Strategic programmes

Advanced Instrumentation combines state-of-the-art technologies and various disciplines to develop complex systems for applications in scientific research, industrial production and medical technology. This programme focuses on four themes: ultra-sensitive detectors, high-performance optics, instrumentation suitable for extreme environments and complex system integration. Through this, we are working towards closer collaboration between research institutions and businesses, to make innovative technologies more accessible to the Dutch high-tech sector.

Battery integration plays a crucial role in the energy transition. It is an essential technology for integrating renewable energy, stabilising the electricity grid and managing peak loads. It enables energy time-shifting, supports the electrification of transport and other energy-intensive sectors, and promotes the development of distributed energy systems. The programme focuses on four pillars: innovative battery designs, intelligent applications and systems, battery materials and design, and life-cycle analysis, second life and recycling.

Materials form the basis of our physical environment and have driven social development throughout the centuries. Materials innovation is key to technological growth and the well-being of society. This programme focuses on new materials that contribute to the energy transition, sustainability, a circular economy and the management of critical raw materials. It covers a wide range of material classes, from construction materials to high-tech innovations, which are essential for the competitiveness of Dutch industry and a better society.

Medical technology is a key value chain within the Dutch high-tech industry, focused on sustainable profitability and social impact. The MedTech strategic programme promotes the development and early validation of key technologies such as imaging, sensors and actuators through public-private partnerships. The programme focuses on three areas: imaging and image-guided intervention systems, sensors and digital technology, and medical devices and monitoring systems. Through collaboration between companies, knowledge institutions and healthcare providers, the programme strengthens the MedTech ecosystem, with the aim of achieving more sustainable, accessible and efficient healthcare.

Microelectronics is everywhere in our society, and its importance has become even more apparent due to chip shortages and international tensions. The Netherlands needs smaller, safer, faster and more energy-efficient chips to strengthen its export position, reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and safeguard national security. In addition, this technology contributes to digitalisation and innovative, energy-efficient solutions. The Dutch microelectronics ecosystem is strong and built on public-private partnerships.

Dutch optical technologies are global leaders in innovation, ranging from data storage and communications to manufacturing and medicine. Advanced optical systems, such as wafer steppers for chip production and energy-efficient LED lighting, improve sustainability and efficiency. These technologies also support sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and defence. The programme focuses on developing advanced optical solutions for societal goals such as sustainable energy, precision agriculture and secure defence systems. Through collaboration and innovation, we stimulate economic growth and strengthen the Netherlands’ position as a world leader in optics.

Quantum technologies offer revolutionary possibilities by utilising the principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum computers and quantum networks can enable secure communication, energy efficiency and innovations in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Due to their strategic importance, these technologies are attracting global geopolitical attention, whilst the Netherlands is working to maintain a competitive edge through targeted investments and policy measures. The programme focuses on quantum computing, communication and sensing, and encourages public-private partnerships to strengthen and expand our leading position.

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment is essential for the production of advanced chips and for the continuous improvements that Gordon Moore predicted more than 50 years ago. The Netherlands plays a major role in advanced material deposition, lithography, process instrumentation and mechatronics. This strategic programme links academic knowledge with the semiconductor industry to stimulate technological innovation and safeguard the future of Moore’s Law. The sector is of great economic importance to the Netherlands and focuses on mechatronics and the physics of essential technology components.

The Dutch space sector plays a key role in addressing societal challenges, such as weather and climate, emissions monitoring, security and defence. The Netherlands, ESA, the EU and NATO recognise the critical importance of this infrastructure, whilst space activities are increasing internationally. In line with the Long-Term Space Agenda (LTR), the sector focuses on four application areas: satellite communications, space situational awareness, Earth observation for climate and the environment, and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). Within this programme, we are therefore looking at improving space infrastructure, including platforms, launchers and data usage.

The Dutch high-tech (equipment) industry is a key pillar of the economy and innovation. Dutch companies stand out globally thanks to their innovative systems, but are facing increasingly complex systems, growing competition and a shortage of engineers. This programme focuses on developing new methodologies to improve engineers’ productivity, using industrial use cases to demonstrate the value and applicability of these methodologies.

In 2021, Europe set itself the target of capturing 20% of the global semiconductor value chain by 2030. Whilst the initial focus was on front-end technologies such as wafer fabrication, Mario Draghi emphasised in his report ‘The Future of European Competitiveness’ that back-end technologies, and in particular ‘advanced chip packaging’, also play an essential role in this. This technology enables further chip integration and is crucial for maintaining a competitive European semiconductor industry. That is why advanced packaging forms one of the pillars of the chipNL plan and is at the heart of the ‘Advanced Chip Packaging’ Strategic Programme.

The scope of this programme is to make high-tech systems and machines more circular, or to make the raw materials used in those machines more circular. The high-tech, systems and materials sector is characterised by high-tech, highly complex and high-quality machines produced in relatively small numbers. The focus during the initial phase of the programme is on remanufacturing and raw materials in this sector.

Peace and security are essential for a thriving society and a strong economy. Geopolitical developments show that the Netherlands and its allies face complex challenges. Investment in new technologies and methods is needed to provide effective support to security organisations. In addition, the Netherlands is striving for greater certainty in the production and supply of defence products and a stronger position in international supply chains, which is of great importance to both the security and the economic earning capacity of the Netherlands.