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Contact /Niels Krol Datum /
10 aerospace startups successfully pitched at First Starburst Selection Committee event in the Netherlands

Foto: Remco Zwinkels

Access to International Aerospace Corporates

In an interactive setting in the Auditorium of tech incubator YES!Delft, ten selected startups and scale-ups had the opportunity to present their business to an audience of around a 100 professionals from the industry, amongst them many representatives of larger aviation, aerospace and defence companies and several venture capitalists and business angels.

The 10 pitching companies included:

Aiir Innovations
T4i
Skel-Ex
Selko.io
Fiberneering
Dawn Aerospace
Robin Radar
IMSystems
Decanter
Optics 11

Out of the ten companies, seven were from the Netherlands, giving the corporate partners a good and diverse insight into the possibilities of cooperating with the Dutch aerospace cluster. – Francois Chopard, Founder and CEO, Starburst

“We are glad to present our pitching event in the Netherlands for the first time in our 5 years of existence, following successful events in various metropoles such as Singapore, San Francisco, Montreal and London,” says founder and CEO Francois Chopard “Out of the ten companies, seven were from the Netherlands, giving the corporate partners a good and diverse insight into the possibilities of cooperating with the Dutch aerospace cluster.”

Ten aerospace startups successfully pitched at First Starburst Selection Committee event in The Netherlands-002-980x450px

Foto: Remco Zwinkels

Starburst was invited by the Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG), InnovationQuarter, the Province of Zuid-Holland and the City of Delft. Deputy mayor Ferrie Förster, congratulated the Paris-based organisation with their first event in the Netherlands and hopes this occasion will be the first of many to come: “We hope Starburst will eventually decide to establish a more permanent base within the Delft  ecosystem”, Förster admitted: “the concept, which provides start-ups with an opportunity to get introduced to large corporates, will inspire a new generation of innovators from this particular cluster.”

Strong international network

The current ecosystem of Starburst counts 2500+ startups globally, covering the widest range of aerospace applications combined with a non-exhaustive list of corporate partners like Thalès, Boeing and Safran. “We’re glad to see these international partners present and actively interacting with representatives from the Dutch ecosystem”, says Frank Jansen, director of NAG. Jansen has been in touch with the organisation for several years and planned the conclusive meeting during the Paris Air Show last June, in which all organizing partners committed to establish the first Starburst Selection Committee event in NL.

The Starburst committee selected 3 international startups, amongst which Decanter from Taiwan, as well as 7 companies from the Netherlands. Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs, Ms. Adri Bom-Lemstra is proud to see that four of the Dutch startups originate in the Province of Zuid-Holland: “Inspiring to see all of these state-of-the-art innovations and concepts from this region”, she says, while trying on SkelEx’s exoskeleton-suit, which makes handling heavy parts or luggage light and easy, “You really notice the excitement of the corporates here on the exhibition floor when they talk to all these smart entrepreneurs from our region; I am convinced this event was also a good ‘pitch’ for our province, demonstrating to the international aerospace cluster that we are a true innovation hotspot!”

 

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Contact /Jacqueline Schardijn Datum /

On the way to 3D flexible post processing

Post processing solution

Everyone loves the idea to be able to think up a product, draw it out, push the button and have a beautiful object. Unfortunately, in reality this rarely happens. The object still needs post processing, like removal of struts and polishing. This post processing is the most time consuming process in the chain and therefore a costly step, especially for 3D metal printing.

InnovationQuarter helped set up a consortium for tackling these challenges. After the approval of the EU Interreg 2Seas Programme at the end of 2016, 7 parties teamed up in taking the challenge to research, develop and implement an efficient and fast post processing solution:

  • University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam
  • RDM Makerspace
  • Hittech Multin
  • 3T RPD
  • TNO Innovation for life
  • University of Exeter
  • Argon Measuring Solutions

Challenges of post processing

Each partner having the skill and expertise needed in tackling the 4 main issues that characterize the challenge:

  • flexible clamping of the object during production and post processing;
  • scanning and mapping the object for compliance with the specs;
  • translation to the CAD/CAM interface; and
  • control the polishing the surface of the object.

A prototype of the final setup will be integrated and tested on the demonstrator cases provided by the 24 observer parties supporting the research. The ultimate proof of combining high tech and knowledge into a smart and reliable post production capability.

With its capability to print free forms at high speed, with no waste, on demand and on the spot, we’re moving from mass production to mass customization. This project can bring a revolution in the world of additive manufacturing.

This film gives you an introduction of the project:

Starting up

InnovationQuarter helped set up this project when Senior Business Developer Jacqueline Schardijn picked up the signal that organisations weren’t interested to invest in metal additive manufacturing technique because of the hickups of post processing. By connecting the right partners and creating the right setting of trust and motivation, Jacqueline saw the opportunity to apply this project into the EU Interreg 2Seas Programme. At the end of 2016 the EU approved the project. Jacqueline also linked 4 use case holders to the project to make sure end users are involved who can benefit from the results.

Interested in this project?

Visit the project at their stand at the RapidPro expo on 7 and 8 of March in Veldhoven, where you can hear all about this project.

