About NXTGEN Hightech, Our Goal, and Smart Industry

Technological advancements play a crucial role in shaping the future. Innovations in high-tech equipment and systems are not only transforming the industries they are applied to but also the way we live and work. A leading initiative in this field is NXTGEN Hightech, a program that collaborates with 330 project partners to provide solutions to some of the biggest societal challenges of today and tomorrow.

NXTGEN Hightech: An Overview

NXTGEN Hightech officially launched in May 2023 with the aim of bringing the Netherlands back to the top of the high-tech sector. The program strives to develop innovative solutions that address societal challenges, ranging from food production to healthcare and energy.

Our Goal

The main goal of NXTGEN Hightech is to reinstate the Netherlands as a prominent player in the global high-tech industry. With an investment of approximately €1 billion until 2030, including a €450 million contribution from the National Growth Fund, the consortium aims to transform the Dutch high-tech sector into the leading cluster in Europe.

The National Growth Fund

The National Growth Fund plays a crucial role in financing NXTGEN Hightech. This investment not only stimulates the high-tech sector but also makes a significant contribution to the Dutch economy, with an expected additional contribution of €6 to €11 billion per year to the GDP.

Strategies and Goals

Back to the Top

NXTGEN Hightech’s ambitious plan is to restore the Netherlands to the top of the high-tech industry. This includes developing advanced technologies, fostering innovation, and creating new economic opportunities.

Investments

With a total investment of €1 billion, including the significant contribution from the National Growth Fund, NXTGEN Hightech has the resources to finance extensive research and development projects, encourage collaborations, and accelerate the implementation of new technologies.

Economic Impact

The expected economic impact of NXTGEN Hightech is enormous. In addition to strengthening the high-tech sector, the program is expected to contribute an additional €6 to €11 billion per year to the GDP, resulting in growth and employment.

Application Areas

Agrifood

The agrifood sector benefits from advanced technologies that increase efficiency, improve sustainability, and ensure food safety. Innovations in precision agriculture, automation, and data analysis play a crucial role in this.

Biomedical

In the biomedical sector, NXTGEN Hightech focuses on developing new production technologies that improve medical treatments, reduce costs, and optimize patient care. This includes the production of advanced medical devices and biomaterials.

Composites

Composite materials offer unique advantages for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and construction. NXTGEN Hightech promotes the development and application of new composite technologies to create stronger, lighter, and more sustainable products.

Energy

In the energy domain, NXTGEN Hightech focuses on developing innovative technologies that improve the efficiency of energy generation and storage, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources.

Laser Satcom

Laser satellite communication (Laser Satcom) offers unprecedented possibilities for fast, reliable, and secure data transmission over long distances. NXTGEN Hightech invests in the development of this technology to improve communication infrastructures and enable new applications.

Semiconductors

Semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics. NXTGEN Hightech supports the development of advanced semiconductor technologies that improve the performance of electronic devices, increase energy efficiency, and enable new innovations.

Technologies and Innovations

Smart Industry

Smart Industry, also known as Industry 4.0, plays a crucial role in the future of manufacturing and industry. It involves the integration of digital technologies, such as IoT, AI, and big data, to optimize production processes, increase efficiency, and improve flexibility.

Systems Engineering

Systems engineering is essential for designing and developing complex systems. It provides a structured approach to seamlessly integrate different components and technologies, resulting in reliable and efficient systems.

Optomechatronics

Optomechatronics combines optics, mechanics, and electronics to create advanced systems that can be used in various applications, such as precision instruments, sensors, and imaging systems.

Robotics / CPS

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and robotics are transforming the way machines and systems interact with the physical world. They play a significant role in automation, smart factories, and innovative manufacturing processes.

Thin Film / Plasma

Thin film and plasma technologies offer unique possibilities for developing new materials and surface techniques. These technologies are applied in various industries, including electronics, solar energy, and medical devices.

Smart Industry and Autonomous Factories

The Second Industrial Revolution

The rise of smart industry and autonomous factories is often referred to as the second industrial revolution. This new approach to manufacturing and industry utilizes advanced technologies to automate processes, increase efficiency, and achieve new levels of productivity.

Factory Networks

Smart factory networks utilize advanced communication technologies to connect and coordinate machines, systems, and processes. This results in more flexibility, faster adaptation to changing conditions, and improved efficiency.

Tamper-proof Equipment

The security of equipment and systems is crucial in a world where cyber threats are becoming more prominent. Tamper-proof equipment ensures that systems are protected against unauthorized access and manipulation, thereby guaranteeing the integrity and reliability of production.

Smart Maintenance

Smart maintenance uses predictive analytics and sensor technologies to identify maintenance needs before failures occur. This reduces downtime, extends the lifespan of equipment, and lowers maintenance costs.

Practical Applications

Chain Development

The development of integrated and connected supply chains is essential for the efficient production of high-tech equipment. By utilizing advanced planning tools and sharing information on inventory and production capacities, disruptions can be minimized and productivity increased.

Smart Maker Academy

The Smart Maker Academy focuses on training and educating personnel to develop the skills needed for the high-tech industry of the future. This includes training in digital technologies, automation, and innovative manufacturing methods.

