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This whitepaper outlines why the province of Brabant is the perfect location for international businesses operating in the robotics domain, to establish operations.

Inside Brabant's Complete Value Chain for Medical Robotics

Read our updated overview of the Life Sciences & Health industry in Brabant.

2024

Brabant offers a high quality of life with security, economic stability and social tolerance

Universities Brabant

High Tech Campus Eindhoven (HTCE), the smartest square km in Europe, is an ecosystem of more than 300 high tech companies. It is home to more than 12.500 innovators, researchers and engineers that create the technologies and businesses of tomorrow. HTCE services semiconductor and photonics companies, facilitating their growth through state‐of‐the‐art facilities, strategic support, and a vibrant community that fosters knowledge sharing and entrepreneurial spirit. From ISOcompliant, plug & play cleanrooms and rapid development and construction capabilities to tailored support in permits, HTCE’s infrastructure is designed for growth and scalability. ISO-

Photonics whitepaper

Dutch Deeptech Ecosystem

Brabant is home to a complete agrifood value chain, ranging from primary food production to cutting-edge high-tech solutions. This unique ecosystem thrives on the strong collaboration between agribusinesses, universities and tech innovators, allowing new ideas and technologies to be developed and implemented rapidly. Partnerships with key institutions, such as Wageningen University & Research and the Technical University Eindhoven, drive continuous advancements in agrifood technology. As a result, Brabant has become a global leader in agrifood innovation, attracting start-ups and industry pioneers alike.

Heart of Brabant (Midden-Noord-Brabant) is once again recognized as a national frontrunner in the shift toward a sustainable and inclusive economy. According to the latest annual research by RaboResearch, the region ranks highest among 26 Dutch regions in the NEx-T Index, which measures progress across economic, social, and ecological dimensions.

The Heart of Brabant region, referred to as Midden-Noord-Brabant in the EE-Index 2025, has made a remarkable leap in the national ranking of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Climbing five positions from 22 to 17, it now stands among the most dynamic regions in the Netherlands for business development and innovation.

With over 4,500 exhibitors from 66 countries and more than 81,000 visitors from all over the world, MEDICA in Düsseldorf is one of the largest medical B2B trade fairs in the world.

Brabant Innovation Day will return in 2026, building on the success of the 2024 summit in Tokyo. The event serves as a platform to connect Brabant’s ecosystems with international high-tech hubs to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, and create global impact. Stay tuned for more details on the theme and line-up for 2026.

Displays that are sustainable, long-lasting, and easy on the eyes? Technology that can transform the color of cars? With these cutting-edge innovations, Taiwanese tech giant E Ink has achieved remarkable success. They now control 95% of the global market. After nearly a decade of building strong relationships, exploring opportunities, and preparing with BOM, E Ink decided to establish its European headquarters in Brabant — a significant boost to our High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM) ecosystem.

In 2024, APA Benelux, a subsidiary of the Polish APA Group, chose to establish its presence at the Brainport Industries Campus in Eindhoven. Despite its small size, the company has big ambitions, says Managing Director Paul Castelijns. The team at APA Benelux is brimming with ideas about what they can bring to – and gain from – the Brabant ecosystem.

MoCA Cognition has joined the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, marking its first European presence. The company is globally known for its MoCA Test, the leading tool for early detection of cognitive impairment. They are committed to advancing cognitive health technology, focusing on developing AI-powered solutions for cognitive assessment. Establishing a presence in Brabant, the Netherlands is a strategic move toward creating an innovation hub to drive these developments.

Brabant is home to a complete agrifood value chain, ranging from primary food production to cutting-edge high-tech solutions. This unique ecosystem thrives on the strong collaboration between agribusinesses, universities and tech innovators, allowing new ideas and technologies to be developed and implemented rapidly. Partnerships with key institutions, such as Wageningen University & Research and the Technical University Eindhoven, drive continuous advancements in agrifood technology. As a result, Brabant has become a global leader in agrifood innovation, attracting start-ups and industry pioneers alike.

