Minister Karremans to London for cooperation on AI, photonics, and computer technology

In February, Prime Minister Starmer and Prime Minister Schoof jointly announced a UK-Netherlands collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, semiconductors, photonics, and new computer technologies.

During the innovation mission, Minister Karremans and UK Minister Kanishka Narayan (AI, tech, and semiconductors) will officially sign this cooperation. Both countries are organizing a joint seminar, roundtables, and meetings at the Royal Society in London, attended by over one hundred companies, knowledge institutions, and governments from both countries. These include suppliers and end-users focused on AI, integrated photonics, and neuromorphic computer technology from materials, devices, circuit design, hardware, architecture, algorithms, or applications.

Minister Karremans (Economic Affairs): “Computing power is increasingly relevant for various technologies that companies can use and in industrial processes. That is why we are building an AI factory in the Netherlands, for example. We also take the lead in collaborating with other countries on technologies such as AI, photonics, quantum, and developing innovations around chip design, stacking, or packaging. For this, the United Kingdom is a logical European partner to work with more intensively. This stimulates entrepreneurship in both countries and reduces unwanted dependency on technologies, (semi)products, or raw materials.”

Photonics is a technology focused on detecting, generating, transporting, and processing light. Integrated photonics are chips that work with optical signals instead of electrical signals. Communication via optical signals can transmit more information simultaneously and over longer distances. This results in better performance and is also more energy-efficient.

Neuromorphic computer technology resembles the functioning of the human brain. The technology focuses on data storage and data processing in the same place. This reduces the need for data transfer, increases processing speed, while energy consumption is reduced.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the digital technology that will shape the economy, security, and way of life in the coming years. The Netherlands is therefore investing in its own AI infrastructure, encouraging the development and marketing of innovative AI models, and promoting the (responsible) application of AI broadly in business and society.

Monday, November 10, 2025 (from 5:00 PM)

• Start of innovation mission
• Welcome dinner with participating companies, knowledge institutions, and governments (NL and UK)

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (from 8:00 AM)

• Plenary opening at the Royal Society in the presence of more than 100 British and Dutch parties (companies, knowledge institutions, governments)
• Various roundtable discussions;
• Meeting with Minister Kanishka Narayan (UK, responsible for AI, tech, and semiconductors)
• Signing of the innovation partnership between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.