News item | 04-11-2025 | 2:00 PM
Earlier this year, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom announced their intention to collaborate more closely on technological innovation. This is how Europe remains innovative, competitive and safe. Dutch companies and knowledge institutions are therefore going to the British capital London for an innovation mission focused on AI, integrated photonics and neuromorphic computer technology. Minister Karremans (Economic Affairs) will take part in this visit on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 November 2025 and will sign a British-Dutch partnership.
In February, Prime Minister Starmer and Prime Minister Schoof jointly announced a British-Dutch collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, semiconductors, photonics and new computer technologies.
During the innovation mission, minister Karremans and the British minister Kanishka Narayan (AI, tech and semiconductors) officially announced this collaboration. Both countries are organizing a joint seminar, round tables and meetings in the Royal Society in London in which more than a hundred companies, knowledge institutions and governments from both countries participate. These are suppliers and end users who focus on AI, integrated photonics and neuromorphic computing technology from materials, devices, circuit design, hardware, architecture, algorithms or applications.
Minister Karremans (Economic Affairs): “Computing power is increasingly relevant for all kinds of technologies that companies can use and in industrial processes. That is why we are building an AI factory in the Netherlands, for example. We are also taking the lead in working with other countries on technologies such as AI, photonics, quantum and on developing innovations surrounding the design, stacking or packaging of chips. For this purpose, the United Kingdom is a logical European partner to collaborate more intensively with. In this way we stimulate entrepreneurship in both countries and we are less undesirably dependent of technologies, (semi) products or raw materials.”
Photonics
Photonics is a technology that focuses on detecting, generating, transporting and processing light. Integrated photonics are chips that work with optical signals instead of electrical signals. Communication via optical signals can transmit more information simultaneously and over a longer distance. This ensures better performance and is also more energy efficient.
Neuromorphic computing technology
Neuromorphic computing technology is similar to the functioning of the human brain. The technology focuses on data storage and data processing in the same place. This reduces the need for data transfer, increases processing speed, while reducing energy consumption.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the digital technology that will determine the economy, security and way of life in the coming years. The Netherlands is therefore investing in its own AI infrastructure, encouraging the development and marketing of innovative AI models, and promoting their (responsible) application widely in business and society.
Program Minister Karremans (EZ), innovation mission United Kingdom
Monday November 10, 2025 (from 5 p.m.)
- Start innovation mission
- Welcome dinner with participating companies, knowledge institutions and governments (NL and UK)
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (from 8 a.m.)
- Plenary opening at the Royal Society in the presence of more than 100 British and Dutch parties (companies, knowledge institutions, governments)
- Various round table discussions;
- Conversation with minister Kanishka Narayan (UK, responsible for AI, tech and semiconductors, among others)
- Signing of the innovation partnership between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.