Recap | NXTGEN Hightech Conference 8 October - Semicon in the Spotlight
During the NXTGEN Hightech Conference on October 8th in Amersfoort, the Dutch high-tech sector gathered across the board: from deep-tech startups to knowledge institutions and industrial leaders. The energy within the semiconductor sector was also palpable. On stage, Ivan Stojanovic represented NXTGEN Hightech Semiconductors and shared how we, as an ecosystem, are building the next generation of chip technologies – and how collaboration makes all the difference.
The semiconductor sector faces enormous opportunities and challenges. Technologies are becoming smaller, faster, and more sustainable, but the complexity of design and production is increasing. At NXTGEN Hightech, we are working to strengthen the entire value chain, from materials development to systems integration. This connection between research, industry, and application is crucial for the future of the Dutch and European semiconductor sector.
As Niek Doelman, Principal Scientist at TNO and Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, put it during the plenary session: "With our strong Dutch opto-mechatronics expertise, we can acquire a prominent position in Laser SatCom." His statement underscores how strong national competencies in optics and mechatronics strengthen our position in new markets.
Crossover opportunities also came into focus. Erik Pekkeriet, Programme Manager Vision + Robotics, Wageningen University & Research, aptly put it:
“I thought the frameworks and the innovation leap between agrifood and other domains were so different that there was little point in looking beyond that barrier. But that turns out not to be the case. We are potentially a major market for this new NXTGEN technology quite quickly.”
This demonstrates that the semiconductor sector is not isolated, but can be the key to breakthroughs in other markets.
Rogier Verberk, Director Semicon & Quantum, TNO, also recognized this: “The unique combination of topics in our breakout session sparked new inspiration for me. For example, in systems engineering, where the Netherlands excels: what are the criteria for choosing between modular or monolithic design? And can Dutch designs be systematically made more cost-efficient?”
These questions touch on the core of what NXTGEN Hightech is currently achieving: elevating not only technology but also design philosophy and feasibility.
It was inspiring to see how concrete NXTGEN Hightech projects at the conference bridged the gap between research, development, and application—exactly what the Netherlands needs to maintain its leading position.
Innovation on the Demo Floor
What was discussed on stage literally came to life on the demo floor.
Three Semicon projects presented themselves there as a single, cohesive demonstration of what makes NXTGEN Hightech unique: the power of collaboration between companies and knowledge institutions to make high-tech innovation tangible. From metrology to packaging and photonics, visitors could experience how the three projects complement each other within the value chain:
- Semicon 04 – (Nano) Metrology Systems demonstrated how advanced measurement systems and smart data processing form the basis for further miniaturization in chip production.
- Semicon 05 – Deposition and Printing for Heterogeneous Assembly showcased innovative ways to integrate chips with different functions into a single system – energy-efficient and material-conscious.
- Semicon 09 – NXTGEN Inlite demonstrated how new production equipment for integrated photonics enables the step towards industrial scale-up.
Together, these projects demonstrated how the Netherlands covers the entire value chain – from precision instrumentation and materials innovation to advanced production equipment – thus laying the foundation for the chip industry of tomorrow. The demonstration floor exuded collaboration in action: companies, researchers, and students engaged in discussions, discovered common ground between domains, and explored new opportunities to bring technology to market faster.
From demonstration to realization
The results presented confirm that the Netherlands has a strong semiconductor ecosystem with world-class knowledge and infrastructure. The next step is to accelerate scaling up and industrialization, so that innovations can find their way to the market more quickly.
At NXTGEN Hightech Semiconductors, we will focus on further integration with other domains in the coming years, such as Energy and Robotics, to collaborate on sustainable and smart high-tech solutions. If you have any questions about this, please contact Ivan Stojanovic.