’. Zaptic joined the Flexxbotics team in the winner’s circle for its connected worker platform for manufacturing that digitizes operations and accelerates operational excellence.”
“The initiation of the Sixth Sense program in January 2022 was a pivotal milestone for Hexagon. This marked a crucial moment for Hexagon by showcasing our dedication to fostering startup innovation and tackling key challenges within the manufacturing sector.”
“Through our cohorts, numerous companies have been able to advance their positions in the manufacturing industry by leveraging our resources to drive impactful change. Hexagon’s recognition as a leader in digital reality, alongside our substantial contributions to the manufacturing of aircraft, smartphones, and automobiles on a global scale, further underscores our profound influence on shaping the future of manufacturing and is exemplified through initiatives like Sixth Sense.”
Customer Success Stories
After asking Kocic about specific success stories from the startups that have participated in the program? Kocic highlighted:
“Well, GelSight would certainly be one. Our relationship with their team certainly didn’t end when they were declared the winner of our third cohort in February of 2023. Just recently, and barely a year after that honor, Hexagon established a global reseller agreement for GelSight’s product line, including the GelSight Mobile and GelSight Max.”
“The formal partnership and collaboration between us will also accelerate the time to market for their future products that offer more complete solutions to pressing manufacturing issues, such as the shortage of qualified labor.
“Hexagon’s vast portfolio of metrology technologies measures the dimensions or digitizes the surface to inform quality, maintenance processes, and smart manufacturing. GelSight provides complementary digital touch technology that can characterize surface roughness and measure defects such as scratches and dents with micron-level resolution. GelSight’s technology is well suited to operate in uncontrolled lighting environments that rely heavily on manual inspection by line workers, especially with traditionally
difficult-to-characterize materials like glass and highly reflective metals.”
“This is really a great illustration of the long-term relationships and outcomes we are trying to build with the program.”
Differentiation From Other Accelerators
What differentiates Sixth Sense from other corporate accelerator programs? Kocic affirmed:
“When we were thinking about launching the program, we did interviews with startups, VCs, other accelerators, and essentially every other party in the startup ecosystem. What we found in our interviews is that while startups are always looking for capital, their biggest need is getting in front of qualified potential customers. So the program we set up to build was really one where we are providing the connections to help them scale and grow their business.”
“So we’re not the accelerator in the common sense where they might be teaching you how to build out your operations or human resources department. We’re domain experts in the manufacturing space who are going to offer guidance into what the biggest manufacturers in the world are looking for, connect you with those folks as potential customers, and find ways where we could help bring your solution to market in ways that make sense for the customer. By aligning proposals with our customers’ needs, we not only address immediate challenges, but also drive advancements in crucial sectors like design, manufacturing, and engineering.”
“Setting us apart further is our unwavering commitment to innovation. We invest significantly in research and development in order to ensure we maintain our leadership position as well as to foster organic growth. Our strategic acquisitions of groundbreaking technologies complement and expedite our progress, and help solidify Hexagon’s position as the foremost provider of digital reality solutions. Within Hexagon Sixth Sense, we really foster an environment of open innovation where ideas thrive, boundaries are pushed, and the future is continually reimagined for the betterment of all.”
Future Goals
What are some of your future goals from the program? Kocic pointed out:
“There are several. Currently, we are working extensively to push the program beyond the Manufacturing Intelligence Division – so we’d look at startups working on technologies outside of advanced manufacturing. We are actively talking to several divisions within Hexagon to add cohorts for their needs.”
“In addition, we are talking to several companies outside Hexagon to potentially explore joint cohorts in areas of mutual interest. This would open opportunities beyond areas that Hexagon traditionally covers and potentially uncover opportunities that otherwise might miss. Finally we are exploring our abilities to add opportunities for minority investments to further help scale the startups who join us in this journey.”
Future Cohort Focus
For your fourth cohort, are there certain challenges that you are already thinking about having the startups look to address? Kocic concluded:
“We have had recent success with our Presto automation cell, and we have been talking within our Manufacturing Intelligence Division to explore areas of automation and opportunities to find startups that speed up the ever-promised transition to Industry 4.0.”
“Other areas for future focus include applications of digital reality, which we touched on a little in cohort three. Finally, sustainability will become a permanent presence in our challenges as Hexagon is looking to help create a more sustainable future through all the tools and solutions we are currently selling and building for our customers.”
