Accelerating innovation and putting the Northern Netherlands on the map as a leader in autonomous systems; that is the ambition of INFINITECH, the umbrella under which companies develop products and systems together, on a project basis.
In Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe, wonderful innovations are being created, new products are being developed and processes improved. But can it get any better? Yes, says the industry. It can be better if we start collaborating in key areas. That is the best way to deal with all the challenges that face us.
Frontrunners and knowledge institutions
INFINITECH is the answer, with Philips and Demcon, among others, as key triggers. 'This initiative comes from the industry, and is supported by the NOM,' says Bas Snijders, who has been appointed as a scout for INFINITECH. 'Meanwhile, several interesting tech companies have already joined as well as the University of Groningen (RUG) and TNO. We all see the opportunities here.'
By testing concepts and methods jointly and on a project basis, and simultaneously developing products and components, the development process can be accelerated. In the process, the expertise of multiple companies is utilized and knowledge is exchanged. Where necessary, this is supplemented with knowledge from the RUG and from other knowledge institutions such as the universities of applied sciences and TNO. The focus here is not on the development of new technology but on its implementation and integration in order to achieve innovative products and components.
New way of cooperation
André Harmens is involved on behalf of NOM. 'This way of development is new for many companies. They are used to developing their own products independently. But by setting up a project team, with engineers from multiple companies, you have access to a larger team with broader knowledge. This accelerates innovation and leads to better solutions. This process has already proven itself in NXTGEN HIGHTECH, a large program supported by the National Growth Fund in which several northern companies are also participating.'
What makes INFINITECH special, says Bas Snijders, is that the initiative originated from the industry itself. The first companies have already joined and more and more are showing interest. 'When you see all that is coming our way, such as the tightness in the labor market and global competition, cooperation is an obvious choice. By organizing it well, you can facilitate cooperation by theme, across sectors.'
A recognizable label
INFINITECH will be an umbrella under which forces will be combined. It is a label that will provide national and international exposure and recognition. We are working closely with EDIH North, the European Digital Innovation Hub, among others, which also has 'autonomous systems' as its spearhead.
INFINITECH is now in the preparatory phase. It is expected that the first substantive projects can be started in 2026. In addition, the intention is to realize a development and test site in each of the three northern provinces. Snijders: 'There, engineers from different companies will meet to work on joint innovations. Students and experts from the RUG and from other knowledge institutions can also offer their support there.'
Initial focus: industrial sector
INFINITECH's initial focus is on the industry sector, thus linking the initiative to and reinforcing the activities within NXTGEN HIGHTECH. Bas Snijders: 'It's about increasing productivity in industry, improving the quality of end products and accelerating market introduction. In addition, the emphasis is on increasing the flexibility and resilience of production processes, as well as better support for people in the work process. For example, through technologies that optimize the cooperation between man and machine. This is all in the interest of the competitive position of the North. The industrial sector is the starting point, followed quickly by other focus areas. This fits perfectly with the broader theme of 'autonomous systems' that the Northern Netherlands has embraced.
INFINITECH will be an association or foundation with an explicit focus on the companies. André Harmens: "This is so important. It is not the intention that this initiative will stop after a few years. We are going for the long term!'