Building Bridges Across Borders
From 24 to 27 March, a Dutch delegation travelled to the United Kingdom for an Innovation Mission focused on neuromorphic computing. Organised by the Netherlands Innovation Network UK, the mission brought together researchers, startups, government representatives, and funding bodies from both countries. The aim: to better understand each other’s research landscapes, explore opportunities for collaboration, and lay the groundwork for future partnerships.
A Collaborative Exchange in London
The mission’s focal point was a bilateral symposium in London, where participants shared insights into their respective neuromorphic ecosystems. Lively discussions centred on national priorities, current challenges, and the growing momentum in both countries. From materials and hardware design to real-world applications, the event made clear that there’s a strong basis for collaboration.
Highlights of the symposium included:
🔸Talks on our respective neuromorphic ecosystem characteristics, joint challenges, and opportunities
🔸Elaborate discussions of shared funding mechanisms available for NL-UK collaboration, including potential bilateral opportunities, and various European avenues
🔸Spotlighting of both countries’ neuromorphic computing initiatives, with much already happening in the Netherlands, and many interesting initiatives currently developing in the UK
🔸AI product company OPT/NET BV officially set up its UK entity in a signing ceremony in the presence of the ambassador, Frits Grotenhuis (Topsector ICT), and Tjerk Opmeer (Ministry of Economic Affairs).
A notable moment during the day was the signing ceremony for OPT/NET BV, a Dutch AI company formally launching its UK entity. The occasion, attended by Ambassador Paul Huijts and representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Topsector ICT, marked a concrete step towards deepening innovation ties between the two countries.
Learning from the Cambridge Ecosystem
In Cambridge, the Dutch delegation explored the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem in action. Lab visits and meetings with researchers and spinouts offered a closer look at how scientific discoveries are being translated into commercial technologies. Startups like NanoPrint Innovations and Paragraf demonstrated how cutting-edge research can lead to impactful, real-world solutions, supported by strong links between academia and enterprise.
Setting a Course for Future Collaboration
The final day of the mission featured a strategic session at the Dutch Embassy in London. Participants reflected on key takeaways and looked ahead to opportunities for joint research, talent exchange, and coordinated development of infrastructure. The sense of shared purpose was clear — and so was the commitment to continued cooperation.
With strong foundations now in place, the Netherlands and the UK are well positioned to move forward together in advancing neuromorphic computing.