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Contact /Niels Krol Datum /

Burgemeester Jon Hermans-Vloedbeld van Noordwijk en Mark van Venrooij, Directeur Aerospace Systems NLR © Verkijk

“Dit is een geweldige toevoeging aan het regionale ruimtevaartcluster en mooie opsteker voor de ontwikkeling van de Space Campus Noordwijk”, aldus burgemeester Jon Hermans-Vloedbeld. “Naast ESA-ESTEC en het Galileo Reference Center is NLR nu de derde kennisinstelling binnen de gemeente Noordwijk op het gebied van ruimtevaart. Ik ben zeer verheugd dat NLR vanuit Noordwijk het aanwezige cluster actief kan bij staan bij de verdere groei van ruimtevaartactiviteiten op het park”.

De gemeente Noordwijk en de regionale ontwikkelingsmaatschappij InnovationQuarter hebben NLR ondersteund in het vestigingsproces.

NLR heeft een jarenlange track record op het gebied van onderzoek, ontwikkeling, testen en operaties in de ruimtevaart. Zo heeft NLR onder meer kennis, expertise en faciliteiten op het gebied van system engineering, aero(thermo)dynamica, geavanceerde structuren, warmtehuishouding, on-board elektronica en antennes. NLR zet dit in op het gebied van lanceervoertuigen, satellieten, payloads en onderdelen daarvan. Daarnaast heeft NLR veel expertise op het gebied van verschillende toepassingsgebieden van de ruimtevaart, waaronder aardobservatie en navigatie. NLR werkt onder andere mee aan de ontwikkeling en verificatie van het Europese GALILEO satellietnavigatiesysteem. Ook heeft NLR een breed scala aan faciliteiten voor het testen, verifiëren en valideren van nieuwe producten en toepassingen. Dit omvat het uitvoeren van environmental en structural testen, maar ook windtunneltesten en (microzwaartekracht) testvluchten.

NLR Noordwijk is gevestigd aan de Huygensstraat 44 op het Space Business Park © Verkijk

Burgemeester Jon Hermans-Vloedbeld probeert NLR’s Virtual Reality bril © Verkijk

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Contact /Niels Krol Datum /

High-end technologieleverancier DEMCON landt in het Delftse ecosysteem

Growing in Delft

At the official opening, Managing Director Dennis Schipper spoke of a long-held wish: “We want to win the ‘war on talent’ and build a multi-disciplinary design team in Delft as well. The team should be 50 strong within four to five years.”

DEMCON’s arrival was welcomed by the Municipality of Delft, TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) and TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research). The company aims to use its new base to attract talent from West Netherlands and strengthen ties with knowledge institutes like TU Delft and TNO as well as (potential) clients in the region.

Branch close to TU Delft and TNO

This year, DEMCON has increased its staff by more than 100, bringing its total workforce to over 400, and has raised turnover by 40%. Schipper believes that the company’s success is embedded in its DNA, as indicated by a recent employee survey. “Our employees have a passion for difficult jobs and don’t accept half-solutions. They are entrepreneurial and able to deliver, and they act like a partner to the customer. They don’t disappear when things get tough,” said Schipper.

DEMCON already works with Delft-based clients such as TNO and Mapper Lithography. By having its own branch in the city, however, the company is now in a better position to put its resources to work and reach out to a wider audience within the region. Factor in the technological talent turned out by TU Delft and the universities of applied sciences, and it’s easy to see why DEMCON has such a keen interest in Delft. And that interest is mutual. “Delft has welcomed us with open arms, especially Delft Technology Partners,” explained Schipper.

Perfect match

Delft Technology Partners, an initiative of TU Delft and the Municipality of Delft, helps new knowledge-intensive businesses to settle and become established in the city. Deputy Mayor Ferrie Förster (economic affairs) outlined the perfect match between DEMCON and Delft at the official opening of the branch by saying, “There’s an abundance of talent at TU Delft and the universities of applied sciences: Inholland and The Haagse Hogeschool. We not only have top incubators in the form of YES!Delft and RoboValley, but there are also R&D institutes like the Dutch Optics Centre. We are delighted that DEMCON is going to contribute to the Delft ecosystem.”

Deputy Mayor Förster, Professor Karel Luyben, rector magnificus of TU Delft, and Rinke Zonneveld, director of regional development agency InnovationQuarter, presented Dennis Schipper with a plaque commemorating DEMCON’s arrival in Delft.

“It’s fantastic news that a renowned Dutch high-tech company like DEMCON has chosen our region for further expansion. The sectors with a strong presence in the province of Zuid-Holland, such as oil and gas, shipbuilding and aerospace, offer new and interesting markets for DEMCON,” said Zonneveld. “In addition, with the office in YES!Delft Labs, the company is assured of sufficient access to technical talent from various quarters, including TU Delft. We shall ensure that DEMCON also connects with relevant parties and networks, not least Holland Instrumentation, Medical Delta and RoboValley, to help realise its ambitions for growth.”

