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The Netherlands is one of the leading global innovators in service robotics and robots. According to a recent report commissioned by Microsoft, the nation is a European AI leader. With a strong track record in mechatronics, AI, vision, digital maps and semiconductor technologies, they turn robot systems into robot solutions.
With a strong and well-connected R&D community and a culture of open innovation, the Dutch ecosystem of industrial users, system integrators, startups and knowledge institutes is a vibrant one. Dutch research institutes are working on robot technologies which range from precise surgery robots to tomato harvesting robotics and truck platooning.
The Netherlands is well connected to - and a supporter of - the EU-Robotics roadmap and is the lead co-ordinator in important EU projects. It is a vibrant community that gets support from networks like Holland Robotics, Brainport Industries and Robovalley. And the country is also home to institutions that consider the social and ethical side of robotics such as the Foundation for Responsible Robotics and the newly established UNICRI Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP), delivered by the Enterprise Europe Network, is organizing a visit to the Netherlands for innovative companies operating in this sector. There are several open Horizon 2020 calls relevant to the visit.
The programme is designed to help UK companies forge strong international partnerships and collaborations, including to develop future joint project applications with the aim to support business and innovation growth. EEN hopes to take a diverse delegation with a multitude of viewpoints and backgrounds and encourages female and BAME innovators to apply for this visit.
Participant companies will have the opportunity to learn about the Dutch ecosystem, network with potential research and business partners and investors, and develop strong international partnerships and collaborations. They will also receive individual coaching sessions to prepare them for the visit, and be able to access the services of the EEN advisory team both during and after the visit to help them exploit any opportunities which arise.
The visit runs from April 9-12 and the closing date for applications is Wednesday 27 February. More details here.
