High Tech NL plays an active role in the European semiconductor industry and is involved in multiple leading projects that drive innovation and collaboration within the sector. For many years, High Tech NL has had a strong presence at SEMICON Europa, representing the Dutch high-tech sector and strengthening partnerships with international partners.

Through close ties with various industry organizations across Europe, High Tech NL continues to build a robust ecosystem that reinforces the Netherlands’ position within the European semiconductor industry and promotes collaboration across Europe.

Semicon Europa

Each year, High Tech NL organizes a Dutch pavilion at SEMICON Europa in Munich, the leading event for the semiconductor industry. The Netherlands is well represented with various companies, startups, and knowledge institutions showcasing the latest innovations and fostering international collaboration. During the event, multiple activities take place, strengthening partnerships:

Meet & Match Lunch
This networking lunch, organized by the Netherlands Innovation Network Germany, brought together European companies and clusters to discuss ideas and future projects.

Silicon Europe Alliance Workshop
During the “Drinks & Bites” session, members of the Silicon Europe Alliance gathered to discuss the future of microelectronics in Europe and strengthen cluster ties.

The event highlights the crucial role of the Netherlands in the European semiconductor industry and the commitment to further stimulating innovation and collaboration.

Semicon Board NL: Consultation Platform for the Semiconductor Sector

Minister Beljaarts has announced the establishment of a public-private consultation platform for the Dutch semiconductor industry. This platform aims to bring together government, businesses, and knowledge institutions to develop strategies for a competitive and sustainable Dutch chip industry. High Tech NL, as a representative of the high-tech sector, actively participates in the Semicon Board NL on behalf of SMEs, contributing to the strengthening of the Dutch semiconductor industry.

Key objectives of the platform:

• Strengthening cooperation between industry, government, and research institutions.
• Supporting innovative projects and investments within the semiconductor sector.
• Contributing to the goals of the EU Chips Act, aimed at European technological independence.

This initiative positions the Netherlands as a proactive player in the European semiconductor landscape and promotes the growth of the sector.

The Netherlands Introduces ChipNL Competence Centre to Stimulate Innovation

As part of the EU Chips Act, the Netherlands has launched the ChipNL Competence Centre. This center is designed to accelerate innovation in the semiconductor industry and support companies in developing new technologies.

Key activities of the ChipNL Competence Centre:

• Access to European Pilot Lines: The center provides support to SMEs, startups, and multinationals in gaining access to European pilot lines, allowing them to test and validate new technologies in an advanced environment.
• Talent Development: In collaboration with EU Skills Initiatives and the Microchip Talent Development Plan (Project Beethoven), the center focuses on fostering new skills and strengthening the semiconductor industry’s workforce.
• Networking Role in the Netherlands and Europe: The center acts as a connecting hub between businesses, knowledge institutions, and governments in the Netherlands and across Europe. It facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange within the European semiconductor ecosystem, supporting Dutch companies’ integration into European value chains and innovation programs.

The center collaborates with organizations such as Brainport Development, ChipTech Twente, TNO, JePPIX, and imec, as well as regional development agencies including OostNL, BOM, and InnovationQuarter.

European Collaboration

In addition to national initiatives, the Netherlands plays an active role in European collaborations, including the Silicon Eurocluster project and the Silicon Europe Alliance. High Tech NL is a member of Silicon Europe Alliance.

• Silicon Eurocluster promotes cooperation between European semiconductor clusters and supports SMEs through financial resources and knowledge sharing. Recently, the project launched the Green Financial Support initiative, providing SMEs with vouchers to implement sustainability strategies.
• Silicon Europe Alliance connects leading European semiconductor regions, including Minalogic, Silicon Saxony, and Ebscon, to foster knowledge exchange and joint innovations.

NXTGEN Hightech

NXTGEN Hightech is a national initiative that plays a key role in driving innovation within the Dutch semiconductor industry. High Tech NL is actively contributing to this effort, serving as the project leader for the Ecosystem project and taking the lead in communication and dissemination for all semiconductor-related projects within NXTGEN Hightech. By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, research institutions, and startups, High Tech NL ensures that cutting-edge technologies are developed and successfully implemented. Through this initiative, the Netherlands strengthens its position as a global leader in semiconductor equipment and contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy in chip production.

Looking Ahead

With these (new) initiatives and collaborations, High Tech NL is committed to ensuring that the Netherlands remains a strong and innovative player in the European semiconductor industry. Through the implementation of the ChipNL Competence Centre, the strengthening of international partnerships, and an active role in the EU Chips Act, the Netherlands is working towards a future-proof and competitive chip industry.

Agenda

Minalogic Business Meetings – March 18, 2025

Silicon Saxony Day – June 17, 2025

Incoming Mission Austria – June 24-26, 2025

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