High-end technologieleverancier DEMCON landt in het Delftse ecosysteem

Mechatronic design challenges

DEMCON has grown from a mechatronic design agency into a high-end technology supplier of mechatronic products and systems and is an excellent match with TU Delft. Professor of Structural Optimization and Mechanics Frederik van Keulen brought some depth to the opening ceremony with a story about TU Delft’s mechatronic design research challenges. It became clear that combining complex design tasks with an eye for manufacturability fits well with the work of DEMCON, which, in the words of its MD Dennis Schipper, has developed into a leading design house with extensive production facilities. And the match can only get stronger now that the Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, which Professor Van Keulen’s team forms part of, is gaining a new chair in Micro-Optics and Optomechatronics Systems.

Optomechatronics with TNO

Optomechatronic systems is also the name of DEMCON’s newest business unit, headed by Gerard van den Eijkel. Focusing on the design, realisation and integration of high-quality optomechatronic modules and systems, the unit works closely with TNO and TU Delft in the Dutch Optics Centre as well as other places. Arnold Stokking is director of TNO Industry and, along with Van den Eijkel, is very enthusiastic about the collaboration, which has resulted in the founding of DUI (Dutch United Instruments). DUI’s first product will be Nanomefos, the advanced measuring instrument that TNO has developed for freeform optical surfaces.

“TNO believed 10 years ago that if you could make freeform optics, you should also be able to measure them,” explained Van den Eijkel. “We are currently developing our advanced measuring instrument with DUI and marketing it in China to start with.”

“I’m enormously proud of the knowledge we have built at TNO as well as the instruments we’ve made,” said Stokking. “For example, there is Tropomi, the climate research instrument that recently went into orbit on a satellite. But knowledge needs to flow and TNO wants to help SMEs. That’s why I’m so happy with DEMCON, an entrepreneurial company that has a hunger for knowledge and which is helping us realise the value of what we come up with. I’d like to invite other companies to seek collaboration with TNO and the entire Delft ecosystem in the same way DEMCON has.”

High-end technologieleverancier DEMCON landt in het Delftse ecosysteem

Microcoolers

To illustrate DEMCON’s entrepreneurship, Pieter-Paul Lerou closed by sharing his adventures in cryogenic technology. Lerou, who is currently business developer at DEMCON kryoz, began Kryoz Technologies in 2008. His company developed microcoolers for use in medical, aerospace and semicon applications. In addition to being extremely compact, these microcoolers are completely vibration-free, which is an essential requirement for the operation of highly accurate instruments that need to be cooled. Last year, Kryoz became part of DEMCON to help boost the company’s strengths, market its technology more widely and contribute to multidisciplinary DEMCON projects.

About DEMCON

DEMCON employs over 400 people and is a high-end technology supplier of mechatronic products and systems. It is focused on high-tech systems, medical systems, industrial systems and vision, optomechatronic systems and embedded systems. With its head office in Enschede, the company has branches in Son, Delft, Groningen, Oldenzaal and Münster (Germany).

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Contact /Loek Becker Hoff Datum /

Nuon Solar Team wins 14th Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

Nuon Solar team again World Champion

The Nuon Solar Team increased their lead over their major rivals, Michigan (USA), Tokai (Japan) and Punch Powertrain (Belgium), on the last racing day. Spare driver Tim van Leeuwen started the day in Nuna9. Race driver, Lisanne de Rooij, took over at the control stop and finished in Adelaide. Her fellow driver Sharon van Luik in Australia: “Of course, we were very nervous. Something can always happen. We were a bundle of nerves, you might say. But everything went great! Nuna9 reached a maximum velocity of 110 km per hour. And that solely with the energy the sun provides us with! ‘Ripper’ – as they’d say in Australia!”

Decisions worked out

This was the ninth time the Nuon Solar Team participated in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. They brought back the championship trophee six time to the Netherlands and were the runner-up twice. Nonetheless, the tension was great for the successful team, says team manager Sander Koot. “The new race regulations have resulted in a great variation of car designs. No one knew for sure which one would perform best. Fortunately, we choose a compact aerodynamic design and efficient solar panel.”

The Nuon Solar Team has convincingly won the 14th edition of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the worldchampionship solar car racing in Australia.

Successful overtaking actions

The team started the race on position 4, after a great qualification on Saturday. Driver Emma Vercoulen drove the Hidden Valley track in an impressive 2:14 minutes. Directly in the first day the team overtook the three competitors in front of them: Sydney, Punch and, ultimately, their long-time rival Tokai from Japan.

Mechanical issues on road

A broken part of the car suspension was the cause of some exciting moments on day 2. Race driver Sharon van Luik: “I was startled by this bang and thought it was a blowout. Unfortunately, I had to stop and witness how our competitor Tokai overtook us. Luckily, our support crew fixed the car very quickly and this enabled us continue the race within ten minutes.” After a short period of time, the team reclaimed its position as front-runner in the challenge.

