About us - Netherlands Innovation Network
The Netherlands Innovation Network in France stimulates international cooperation between Dutch and French companies, research institutes and public authorities in the fields of innovation and technology. Our activities help implement the international knowledge and innovation agenda of the Dutch government. Our network in France has a long-term agenda focused on innovation in areas such as quantum technologies, biomolecular and cell technologies, Artificial Intelligence and data, energy materials, semiconductor technologies and cybersecurity.
Quantum technologies
Dutch quantum initiatives are among the most advanced in the world. Indeed, quantum technology has become a key driver of economic relations between The Hague and Paris. The Netherlands and France are committed to investing heavily in their quantum sectors.
In 2023, Franco-Dutch collaboration was further strengthened by the Pact for Innovation and Sustainable Growth. The arrival of a European quantum supercomputer, planned for Amsterdam by the SURF ICT partnership, fits perfectly into the dynamic semiconductor ecosystem in the Netherlands, which is essential for building such a computer.
Biomolecular and cell technologies
France and the Netherlands are among Europe’s strongest biotechnology hubs, particularly in red biotechnology, which focuses on medical applications such as cell therapy, gene therapy, and biopharmaceuticals. France excels through clusters such as Genopole and companies including Sanofi, with major investments in biomanufacturing and advanced therapies. The Netherlands is highly regarded for its vibrant life sciences ecosystem, led by Leiden Bio Science Park, and its expertise in cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and bioprocessing.
Cooperation between both countries is growing rapidly, supported by the 2023 Franco-Dutch Pact for Innovation and Sustainable Growth. Joint research, startup partnerships, and clinical collaborations are accelerating innovation in biomolecular and cell technologies. Future cooperation will likely focus on personalized medicine, AI-driven drug discovery, and scalable cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Together, France and the Netherlands are well positioned to strengthen Europe’s leadership in next-generation healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence and data
AI collaboration between France and the Netherlands is gaining momentum, driven by shared priorities in innovation, ethics, and digital sovereignty. Both countries emphasize human-centric AI, aligning on values like transparency, privacy, and accountability. Joint initiatives often emerge within broader European frameworks, enabling cross-border research, funding, and talent exchange.
France brings strong capabilities in AI research and large-scale public investment, while the Netherlands contributes with a dynamic startup ecosystem and expertise in applied AI, particularly in sectors like logistics, agriculture, and water management. By combining resources and aligning strategies, France and the Netherlands can accelerate responsible AI development and ensure it delivers economic and societal benefits across the region.
Energy materials
The Netherlands stands at the forefront of energy innovation, transforming itself into a global powerhouse of sustainable technology and energy efficiency. The Netherlands offers a supportive ecosystem of opportunity, collaboration, and groundbreaking developments in energy materials.
The Dutch energy materials sector blends established firms and startups, with leading players such as Philips, DSM, and Shell investing in renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. Startups focus on niches like battery technology (Kalpana, CarbonX, LeydenJar) and green hydrogen production.
Key institutions, including TNO, ASML, TU Delft, and Solliance Solar Research, drive cutting-edge advancements, collectively accounting for 60% of national R&D. This vibrant ecosystem fosters collaboration and competition and attracts global talent and investment.
Semiconductor technologies
France and the Netherlands are among Europe’s leaders in the semiconductor industry. The Netherlands excels in chipmaking equipment through ASML, whose lithography systems are essential for advanced chip production worldwide. France has strong manufacturing and design capabilities, led by STMicroelectronics and the research hub in Grenoble.
Cooperation between the two countries is expanding rapidly. Both are key members of the European semiconductor alliance, working together to boost innovation, manufacturing capacity, and talent development. Dutch expertise in lithography perfectly complements French strengths in chip design and production. Joint research, resilient supply chains, and cross-border education are helping to reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on AI chips, energy-efficient electronics, and reducing dependence on Asian and American suppliers. Franco-Dutch collaboration is set to become a cornerstone of Europe’s technological sovereignty.
Cybersecurity
The Netherlands and France are both global leaders in cybersecurity and the French-Dutch cyber cooperation has brought mutual benefit to both countries. A close cooperation exists between two major yearly events, the ONE Conference in The Netherlands and InCyber Forum in Lille.
The Netherlands and France are unique in Europe as countries with structured cyber ecosystems and cyber campuses. The Dutch have Houses of Cyber initiatives in North Brabant and The Hague. The central Dutch message: Cyber by Design — building secure systems from the start while strengthening cooperation between ecosystems.
Both Embassies are actively involved in organizing missions and activities in France and the Netherlands. The NIN office Paris together with Dutch partners as BOM (Province of Brabant), TNO Research Institute, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, NCC-NL, HSD (Security Delta), is building strong connections with major French cybersecurity stakeholders as Campus Cyber Paris, Campus Cyber Lille and Bretagne and different innovative companies.