AI & Digital Technologies
The region of Brabant embraced the legacy of high-tech innovation and used it as a foundation to build the #1 innovative region for IT in the Netherlands. One of the region’s essential resources is its 79,000 highly educated IT professionals, with 42,360 directly working in IT. In addition, the region boasts a high degree of specialization with various IT technologies, such as 3D systems, smart industrial technologies, smart medical applications, and smart agriculture.
Open Innovation
Numerous Field labs and campuses are spread throughout the region and focused on specific themes. These hotspots are key for co-creation and advancing innovation. A prime example is the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC), where more than 35 companies, 2,000 high-level staff, and 1,500 students come together in a state-of-the-art working and learning environment. The next generation of professionals in the high-tech manufacturing segment are trained here, and companies innovate and manufacture together, sharing high-quality facilities such as cleanrooms, flexible production areas, and other advanced facilities. Another great example is the high tech campus, where over 300 companies and institutes, and more than 12,500 international researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs work on cutting-edge technology and applications. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, including labs, offices, and shared spaces designed to promote collaboration and innovation.
For other major IT players in the region, such as IBM, and SAP, the combined draw of ecosystem, geographical location, and concentration of high-tech businesses is a powerful argument for locating in Brabant. In addition, many IT hardware businesses also locate in the region due to its excellent logistics infrastructure and services; accordingly, numerous hardware companies such as Sony, Samsung, Acer, HP, LG and Dell have established European Distribution Centers in Brabant.
AI & Digital Technology niches
AI & Big Data
Brabant is strong in AI & Big Data. One key factor is the presence of strong research institutions, such as the Eindhoven University of Technology, which has a dedicated data science program. These institutions conduct cutting-edge research in AI and Big Data, which attracts top talent and fosters innovation. Additionally, Brabant has a strong ecosystem of startups and established companies that specialize in AI and Big Data, such as Philips, which has a large research center in Eindhoven focused on healthcare AI. This ecosystem provides a supportive environment for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, which further fuels innovation.
Immersive Technologies & Digital Twinning
Brabant is a leading hub for digital entertainment and immersive technologies, with a thriving ecosystem of companies and organizations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field.
From virtual and augmented reality to gaming and interactive media, Brabant is home to a diverse range of innovative companies, startups, and research institutions.
Cyber Security
Brabant recognizes the importance of Cybersecurity. Companies in the high-tech manufacturing industry have joined forces to protect their systems and IP. Work is also being done on the security of IT systems in other areas.
Robotics
As industries embrace automation and digital transformation, The Netherlands, emerges as a beacon for robotics and high-tech innovation. Download our latest whitepaper that outlines why the province of Brabant is the perfect location for international businesses operating in the robotics domain, to establish operations.
Future Growth
The region has a rich support network focused on stimulating growth in the IT sector, of which the High-Tech Software Cluster is a good example. This is a national network located at Brainport Eindhoven, where producers of software solutions for the high tech sector are coupled with hardware manufacturers. There is a strong support structure to help companies develop and digitize their businesses across several sectors. Critical aspects of the region’s future growth also lie in the digital transformation of businesses which will help boost the industries and help them to become more efficient and sustainable. Logically, this is coupled with an increased demand for Cybersecurity to protect businesses from external threats.
Key priority niche segments that we will be focusing on for the coming years include embedded software and cybersecurity solutions for the complex manufacturing industry. Applied Creative Software Technologies is another significant development niche with Gaming as the primary focus. Many technologies that emerge from the Gaming industry filter through to many other industries. Technologies such as AI, VR, or Cloud Computing solutions, were all developed or early-adopted in the Gaming industry and now find applications across many industry sectors, including education and health. Taking all this into consideration, it is safe to say that Industry 4.0 is thriving in Brabant.
AI Innovation Center
At the AI Innovation Center, located on the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, companies work hands-on with artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient and sustainable solutions. The center fosters collaboration among manufacturers, tech start-ups, and knowledge institutes to develop practical applications, ranging from predictive maintenance and quality inspection to data-driven process optimization. The extensive event calendar includes workshops, pilot programs and innovation challenges, gaining direct access to AI experts, test environments and an active community focused on accelerating adoption across industries.
3EALITY
3EALITY is where the physical and digital worlds come together. In this cutting-edge facility, businesses experiment with immersive technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality to improve design, training, and production processes. The hub offers demo spaces, XR-labs and co-creation studios where partners can build prototypes, test interactive applications and explore how digital twins and virtual collaboration reshape manufacturing and engineering. 3EALITY connects companies with tech developers, researchers and creative professionals to turn digital concepts into tangible industrial solutions.
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