Clouds and hard winds

The third and fourth racing days turned out to be strategically crucial, especially when the sun disappeared behind the clouds. Hard winds and even rain characterized this day. These conditions actually benefited the Nuon Solar Team; their design choices enabled them to extend their lead to 2 hours on the penultimate day. Aerodynamics expert Jasper Hemmes: “Nuna9’s compact, lightweight and aerodynamic design features enabled us to drive at a great speed. Due to this aerodynamic design, we were able to profit from the suction – caused by the wind.” Strategy analyst Stijn Burger elaborates: “Thanks to the information provided by our meteo-team we were able to maximize our energy incomes.”

The Nuon Solar Team wins 14th edition of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the worldchampionship solar car racing in Australia.

Teamwork

The Nuon Solar Team’s coach Marc Lammers – who coached the Nuon Solar Team during their race – is very much impressed by ‘his’ team. “One of their strongholds is that everyone’s familiar with each other’s strengths. One team member knows everything about tires, some else is an expert in the field of aerodynamics, and some other members know all the ins and outs of the solar panel and electronics. This team makes great decisions at the right moments; and they do it together. Their concentration is great, which results in a great team spirit. The latter has been translated into this fantastic outcome.”

RISKID, a portfolio company of InnovationQuarter, is proud partner of the Nuon Solar Team. They will keep supporting the team for the championship in two years.

 

Source / Nuon Solar Team

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Contact /Tanja Baars Datum /

RoboValley and YES!Delft organise first European Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Accelerator

Robotics & AI Accelerator

The Robotics & AI Accelerator is a two month pressure cooker for business professionals, students, PhDs, engineers and scientists in the field of robotics and AI who want to test the commercial feasibility of their ideas. The programme helps participants to explore and validate their ideas, market potential and business model – and to launch in markets all over Europe. The programme will also introduce participants to the European Robotics and AI ecosystem, and help them develop a network of peers, experts and mentors.

RoboValley partners up with YES!Delft

Arthur de Crook, managing director RoboValley: “We are proud to host the first European Robotics & AI Accelerator Programme. Crucial in starting a successful venture in robotics is access to the right partners in industry, academia and government. RoboValley provides this access. We expect the industry to be interested in the results of the programme and we are already talking with some companies about sponsorships. In YES!Delft, one of the top incubators in Europe, we have found an experienced partner with a lot of startup expertise.”

EJ Lugt, managing director YES!Delft:  “AI and robotics are two key technologies that will have a massive impact on the world. With this programme we seek entrepreneurs who want to take their AI or robotics solution to the world. We’re looking for ambitious and passionate founders that want to create real change in the world. I’m very excited to offer new entrepreneurs this strong programme to take their company to the next level.”

The Robotics & AI Accelerator Programme takes place at RoboValley in Delft. For the first edition, RoboValley and YES!Delft aim at 10 teams from all over Europe. Information about the selection process will be made public soon.

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Contact /Damien van der Bijl Datum /

YesDelft-en-ECE-join-Forces

With two world-leading universities on technology and business only 15 minutes apart it is a no-brainer to combine this mutual power into one programme. The joint programme consists of the existing Get Started programme offered by ECE and the Validation Lab programme from YES!Delft that have been running successfully for several years.

So what is the main difference between startups from Delft and Rotterdam? “The main difference we see is at the starting point of the entrepreneurial venture. Most aspiring entrepreneurs from Delft start off with a technological solution and seek for the right problem and market. Entrepreneurs from Rotterdam are good at building businesses, but ideas are mostly born by a personal frustration” states Martin Luxemburg, director at ECE. The purpose of the program is to guide these nascent entrepreneurs in the process of finding the right product-market fit with experienced coaches and mentors guiding them through this journey.

“If you would have taken a look at Coolblue or Rituals 10 years ago, you wouldn’t necessarily call them innovative. But taking a look at them now, these companies are leading scale-ups in the Netherlands, both disrupting their markets through business model innovation.“ This unique collaboration between YES!Delft and ECE will provide advantages for the high-tech startups to start their venture in a business-minded environment and vice versa.

EJ Lugt, director at YES!Delft sees other opportunities as well: “A potential spin-off of the program could be that teams from Delft and Rotterdam join forces. Research from the Erasmus University Rotterdam shows that the chances of success are higher when teams consist of people with different backgrounds.” Good examples are Senz Umbrella and Magnet.me, both consisting of founders from TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam. “One of the side-effects of the program could be the creation of more of these mixed teams, and thereby increasing the likelihood of success of these startups. The expectation is that by educating the entrepreneurs in this way and connecting them to each other, they are better able to take on (social) challenges successfully and so contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals; one of the focus points of both universities.”

Source / YES!Delft

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Contact /Chris van Voorden Datum /

West Holland's international business community joined InnovationQuarter's LINQ

On the menu

During the interactive breakout sessions, we showcased innovations of the West Holland based companies below. Click on the company name for additional information. Feel free to contact or introduce these innovative entrepreneurs to relevant (business) contacts.

