From autonomous systems and smart materials to Future-Proof Computing, the Northern Netherlands is working on technologies that are shaping the future. By making smart investments in pioneering HTSM companies and the smart manufacturing industry, NOM aims to strengthen the ecosystem and accelerate innovations.
HTSM stands for High Tech Systems and Materials. In this broad field of work, which we often combine with the smart manufacturing industry, advanced systems, materials and technologies are developed for industrial applications. The Northern Netherlands has a thriving HTSM sector that contributes to economic progress and societal challenges, such as sustainable energy, health and mobility.
The manufacturing industry has deep roots in our region. As early as the 19th century, when iron forges grew into machine factories, innovations arose around agricultural tools and machines in the strawboard industry. In fact, this laid the foundation for the northern metal and manufacturing industry.
The real breakthrough to a modern manufacturing industry occurred after Philips gradually established itself in multiple locations in the northern Netherlands starting in 1950. The electronics manufacturer brought not only jobs but, more importantly, knowledge, expertise and new production techniques to the region. It gave the smart manufacturing industry, as a forerunner of the HTSM sector, an impulse that continues to this day.
One of the four tech regions
Meanwhile, the North emphatically profiles itself as one of the four tech regions of the Netherlands, along with Eindhoven, Delft and Twente. This is confirmed by the presence of a strong knowledge infrastructure, innovative high-tech companies, cross-sectoral innovation and vital partnerships.
These include the Innovation Cluster Drachten (ICD), a partnership in which companies, knowledge institutes and governments work together on innovations at the cutting edge of smart industry, digitalization and high-tech manufacturing. Another initiative is EDIH NN, a regional innovation and support network that helps companies with their digital transformation.
ICT and digitalization are intertwined with all HTSM developments. Whether sensors, robotics, smart production systems, intelligent software and real-time data processing, no modern high-tech system functions without these elements.
Autonomous systems
Fuelled by world-class education and research, the smart manufacturing industry occupies a prominent place within northern HTSM. The focus is particularly on the development and implementation of autonomous systems: technologies (software in collaboration with hardware) that operate and make decisions independently without direct human intervention.
Autonomous systems are becoming indispensable to go through the important transitions and offer opportunities to strengthen the northern economy and make and keep companies future-proof. NOM wants to stimulate the development of autonomous systems by investing in promising companies and by initiating innovative projects and ecosystem interventions. For example, we are closely involved in the establishment of INFINITECH, a new partnership and expertise center that accelerates innovation by connecting companies, knowledge institutions and governments around autonomous systems, AI and smart manufacturing.
Future-Proof Computing
In addition to autonomous systems, Future-Proof Computing is also a spearhead of NOM. The term refers to technologies, software and hardware designed to be flexible, reliable and sustainable for future use and changing requirements. Not insignificant at a time when AI is booming, energy consumption is skyrocketing and data sovereignty is becoming increasingly important.
After all, how do we guarantee sufficient secure data sets, power and computing power? And how do we improve the energy efficiency of chips and data centers? Every reason, then, to bet firmly on Future-Proof Computing. The good thing is: the arrival of the AI factory in the city of Groningen creates excellent conditions for this.
The AI Factory is an expertise center and supercomputing facility and will be the focal point for AI research, innovation and application in the Netherlands, with direct impact on the northern HTSM sector. It facilitates collaboration, reduces dependence on "Big Tech," U.S. IT infrastructures, and provides computing power and knowledge infrastructure that advances the entire North, from high-tech manufacturing to SMEs.
Booster and connector
As a booster of the regional economy, NOM makes targeted investments in HTSM companies that are a valuable addition to the northern ecosystem. The focus here is on innovations that demonstrably contribute to solving social and economic challenges. Think of companies working on autonomous systems, groundbreaking sensor technology or cloud computing.
NOM functions not only as an investor, but also as a connector between companies, knowledge institutions and governments. Bringing parties together creates partnerships that are of great value for innovation and upscaling within the HTSM sector. The excellent research and prototype facilities in the Northern Netherlands, make the region very attractive for companies with R&D potential.
A growing area of focus is dual-use technology: innovations that can be used for both civilian and military applications. Through the SecFund, an investment fund for defense innovation, NOM invests in companies that meet the innovation needs of Defense and contribute to the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands. Examples include autonomous counterdrone systems and innovative radio technology. The fund opens new doors to funding and defense contracts for northern HTSM companies.
Investment portfolio
NOM's investment portfolio includes several promising companies in the HTSM sector. The spread is wide, ranging from companies in robotics and edge computing to innovators in smart materials and sensor technology. The breadth of the portfolio underlines the versatility of the northern HTSM sector and strengthens the entire value chain.
Gamechanger: QDI Systems
QDI Systems developed a technology based on nanomaterials called quantum dots. These nanoparticles convert light into electrical signals extremely efficiently, making cameras and sensors more light-sensitive, energy-efficient, accurate and scalable than current silicon technologies.
The technology is ideally suited for application in the consumer electronics market and the medical sector. Among other things, QDI Systems is focusing on short-wave infrared (SWIR) applications that significantly improve facial recognition in smartphones. But the technology obviously offers the consumer market more interesting opportunities. Consider supporting the next generation of wearables that not only measure basic functions, but also collect detailed health and environmental data.
For the medical sector, QDI Systems was the first in the world to develop an application for X-ray machines. This provides higher image quality and lower exposure to harmful radiation during examinations. In other words, QDI Systems is setting a new standard for medical imaging and patient safety.
To further develop and scale up the technology, the startup raised funding from several investors, including the NOM. But we also help QDI Systems with a network to continue to grow in the region and attract talent. Because yes, a company that has the potential to transform markets worldwide we want to keep for the Northern Netherlands at all times.
Knowledge, capital and network
By investing strategically and connecting parties, NOM continues to build unabated on a robust and future-proof HTSM ecosystem. The ambition is clear: to position the North as one of the four tech regions of the Netherlands. NOM has capital, knowledge and a network. The door is always open for entrepreneurs who contribute to tomorrow's challenges with smart solutions and innovations.