News item | 13-12-2023 | 3:30 PM
The Netherlands benefits greatly from converting knowledge into technological innovations here. This is good for challenges in the areas of healthcare, nutrition, sustainability and economic opportunities for entrepreneurs from small to large. That is why the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) is investing in new innovative research. €24 million will go to seven projects in which 82 companies, knowledge organizations and governments collaborate on technological solutions. The parties themselves contribute €11 million to these collaborations within the Perspective program of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).
Entrepreneurs and researchers can start working with this support over the next six years. This involves, for example, developing flat – instead of large, curved – optical components in high-tech equipment. For example, fewer parts are needed in lithography machines (for chip production), lamps can produce more light and use less energy, and printers can print better quality colors.
Other projects focus on medical technology. Such as making earlier diagnosis and treatment of dementia possible. Or artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in the analysis and interpretation of medical images, such as an MRI scan. Circularity of materials and biotechnology are also part of projects. The first concerns the development of circular ink, films and coatings. And the second concerns biotechnology in the (chemical) industry: the aim is to make micro-organisms more resistant to the extreme conditions of some production processes.
Minister Micky Adriaansens (EZK): “We can be proud of Dutch knowledge. However, the major social challenges of our time, as well as the need to strengthen our economic position worldwide, require us to do more with that position. Development of new technologies is necessary for our startups, SMEs and larger companies to be successful. This is impossible without targeted innovation and this program therefore actively ensures cooperation between entrepreneurs, researchers and governments.”
Perspective
Perspective is a program of the NWO and challenges researchers to form collaborative projects with the business community, social organizations and governments for research focused on societal challenges and various key technologies such as photonics, biotechnology and AI. Together, the project participants work on technological innovations with social impact and creating economic opportunities for the Netherlands. The projects thus contribute to the Mission-driven Innovation Policy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.