  • Laevo’s innovative Exoskeleton
  • InteSpring‘s exobuddy for military of the future
  • LetsGrow, a smart platform to analyze cultivation related data
  • AvioniCS, autopilot technology on drones
  • IMSystems, groundbreaking development in speed reducer technology
  • Indymo’s submarine drone to monitor water quality
  • VSParticle’s nanoparticles, the building blocks of the future
  • De Kompaan, craft beertasting of The Hague’s award winning local brewery

For a LINQ recap in photos, please visit our online Flickr-page.

West Holland's international business community joined InnovationQuarter's LINQ

Let’s LINQ

InnovationQuarter’s mission is to strengthen the regional economy in West Holland by supporting and stimulating the innovation potential of this unique delta region. In close co-operation with all major corporations, educational and research institutions, and government organisations, we assist and support foreign companies like yours with their establishment, business expansion and relocation plans in our region.

And of course, we maintain in close contact with the 2,200 international companies that are already established here. Looking for collaborative contacts or in need of assistance? Get in touch with our team and we’ll introduce you in our extensive network.

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Contact /Suzanne Kroeze Datum /

VIBES.technology ontvang 300.000 van UNIIQ om trillingen uit producten te verbannen-980x450

When designing vehicles and other products, such as wind turbines and precision equipment, the need to reduce vibrations and noise are important considerations. The less a car vibrates and the quieter it runs, the greater the driving comfort and the longer the product life cycle. For this reason, engineers throughout the entire vehicle production chain continually work on eliminating vibrations and noise.

First-time-right engineering

To detect unwanted vibrations and noise in the current outdated methods, it is often necessary to build several product prototypes and perform a multitude of tests until the desired noise level is reached. In the automotive industry, vibration analysis is typically only possible in the final stage of product development. This leads to unnecessary and costly design cycles because engineers must return to the drawing board several times to avoid unwanted vibrations in a new prototype.

VIBES’s technology has the potential to secure an important position in design processes where vibrations and noise play a role

VIBES.technology software makes it possible to identify noise and vibrations early in the design process and, where necessary, prevent them before physical prototypes are built. The technology, which uses dynamic substructuring, separates a product into components. The effect of each specific component on the vibration and noise level of the entire car or wind turbine can therefore be mapped individually. This allows engineers to identify potential problems very precisely at an early stage and then adjust these at component level. With VIBES.technology, expensive scale models no longer need to be built to accurately predict vibrations. VIBES.technology software saves the manufacturer a lot of time and money.

Maarten van der Kooij, co-founder of VIBES.technology, says, “Thanks to UNIIQ’s investment, we can further develop the technology and current product in partnership with our customers to create a software solution that helps them improve measurements and analyses. We expect the solution we are working on to provide a solid basis for a product that will enable industry-wide efficiency gains in design processes aimed at noise and vibration reduction. In addition to this capital injection from UNIIQ, Rabobank Zuid-Holland Midden will also support us with a contribution from their innovation fund.”

UNIIQ Fund Manager Liduina Hammer adds, “VIBES’s technology has the potential to secure an important position in design processes where vibrations and noise play a role. Given the knowledge of the team and the opportunities this technology presents, we are pleased to help these entrepreneurs develop and demonstrate their proof-of-concept.”

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Contact /Edward Gilding Datum /

Dare2Cross Offshore/Energy Cybersecurity

Met een speciaal geselecteerde groep uit de offshore/energy en cybersecurity sector zijn nieuwe business kansen en mogelijke samenwerkingen verkend tijdens Dare2Cross Offshore/Energy meets Cybersecurity. Ongeveer 50 genodigden zijn op 28 september tijdens de internationale Cyber Security Week 2017 ontvangen door InnovationQuarter en mede-organisatoren KIVI, IRO, The Hague Business Agency, Gemeente Den Haag en HSD.

Offshore/energy sector kwetsbaar voor cyber crime

Een toenemend gebruik van visualisatie en big data verhoogt het risico op cybercriminaliteit in de olie- en gasindustrie aanzienlijk.
Uit een rapport van het Ponemon Institute blijkt dat ruim twee derde van de olie- en gasbedrijven vorig jaar door tenminste één belangrijke cyberaanval geraakt werden, terwijl veel andere incidenten ongemeld of ongemerkt zijn gebleven.

Volgens een expert worden cyberaanvallen in de olie- en gasindustrie steeds geavanceerder en kostbaar om te bestrijden: Deze aanvallen zijn niet alleen gerelateerd aan de verspreiding van malware, maar juist aan onbevoegd personeel dat toegang tot infrastructuur krijgt. De druk om zaken rondom cybersecurity goed te organiseren wordt daarom steeds groter.

Dare2Cross Offshore/Energy Cybersecurity

Delen of niet delen van informatie

Om bestand te zijn tegen cyber crime is samenwerking nodig. Echter zit het delen van ‘worst cases’ en kwetsbaarheden niet in onze natuur, zoals werd geconcludeerd tijdens het forum:

Sharing is not natural if it is not a best practice. Openness and collaboration is a must, but with who and how!

