How can academic AI startups help the Netherlands stay at the forefront of global AI developments?

AI is advancing rapidly and its societal impact is immense. For the Netherlands, staying aligned to international developments while seizing opportunities is essential. In recent months, multiple stakeholders have put forward national AI strategy plans to achieve this.

This symposium brings together key players to explore the role of academic startups within these strategies.

What to expect:

• A clear overview of current Dutch AI strategy plans
• Insights into the role of academic AI start-ups
• Updates on international AI developments
• Investor perspectives on academic AI startups
• The opportunities for Deeptech AI Startups
• AI Factory and other developments relevant for startups

In a round-table setting with experts lead by Techleap, we will discuss:

• What the Netherlands and its universities can do better
• Where the most promising opportunities lie

Highly interactive, involving all participants and organized by TTT-AI together with AI House/ Prosus, Amsterdam AI, LUMO Labs, AIC4NL, Techleap and ROM-NL.

Arjan van den Born, will present an overview of the Dutch plans. He is Director of ROM Utrecht Region and supervisor of the recent Invest-NL / ROM-NL report “AI Deep Dive”.

Max Welling, founder of CuspAI, Building a company on the Cusp of AI and Science, UvA professor, received the Dutch AI Award 2026. Max will share his vision and will join the round table discussion.

A full programme will be announced in the coming weeks.

Who should attend?

Anyone interested or involved in Dutch AI startups – whether as an investor, entrepreneur, or in policy and (academic) support organizations and incubators.