What is Future of Compute?
‘Future of Compute’ is the umbrella term for hybrid systems that combine key technologies – advanced semiconductors, quantum computing, integrated photonics, neuromorphic computing and high-performance computing (HPC) – with each technology deployed where it is most effective. Software controls these systems and distributes tasks across different types of hardware to optimise performance, energy efficiency and costs. This creates a ‘cloud continuum’ in which cloud, edge and mobile systems work together seamlessly, forming the backbone of tomorrow’s digital economy.
Strong starting position, fragmented implementation
The Netherlands is in an exceptionally strong position. The academic foundation is solid, and initiatives such as Neuromorphic Computing NL (NC-NL), QDNL, PhotonDelta, ChipNL and AIC4NL are working hard to further develop these key technologies. Moreover, with Brainport, we have a strong semiconductor heritage. The National Technology Strategy (NTS) provides an overarching policy framework, and the National Growth Fund programmes significantly strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
Yet opportunities often remain untapped. Programmes are fragmented, too often operate in isolation from one another, and lack the scale and coordination needed to link the various layers – from semiconductors and advanced packaging to photonics, neuromorphic and quantum hardware – into a single hybrid computing architecture with clear cross-stack priorities and a unified software approach. An integrated national vision is lacking.
Leo Warmerdam, Managing Director of Holland High Tech:
"The Netherlands has a strong position in knowledge and innovation across all key technologies that are important for the Future of Compute. In semiconductor technology in particular, the Netherlands is among the global leaders. And thanks to the National Growth Fund programmes, we also hold a leading position in the fields of integrated photonics and quantum computing. With a national strategy for the Future of Compute, we can join forces and specifically address the complexity of integrating these technologies. Naturally, we will place the vision and needs of the high-tech business community at the heart of this – including those of start-ups and scale-ups."
Moving towards a concrete action plan
The call to action builds on the Future of Compute report published by Techleap and TNO at the end of 2025. The first step has now been taken by Digital Holland, together with TNO, SURF, imec, Invest NL and Holland High Tech. Together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, we aim to launch a national co-creation process that will lead to a concrete action plan. The starting point: connecting and strengthening existing initiatives – not creating new agendas. In doing so, we are building on the NTS and the roadmaps of, among others, AIC4NL, NC-NL, QDNL and PhotonDelta, and we are incorporating the recommendations from the Wennink report.
This also strengthens the Netherlands’ position on the international stage. The recent Netherlands–UK Future of Compute mission demonstrates that compute is increasingly being viewed as a single, coherent system of interacting layers. At European level, a shared vision offers concrete opportunities to link Dutch strengths to EuroHPC, the Chips Act and IPCEIs.
The momentum is there
A unique window of opportunity now exists between the recommendations of Draghi and Wennink, the NTS’s ten action agendas, and growing European cooperation. The question is no longer whether we should act, but how quickly we can bring existing coalitions together. The ambition is clear: to strengthen the position of the Netherlands and Europe in the global computing ecosystem, accelerate innovation, and develop a sustainable and strategically autonomous digital infrastructure as the foundation for our digital future.
The Future of Compute at the NETWORKING EVENT | 17 June
The urgency of this topic is clear. During the Holland High Tech NETWORKING EVENT on 17 June, the Future of Compute features prominently on the agenda. During the plenary session, Freeke Heijman-te Paske, Vice President of QuIC for Qblox, will provide insights into the importance of this topic and the steps we should take in the high-tech sector. She will elaborate on this further during one of the breakout sessions at the event. Freeke was involved as an author in the Future of Compute report by Techleap and TNO and is involved as a strategic advisor with Holland High Tech.