Reden om een select gezelschap uit beide sectoren bij elkaar te brengen rond vijf verschillende actuele thema’s en ze uit te dagen informatie te delen en uit te wisselen. De onderwerpen die aan bod kwamen waren:

  • het inzetten van cybersecurity oplossingen als enabler voor nieuwe toekomstige diensten om business te genereren;
  • samenwerking door de horizontale en verticale keten;
  • cybersecurity in de design fase van windturbines;
  • omgaan met medewerkers die ‘derailen’; en
  • het verbeteren van cyber resilience van bestaande netwerken en platforms.

Bijzonder aan deze bijeenkomst is dat al in de voorbereiding met veel verschillende organisaties is gesproken om tot passende cases te komen en de juiste personen bij elkaar aan tafel te hebben om deze cases te verdiepen.

Dare2Cross Offshore/Energy Cybersecurity

Grenzen verleggen tijdens Dare2Cross

Onder de inspirerende leiding van Ramon Vullings, cross industry innovation expert, zijn nieuwe kansen en oplossingen verkend en nieuwe contacten gelegd. Een forum met Bram Reinders (Alliander), Arthur van der Weerd (Hudson Cybertec) en Joep Brand (Shell) kreeg prikkelende stellingen voorgelegd als ‘Cyber crime is over-hyped’ en ‘Cyber crime should not be fought, better to be insured’.

Tijdens de breakout sessies werden de cases verdiept. Op basis van de unieke aanpak en oplossingen van bijvoorbeeld Hells Angels, Emirates, Google en andere inspirerende organisaties werden de aanwezigen geprikkeld verder te zoeken naar toepassingen voor de ingebrachte cases. Veel oplossingen zijn namelijk al bedacht door organisaties en worden toegepast in andere sectoren. Hoe kan je deze oplossingen door ontwikkelen naar oplossingen voor de eigen organisatie of sector?

De middag heeft de aanwezigen een hoop interessante nieuwe contacten opgeleverd. De organisatoren en case inbrengers verkennen samen op welke manier hier een vervolg aan gaat worden gegeven.

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Contact /Niels Krol Datum /

Doing business in the Netherlands

Expat family: the Netherlands is the new hotspot

The business bank HSBC interviewed nearly 30,000 expats about their experiences with and wishes for working abroad. This shows that working in the Netherlands is pleasant, because there is a lot of attention for the family here.

More than three-quarters (76%) of expat parents in the Netherlands say the health and wellbeing of children is better than it was at home. expat parents also praise the quality of education and childcare, with 72% and 65% respectively saying it is better than at home.

Last year’s winner, Swedem, ranks as the secong best country to raise a family. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of expat parantes rate the quality of childcare better than at home and 71% said the process of arranging a scholl for their children was straightforward.

The Netherlands in Top 5 of most loved countries for expats

Family, money and society make happy

Furthermore, the HSBC Expat Explorer 2017 list looks at economic opportunities and whether life is also a little fun. Daily expat life within the walls of a compound is not really conducive to happiness. Being part of society and getting acquainted with locals is just as important.

The Netherlands scores high on these three criteria and is this years fifth country in HSBC’s survey, rising nine places in one year. Just behind Germany, but overtaking Canada, Australia and even Switzerland.

The Netherlands in Top 5 of most loved countries for expats

Low salaries, good career opportunities

In economic terms, the Netherlands is not doing all that bad. Starting a business is easy and is encouraged by the government. And the career opportunities in the Netherlands are good.

However point of attention are the salaries of expats. These are lower than in Thailand or Turkey, for example. Switzerland is the country for the big(ger) money, with an average salary for expats at $ 193,000.

Brexit

Due to our strict bonus policy in the financial sector, the salaries are lower here. It is a common argument why big London banks consider leaving Amsterdam  after a Brexit.

And in regards to Brexit, the United Kingdom made a free fall on HSBC’s list placed at 22 last last year. The uncertainty for expats doesn’t do well for United Kingdom’s score, positioned in 2017 at 35.

 

Source / RTLZ / Dubai Chronicle

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Contact /Chris van Voorden Datum /

Country Profile on the Netherlands While many countries have shifted in rank from the previous year, the Netherlands maintains its position as the 4th most competitive global economy in the 2017-2018 report. This comes as a result of top scores across three WEF subindexes, including top 10 ranks for institutions, infrastructure, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, technological readiness, business sophistication and innovation. The Netherlands scores especially high on the quality of its port infrastructure (#1), quality of air transport infrastructure (#4), quality of scientific research institutions (#4) and university-industry collaboration in R&D (#5). The Global Competitiveness Report in 2017 WEF published its latest Global Competitiveness Report on September 26, 2017. Released annually, the report is a comprehensive assessment of the factors driving productivity and prosperity in 137 economies. For the ninth consecutive year, Switzerland ranks as the world’s most competitive economy, ahead of the United States and Singapore. The Netherlands and Germany make up the remaining top five spots. The Netherlands previously climbed four places in two years before sustaining its current position. Hong Kong SAR (#6) advanced three places, while Sweden (#7) dropped one place from last year. Of the remaining three economies in the top ten, the United Kingdom (#8) and Japan (#9) each fell one place. Finland (#10) remains consistent. Source: World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018

The Netherlands maintains its prominent position thanks to the support of a strong education system and high levels of tech readiness among businesses and individuals. Its innovation ecosystem is ranked 6th globally, putting Holland in an excellent position to develop new ideas and attract investment.

