Chairmanship change at NXTGEN Hightech: Peter Stolk succeeds Marc Hendrikse
As of July 1, 2025, Marc Hendrikse will hand over the chairmanship of NXTGEN Hightech to his successor, Peter Stolk. This marks the end of a five-year period in which Hendrikse played a defining role in shaping and steering the national growth fund program. Hendrikse: “With confidence and a good feeling, I am handing over the chairmanship of the foundation to my successor, Peter Stolk.”
Marc Hendrikse was involved with NXTGEN Hightech from the very beginning and, as chairman, was a driving force behind the program. His vision, extensive network, and positive leadership style were essential in the realization of more than 60 projects, involving over 340 partners and a total investment of nearly one billion euros.
Farewell message from Marc Hendrikse
“Five years ago, we started NXTGEN Hightech, driven by a clear vision: the conviction that the Netherlands is — and must remain — a world leader in high-tech equipment. That major societal challenges can only be solved with new technology. And above all, that from this strong position, we have a responsibility to develop a new generation of high-tech systems — for the next generation: our children and grandchildren.
In 2022, after a long lead-up, we truly got underway — but since then, the world has changed dramatically. The war in Ukraine, geopolitical tensions, and a renewed call for industrial autonomy in Europe, as emphasized in the Draghi report, have only underscored the urgency of our mission. Despite this turbulence, we are already seeing the first tangible successes. Innovative products, groundbreaking research, and most importantly: new forms of public-private collaboration. We’re also making progress in terms of government co-financing, with interim 'stage gates' that help us stay sharp and adjust projects in time.
What has touched me most personally is the continued enthusiasm of the project teams and the people within the NXTGEN Hightech organization. They are the beating heart of this program. Thanks to their efforts, I am confident that the impact will only grow in the coming years — with new high-tech machines contributing to a better future for the next generations.”
"An honor to take on this role"
Peter Stolk: “It is an honor for me to take over Marc Hendrikse’s role as chairman of NXTGEN Hightech. The program covers a broad and important range of innovation areas that align well with the National Technology Strategy. The strength of NXTGEN Hightech lies in its strong focus on ensuring the societal and economic value of all projects. I look forward to contributing to the successful realization of this ambition in the years ahead.”
About Peter Stolk
As of January 1, 2025, Peter Stolk is the chair of Holland High Tech, the top sector for High Tech Systems and Materials. From 2018 to April 2024, he was Senior Vice President and CTO at Ampleon. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Development & Engineering at ASML from 2015 to 2018, co-responsible for the Deep UV Business Line. Between 2009 and 2015, he held various roles at Philips, both in the Netherlands and abroad, including CTO of Automotive at Philips Lighting. From 2002 to 2009, he held multiple positions at NXP Semiconductors in various countries. He has had a strong affinity for technology since his studies. He holds a Master’s degree (cum laude) in Experimental Physics from the University of Amsterdam and a PhD in the same field from Utrecht University (conducted at AMOLF).