For over 75 years, state-of-the-art electron microscopes are being developed in Eindhoven. Originally as a spin-off from Philips, now as a part of the American multinational Thermo Fisher Scientific. Thermo Fisher demonstrates commitment to expanding in Brabant, embracing an innovative future.

Leo Drive, a Turkish leader in autonomous mobility technologies, has chosen Brabant in the Netherlands for its first European expansion. The company announced in February 2024 that it would establish itself at the Helmond Automotive Campus, strategically positioning itself in one of Europe's most innovative high tech ecosystems. This move signals Leo Drive's intent to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle solutions in the European market.

Within 5 years, Brabant will be the leading scale-up hotspot for foodtech startups. A bold ambition that we will collectively strive to achieve. Why do we believe Brabant is the place to scale up your startup?

SBMC facilitates entrepreneurs and academics to accelerate the development of Biomaterials and Biodegradable Implants by offering shared facilities and equipment. Juliette van den Dolder, SBMC’s business developer, explains how their dynamic community of over 60 companies speeds up the journey from patent to patient.

The American company ADASTEC, a leading software company specializing in SAE Level-4 automated driving software solutions, has won a contract to supply self-driving buses in Rotterdam, marking a significant step for its market-leading automated driving technology in the Netherlands. The company has opened its office in Brabant in 2022.

On Monday, March 11, MSD Animal Health opened the expanded Research & Development laboratory for virological vaccines in Boxmeer. Boxmeer plays a central role within MSD in the development and production of vaccines for animals. Together with the production site in De Bilt, the Boxmeer facility supports MSD's globally leading position in the market for Animal Health vaccines.

Learn more about the Agrifood ecosystem in Brabant and its innovative institutes and companies.

Brabant, renowned for its innovative and forward-looking mindset, was present at the recent Manifest fair in the United States. Teaming up with NDL and represented by Victoria Vasjuta from the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), the region demonstrated its dedication to transforming the supply chain and logistics sector.

Tilburg, February 15, 2024 – Brabant's 'volume to value' strategy for promoting the region abroad, attracting foreign companies, and fostering connections with our innovative ecosystem has gained international recognition. The province has secured the 2nd position at the fDi Strategy Awards 2024 for medium-sized European regions.

Eindhoven, February 1, 2023 - Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, a prominent player in the electronic components industry, has selected High Tech Campus Eindhoven (HTCE) as the new location for its Eindhoven office. Relocating from its previous location at Eindhoven airport, Molex is set to occupy the entire first floor of the upcoming Lucis One. Scheduled for completion in fall 2024, Lucis One is the first of 7 new buildings.

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. Within this dynamic landscape, the city of Breda is emerging as the new game development hub, drawing attention not only for its vibrant gaming scene but also as a welcoming home for international professionals. Among the key players shaping this narrative is Robbie Grigg, a game technology expert and educator who has made Breda his home for the past 12 years.

Intelligent robotics company Mujin opened its European branch in Eindhoven, choosing the region as a stepping stone for its European development.

On December 11, 2023, Ms Hilde van der Meer, Commissioner Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, presented the Deshima Netherlands Awards 2023. The awards presentation took place during the annual reception of DUJAT in Amsterdam. The Deshima awards are given jointly by NFIA and the Dutch-Japanese Trade Federation DUJAT to acknowledge Japanese companies that are making a positive contribution to the economy, society and Japan-Netherlands relations. The award in the category ‘well-established’ was presented to Yanmar Europe / ELEO and the award for ‘newcomer’ went to Sekisui Design Studio.

The Eindhoven startup VivArt-X collaborate with Smart BioMaterials Consortium (SBMC) and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) over the next three years on the accelerated development of a synthetic biomaterial for forming healthy breast tissue after breast surgery. An amount of 1.4 million has been reserved for the project. Fifty percent of the costs are borne by the collaborating partners. Thirty-five percent comes from the European subsidy program OPZuid. The Province of Noord-Brabant accounts for the remaining 15 percent.

'Solar Team Eindhoven', a student team from the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the southern Netherlands works every two years on a project with the themes 'solar panels' and 'mobility'. Its latest project is an 'off-roader that runs solely on solar energy'. They are developing a solar-powered car that can drive on middle of nowhere such as deserts where there is no charging infrastructure.