World Economic Forum The Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018

Country Profile on the Netherlands

While many countries have shifted in rank from the previous year, the Netherlands maintains its position as the 4th most competitive global economy in the 2017-2018 report. This comes as a result of top scores across three WEF subindexes, including top 10 ranks for institutions, infrastructure, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, technological readiness, business sophistication and innovation. The Netherlands scores especially high on the quality of its port infrastructure (#1), quality of air transport infrastructure (#4), quality of scientific research institutions (#4) and university-industry collaboration in R&D (#5).

The Global Competitiveness Report in 2017

WEF published its latest Global Competitiveness Report on September 26, 2017. Released annually, the report is a comprehensive assessment of the factors driving productivity and prosperity in 137 economies.

For the ninth consecutive year, Switzerland ranks as the world’s most competitive economy, ahead of the United States and Singapore. The Netherlands and Germany make up the remaining top five spots. The Netherlands previously climbed four places in two years before sustaining its current position. Hong Kong SAR (#6) advanced three places, while Sweden (#7) dropped one place from last year. Of the remaining three economies in the top ten, the United Kingdom (#8) and Japan (#9) each fell one place. Finland (#10) remains consistent.

Source / World Economic Forum

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Contact /Chris van Voorden Datum /

IBM’s Global Location Trends Show Record Year for Inward Investment in the Netherlands

High ranking in IBM Global Location Trends

According to IBM’s annual report Holland’s inward investment increased approximately 10 percent, “Building on the significant momentum and growth seen in the previous three years.” Globally, job creation through foreign direct investments (FDI) also increased 10 percent, reaching its strongest performance in the past decade.

In addition, the Netherlands ranks No. 4 globally by average job value of investment projects. Finally, the Amsterdam-Rotterdam metropolitan area shows consistent growth and is a global top destination for foreign investors. This metropolitan area, the so called ‘Randstad’ includes the cities Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht and their surrounding areas. The metro ranks No. 2 by number of projects.

Overall, access to “International markets and leveraging global supply chains are expected to continue to drive foreign investment,” said IBM. Each year the report analyzes the latest trends in corporate location selection, and where companies are locating and expanding their businesses around the world, creating jobs.

Recent investments in Holland

Contributing to growth of investment in the Netherlands are countless multinationals.

Just this summer, data center company Equinix and biofuels producer Renewable Energy Group expanded to Amsterdam. Australian space startup Fleet Space Technologies opened its European headquarters in Delft, Japanese biotech company Human Metabalome Technologies opened an office in the Leiden Bio Science Park and previously American cyber security company Dtex Systems sets up in Europe’s leading security cluster: The Hague Security Delta (HSD). Meanwhile, leading retailers Zalando and Bestseller United, based in Germany and Denmark respectively, joined the FashionTrade wholesale platform in Amsterdam.

In 2016, companies such as Google, Medtronic, Oracle, PVH, Grünenthal’s Innovative Medicines Unit, Carnival, Aegex, Coca-Cola, Danone, Can-Pack, Hikvision, HEAD Aerospace,  and more celebrated expansions and establishments in Holland.

FDI growth driven by manufacturing, logistics and ICT

IBM’s Global Location Trends 2017 reports manufacturing, logistics and ICT leading global foreign direct investment growth. These sectors align with key industries in the Netherlands.

Considered one of the most wired countries in the world, Holland is a hotspot for information and communications technology companies. Global IT companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Interxion, Infosys, Huawei, Oracle, Intel, IBM, Verizon and Google invest in Holland for its unparalleled IT infrastructure.

Additionally, the Netherlands is a hub for foreign-owned logistics and distribution operations. Many multinationals choose Holland as their gateway to Europe to manage supply chain or grow e-commerce operations. Companies in a wide range of industries – from agrifood and life sciences to chemicals, maritime and IT – have also established advanced manufacturing operations in the Netherlands.

IBM’s Global Location Trends Show Record Year for Inward Investment in the Netherlands

Amsterdam/Rotterdam 2nd most attractive region

The Dutch region Amsterdam/Rotterdam (‘Randstad’) is the 2nd most attractive metropolitan region in the world for foreign investments, based on the number of projects. Also this becomes apparent in the IBM Global Location Trends Rapport 2017.

The attractiveness of the Amsterdam/Rotterdam region has increased in comparison to the report from 2016, when the same region was ranked 3rd in the IBM report. According to the IBM report, the Amsterdam/Rotterdam region shows consistent growth and has become a top destination for foreign investors, especially ICT companies.

 

Source / IBM Institute for Business Value / NFIA / Rotterdam Partners

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Contact /Niels Krol Datum /

Australian space startup Fleet expands into Europe with Dutch office opening

In addition to giving the business a greater global stronghold, a European presence will enable Fleet to be closer to its European customers and several influential space institutions; such as The NSO (Netherlands Space Office), the TU Delft RoboValley initiative, the InnovationQuarter, and The European Space Agency (ESA).

