The Stack is a new AI innovation hub scheduled to open in September 2026 at Jacob Bontiusplaats 9 in Amsterdam’s Oostenburg district. The initiative was co-founded by Lennard Zwart, Maarten Stolk, Philip Gast and Techleap, with Esther Bisschop serving as founding director. Its stated mission is to accelerate European sovereign AI development and reduce Europe’s reliance on foreign AI systems and infrastructure.
The Stack will launch with 4,500 square metres of space and is expected to expand to 12,000 square metres by 2029, accommodating more than 200 founders. The hub was co-founded by Lennard Zwart of Ascending AI, Maarten Stolk of Deeploy and Enjins, and Philip Gast of AdamI and The AI Foundry, in partnership with Techleap. Founding director Esther Bisschop previously led Th3rd, which was acquired by Snap Inc. in 2022.
The project has secured over ten million euros in private capital. Partners include IMC, ABN AMRO, ClickHouse, Deloitte, Google, Miro and Prosus, alongside the Municipality of Amsterdam. Initial tenants are Ubicloud, Dawnguard and Iconic Works.
The Stack positions itself as a strengthening element of the Eindhoven-Amsterdam AI corridor. Its founders argue that Europe must reduce its dependence on non-European AI technology, and present the hub as a concrete contribution to European technological sovereignty.
Read also