"Impulse Printing" enables high volume printing on 3D surfaces. As our electronic products, such as smartphones and medical devices, become smaller and more multifunctional, the semiconductor industry is moving to "advanced packages" that place more components in a smaller space. These packages, which integrate multiple semiconductors in a 3D arrangement, are currently made by wire bonding, in which wire is connected one by one with needles, making high-speed mass production difficult. However, FononTech from the Netherlands has developed a revolutionary printing technology called "impulse printing" to solve this problem.

The latest examples of industry-government-academia collaboration where Japanese companies are also participating. If you think about the Netherlands, the first places which come up in your mind may be the north-western cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, but when it comes to cutting-edge technology, the southern province of Brabant is well known in the country. The province has developed into one of Europe's leading high-tech centers, led by electrical and medical equipment manufacturer, Philips.

The largest agricultural machinery exhibition in Europe, was a major success, showcasing innovation alongside esteemed partners.

We are delighted to welcome Saluda Medical, an innovator in neuromodulation technology, to our region. Saluda Medical's establishment in Brabant signifies a step ahead in our healthcare landscape, melding pioneering medical technology with our commitment to healthcare excellence.

Microsure has been working on developing a robot for microsurgery for at least thirteen years, to be able to perform extremely precise operations. The path to a commercial breakthrough is open, according to CEO Sjaak Deckers, now that the company has secured new funding. The company announces on Wednesday that it has raised €38 million in capital, among others from the European Union's EIC investment fund and from Invest-NL, the innovation fund of the Dutch government.

TracXon was launched in January 2022 as a spin-off of TNO Holst Centre, a research institute based in Brabant, the southern province of the Netherlands. The aim is to mass produce prototype hybrid printed electronics products researched and developed at the centre

The chance that you've ever touched one of Supermicro's products is small. You've probably never even heard of the brand. However, the American tech giant is making significant strides in a massive factory along the A2 highway. Why does the 'house brand of Silicon Valley' choose Den Bosch for 25 years?

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is a prominent player in today's global automotive industry, making substantial strides toward a more sustainable future with its innovative approach by providing environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

Several divisions of the electronics company Bosch in the Netherlands will join forces at a new shared location on the Strijp-T business park in Eindhoven, starting from the second half of 2025.

Insect farmer Protix has raised €55 million from, among others, the largest meat supplier in the United States: Tyson Foods. This new investor will thus acquire a minority stake in the Dutch company. In a joint venture, the companies plan to build an insect factory in the United States, which is set to be four times the size of the current location in the Netherlands.

Smart BioMaterials Consor0um (SBMC) and High Tech Campus Eindhoven have reached an agreement on the establishment of a pilot produc0on facility for smart biomaterials. These materials are used in the development of novel regenera0ve medicine applica0ons, therapies which support the self-healing func0on of the human body.

We are delighted to extend the heartiest welcome to Huike Group, a dynamic Chinese company that has recently established a presence in the heart of the Brabant region.

We explore the significant challenges affecting the MedTech and life sciences value chain, and how an innovative initiative is helping to streamline the process while building resilience in Europe.

Battery-powered electric planes are expected to take to the skies for commercial flights in the next few years, with crucial projects taking place in Brabant in the Netherlands.

With questions surrounding the charging capabilities and environmental footprint of lithium-ion batteries, a new type of 3D solid-state battery developed in the Netherlands could enable rapid charging and power the next generation of electric vehicles.

Every year, Innovation Space at the University of Eindhoven runs interdisciplinary challenges where students work with businesses to develop technological solutions that tackle the biggest issues confronting industries and the planet.

Schaeffler and VDL Groep are jointly exploring the development and production of a new generation of self-driving electric shuttles for public transport. The two family-owned companies will be showing a first demonstrator of the vehicle at IAA Mobility in Munich. The prototype, which integrates Mobileye autonomous driving technology, and all relevant automotive electrification and steering technology can be experienced until Friday 8 September, 2023, at the booth of VDL Groep (hall B3, booth B21) as well at the booth of Schaeffler (hall B3, booth B40).

