The Netherlands is stepping up its role in shaping the future of the global high-tech industry, forging stronger ties both within Europe and across Asia. From joining a Europe-wide semiconductor coalition to expanding strategic partnerships with Singapore, the Dutch are positioning themselves at the centre of innovation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and photonics.
Europe Unites Around Chips and AI
Recently, the Netherlands joined nine other European countries in launching the Semicon Coalition, a pact designed to accelerate Europe’s semiconductor innovation and bring new technologies to market more quickly. The coalition—comprising Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands—aims to strengthen production capacity, attract public and private investment, and develop skilled talent.
Semiconductors are recognized not only as an economic driver but also as a strategic asset. Dutch industry leader ASML, headquartered in Veldhoven, is emblematic of Europe’s critical position in global chip supply chains. In a joint statement, coalition members emphasized that closer cooperation will bolster Europe’s autonomy, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
Brabant and Singapore: A Transcontinental Alliance
While Europe works to consolidate its internal semiconductor strategy, the southern Dutch province of Brabant is driving international collaboration with Singapore, one of Asia’s key technology hubs. During a high-profile trade mission to Singapore, Brabant-based players unveiled several landmark agreements spanning semiconductors, AI, and photonics.
At the core of this effort is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Signed on May 20, the MOU lays the groundwork for joint R&D, talent development, and ecosystem-building in semiconductors, photonics, AI, and quantum technologies.
Industry Partnerships Take Shape
One of the first tangible results of this partnership is the collaboration between Eindhoven-based Sioux Technologies and Singapore’s Applied Angstrom Technology (AAT). Together, they are developing an AI-driven software platform for next-generation semiconductor equipment. By integrating real-time analytics and predictive maintenance, the platform aims to significantly boost industry productivity.
In parallel, HighTechXL, a leading Eindhoven-based venture builder, partnered with Enterprise Singapore to run a 22-week acceleration program, while Startupbootcamp will launch a 12-week course to support deep-tech startups.
Photonics on the Global Stage
Another highlight of the trade mission was PhotonDelta, the Eindhoven-based national hub for integrated photonics. At SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, PhotonDelta signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA). The partnership aims to accelerate R&D and commercial adoption of photonics, a technology critical to enabling faster, more energy-efficient data transmission in fields ranging from healthcare to mobility.
The Netherlands Pavilion at SEMICON SEA also showcased companies from High Tech Campus Eindhoven, including InPhocal, SCIL Nanoimprint Solutions, Aalberts Advanced Mechatronics, and Nearfield Instruments, alongside a strong delegation from Brainport Industries.
A Global Vision for Innovation
As the Netherlands and Singapore celebrate 60 years of trade relations, these partnerships underscore a shared vision: leveraging local strengths to build global impact. With Brabant as a central hub, the Netherlands is aligning European semiconductor ambitions with Asia’s dynamic innovation landscape.
From Eindhoven to Singapore, and from Brussels to Berlin, the Netherlands is reinforcing its role as a global connector in semiconductors, AI, and photonics—helping secure Europe’s place in the digital economy of the future.
References
Brouwers, B. (2025, May 25). Brabant intensifies semicon and AI collaboration with Singapore. Retrieved from IO+ Innovation Origins: https://ioplus.nl/en/posts/brabant-intensifies-semicon-and-ai-collaboration-with-singapore
DutchNews. (March, March 12). European countries chip in to strengthen semiconductor industry. Retrieved from DutchNews: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/03/european-countries-chip-in-to-strengthen-semiconductor-industry/
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