Regional Test Centers

Regional test centers play a crucial role in the development and implementation of new technologies. They provide an environment where innovations can be tested and optimized before being applied in large-scale production. This ensures that factories can truly become autonomous and leverage the benefits of smart industry.

Challenges and Approaches

Market Shortages

The demand for high-tech equipment is growing, but the availability of qualified personnel remains a challenge. The industry must adopt digitalization and automation to bridge this gap and ensure the production of high-quality components.

Digital Foundation

A strong digital foundation is essential for implementing smart industry. This includes the development of infrastructures, systems, and tools that integrate and support digital technologies. Innovative solutions are being deployed to create a solid foundation for the digital future.

Innovative Solutions

Innovation is the key to success in the high-tech sector. NXTGEN Hightech promotes the development and application of new technologies and methods to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. This includes everything from advanced manufacturing methods to smart maintenance systems.

Projects within Smart Industry

Autonomous Factory

The Autonomous Factory project focuses on creating fully autonomous production environments. By utilizing advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics, production processes are optimized and automated, resulting in higher efficiency and flexibility.

Factory Networks

This project develops and implements smart networks that connect and coordinate machines and systems. These networks ensure seamless communication and collaboration between different parts of the production process, leading to improved performance and adaptability.

Testbed North (Autonomous Factory)

Testbed North provides a real-world environment where autonomous factory concepts can be tested and optimized. This test center plays a crucial role in translating innovations into practical applications in manufacturing.

Testbed South (Smart Factory)

Testbed South focuses on developing smart factories that utilize advanced technologies to improve production processes. This includes testing new systems and methods to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of manufacturing.

Testbed East (Factory 2030)

Testbed East looks to the future of manufacturing and explores what factories might look like in 2030. This includes testing and developing new technologies and concepts that will transform production.

Testbed West (Factory XXS)

Testbed West focuses on developing compact and flexible manufacturing facilities that utilize advanced technologies to produce high-quality products. This test center plays a key role in developing new manufacturing methods for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Program Smart Industry 06

High-Mix, Low-Volume, and High-Complexity Supply Chains

High-tech manufacturing is characterized by high-mix, low-volume, and high-complexity supply chains. This means that a wide variety of products are custom-made in small volumes for end customers (OEMs). These products are often expensive and complex, making collaboration in the supply chain essential. OEMs are increasingly placing responsibility within the supply chain, involving suppliers in the design, industrialization, and maintenance of products.

Smart Connected Supplier Network

Led by Brainport Industries, various parties started the Smart Connected Supplier Network several years ago. This network facilitates the digital sharing of data in the value chain, leading to a virtually integrated supply network. This shortens the time-to-market and time-to-money and provides a one-stop-shop for OEMs while allowing manufacturing companies to retain their own specialization.

Model Based Design

Working on model-based design and product manufacturing information is an important part of the project. This involves sharing digital models instead of traditional 2D drawings, as initiated by ASML for monoparts. This concept is further expanded to more complex parts to improve efficiency and collaboration in the supply chain.

Manufacturing-as-a-Service

New 'manufacturing-as-a-service' approaches enable companies to share production capacities, promoting new forms of collaboration and outsourcing. This strengthens the role of high-tech suppliers in the overall design, development, production, and lifecycle management process.

Asset Data Sharing

New methods for sharing asset data, such as certification and quality data, are being implemented. This allows companies to develop new business processes, improve quality, and innovate products and production processes based on data.

Scaling the Smart Connected Supplier Network

The project aims to scale the Smart Connected Supplier Network. In addition to manufacturing companies, various technology providers are involved in providing the necessary connectivity services. This increases the resilience of the supply chain and minimizes disruptions through improved chain planning and data sharing.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaboration with 330 Partners

NXTGEN Hightech collaborates with 330 project partners to develop and implement innovative solutions. These partnerships are crucial to the success of the program and provide a broad base of expertise and resources.

The Importance of Collaborations

Collaborations are essential for accelerating innovation and overcoming challenges in the high-tech sector. By working together, organizations can pool their strengths, share knowledge, and achieve common goals.

Examples of Partnerships

Examples of successful partnerships within NXTGEN Hightech include collaborations between universities, research institutes, and industry partners. These partnerships have led to groundbreaking innovations and solutions that contribute to the program’s objectives.

Future Vision

Objectives for 2030

NXTGEN Hightech has ambitious objectives for 2030, including strengthening the Netherlands’ position in the high-tech sector, promoting innovation, and contributing to economic growth. The program aims to give the Netherlands a leading role in the global high-tech industry.

Expected Results

The expected results of NXTGEN Hightech include a significant increase in production capacity, improved efficiency and quality of products, and a stronger economic foundation. These results will contribute to the growth and development of the Dutch economy.

Long-term Impact

In the long term, NXTGEN Hightech will have a lasting impact on the Dutch high-tech sector and the broader economy. The investments and innovations stimulated by the program will ensure sustainable growth and development, contributing to a better future for future generations.

Conclusion

NXTGEN Hightech is a groundbreaking program transforming the Dutch high-tech sector and developing innovative solutions for the biggest societal challenges. With an investment of €1 billion and collaboration with 330 partners, the program aims to restore the Netherlands’ leading position in the global high-tech industry and have a significant economic impact.

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