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the demand for robust and reliable computing solutions is higher than ever before. OnLogic, a prominent global industrial computer manufacturer, has been at the forefront of addressing this demand by designing and producing highly-configurable, solution-focused computers that excel in even the most challenging environments. Established in 2003, OnLogic has not only gained recognition for its engineering excellence but has also played a pivotal role in advancing the capabilities of various industries worldwide.

In an exciting move that underscores its commitment to global excellence in maritime communications, NEARSHORE (NearshoreNetworks) has announced the opening its new technical engineering center in the city of Breda, Netherlands. This marks a pivotal moment in NEARSHORE's journey to revolutionize the maritime communications landscape, fostering proximity to its clients' needs and embracing technological innovation on an even grander scale.

The German industrial conglomerate, Bosch, is set to deepen its involvement in hydrogen technology. Over the next three years, the company plans to invest up to €2.5 billion in this energy carrier, as announced during a recent event in Stuttgart.

Rousselot, a Darling Ingredients brand and the global leader in collagen-based solutions, and Smart BioMaterials Consortium (SBMC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to define and establish a strategic development collaboration. The aim is to leverage complementary expertise and strengthen market positions. Both entities have committed to maintaining a close relationship and involving each other in ongoing development projects from the outset by sharing development pipelines and strategic perspectives.

By joining forces and leveraging each other's strengths, we can create a brighter future of innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology and driving economic growth. Recognizing this, the Netherlands and Japan recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) during the RVO Innovation Mission to Japan, solidifying their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and fostering economic growth. On the picture you see from left to right: Minister Nishimura - Mr. Kadomatsu Takashi, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry - Ms. Astrid Bronswijk, Ministry of Economy and Climate Policy of the Netherlands - Mr. Peter van der Vliet, Ambassador of the Netherlands in Japan.

With soaring energy prices at the pumps and in homes, the solar-powered car could well be the solution for transport – and the technology is nearing commercial launch.

In a strategic move that underscores their commitment to global innovation, Brabant Development Agency (BOM) has announced the successful sale of its stake in Synaffix, a pioneering biotechnology company, to Lonza Group. This landmark decision marks a significant stride forward in Synaffix's journey to redefine the biotech landscape, aligning with Lonza's vision of pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement.

The AI Innovation Center at High Tech Campus Eindhoven (HTCE) has announced a new collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to accelerate the use of AI services and machine learning (ML) in the region of Brabant. The collaboration will focus on increasing awareness, adoption, and usage of AI services and ML through education and inspiration.

Brabant and Minnesota-based MedTech pioneers prove that finding the right partner can unlock maximum potential.

Daitron, a Japanese company active in the electronics engineering trading industry, announced the establishment of Daitron Netherlands B.V. in Eindhoven, Brabant. The decision to set up shop in Brabant came after several visits to the region, facilitated by NFIA Japan and its partners, including the High Tech Campus, Holst Centre, and Gigaphoton.

Hoymiles, a leading smart energy provider and microinverter manufacturer, celebrated the opening of their new office at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven a few weeks ago. The company has chosen to expand to Europe, with a focus on strengthening its presence in the Netherlands, to meet the growing demand for solar energy. The opening of the European subsidiary is just the latest milestone as the company seeks to strengthen its presence in the global market.

Today, Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen, CEO of Medical Alley, and Brigit van Dijk - van de Reijt, CEO of the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), on behalf of ROM NL, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the presence of Minister Kuipers of Health, Welfare and Sport.

From April 16-20, 2023, the Trade Mission from the Netherlands to Minnesota will take place. The mission will be attended by MedTech companies from the Netherlands and American partners to share knowledge, business and best practices.

More than half (52.2 percent) of all Dutch patent applications come from the province of Brabant. That is a growth of over four percent compared to last year. The most prominent inventors within the region have become even more significant. Philips, Signify, ASML, and NXP knocked on the European Patent Office (EPO) door more often in 2022 than a year earlier—the four account for more than forty percent of all patent applications in our country.

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