Fleet will also use the new Dutch premises to expand its network of collaborative business partners and customers, ultimately enabling further use and product development for its low earth orbit technology.

The next step for Fleet

Labelled as “an important next step” by Fleet’s CEO and co-founder Flavia Tata Nardini, she also said, “We already have pilot projects in place in Europe, and are committed to helping businesses across the world, including those in Europe, capitalise on the new space era of today.

“While headquartered in Australia, Fleet is a truly global organisation, and we feel that for our business to have the greatest impact, an office in Delft, in addition to Adelaide and Los Angeles, is required. This move will ensure our technology and team can touch all corners of the globe.”

Once launched, the shoebox-sized-satellites will enable businesses and communities from across the globe to increase efficiencies and use of data, opening the door to a new industrial revolution. Unlike most other current satellite systems, Fleet is focused on connecting devices, not people and telecommunications.

Australian space startup Fleet expands into Europe with Dutch office opening

Fleet’s European headquarters will be led by experienced space business developer and technical startup specialist, Berry Sanders.

“Fleet is one of the most exciting, fast paced, and big thinking space startups to launch in the last few years. They’re capitalising on a new era in space technology — one that will fuel the world’s biggest economic drivers tomorrow,” said Sanders.

“There is so much potential in a business and industry like this, and their rapid global expansion is a true demonstration of where the opportunity lies. I look forward to helping Fleet grow and cement its feet firmly on the international space stage,” he added.

Why Delft?

Discussing why Delft was selected as the home of Fleet’s European operations, Tata Nardini said, “Delft has a rich history of space entrepreneurship with the TU Delft RoboValley initiative, InnovationQuarter, and the YES!Delft incubator all pushing innovative space projects forward. We want to be a part of this forward-thinking community and are looking to getting involved in the incredible work being done there.”

Fleet was founded in Adelaide, Australia in 2015 and was initially backed by matched seed funding from the South Australian Government.

In April this year, Fleet announced Series A funding from Australian VC firm Blackbird; Mike Cannon-Brookes, co-founder of NASDAQ-listed Atlassian; Earth Space Robotics; and Horizon Partners in Silicon Valley.

Tata Nardini is a former European Space Agency engineer, and will be sharing her vision for Fleet and the role that nanosatellites will have on creating a more sustainable, efficient world at an official launch event at their new headquarters on July 10th.

Tata Nardini will remain at Fleet’s headquarters in Australia.

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Contact /Tanja Baars Datum /
IRM Systems ontvangt kapitaal voor ontwikkeling van IRM Smart Pipeline Data en versnellen van internationale groei

Deputy Mayor Ferrie Förster from the City of Delft congratulates Rutger Schouten, founder and CEO of IRM Systems B.V.

Together with Rabobank and Brooklyn Ventures, InnovationQuarter with her IQCapital fund has completed this round to launch IRM Systems’ newest innovative product, ‘IRM Smart Pipeline Data’. ‘IRM Smart Pipeline Data’ is a software solution to support clients in predicting integrity and future failure optimally and extend the lifetime of their challenging pipeline systems whilst reducing total cost. Also, this round will support international expansion to IRM Systems’ strategic markets.

International growth & smart software

IRM Systems B.V. is actively looking to expand into to strategic markets beyond the Netherlands (Delft) and United Kingdom (Aberdeen) to amongst others USA (Houston), following their clients abroad. Secondly securing the integrity of pipeline systems’ in today’s climate of staff reductions at operators and ageing infrastructure, requires digitization and predictive data around integrity management – in particular for more challenging, or non-standard, pipeline systems. IRM Systems B.V. currently develops its smart software tool to accurately and optimally manage integrity and predict future failure on pipeline systems to further support its client base. Assisting clients to move to actually using data sets currently available on challenging pipeline systems allows these clients to increase integrity while reducing their overall cost.

IRM Systems ontvangt kapitaal voor ontwikkeling van IRM Smart Pipeline Data en versnellen van internationale groei

From left to right: Peter van der Poel (Smit en de Wolf), Karin Maliepaard (IRM Systems), Thijs Schaap (InnovationQuarter), Nienke Vledder (InnovationQuarter), Rutger Schouten (IRM Systems), Ferrie Förster (gemeente Delft), Ard Jol (Brooklyn Ventures), Francis Quint (InnovationQuarter), Hans Osnabrugge (Brooklyn Ventures), Thomas van Dusseldorp (IRM Systems)

An strategic next step

“IRM Systems is ready for a next major step. Combining regional growth initiatives in selected markets to IRM Smart Pipeline Data means that we leverage the specialist knowledge of our teams to serve more and more clients globally. That way we can reach true scale in the highly focused market segment of so-called ‘non-standard’ pipeline systems”, says Rutger Schouten, founder and CEO of IRM Systems B.V.

Hans Osnabrugge, partner of Brooklyn Ventures: “We are proud to see that the greenfield we started five years ago has grown into a global leader in its exciting niche. With this injection, the existing strong financial basis of IRM Group is leveraged to use our built knowledge and right to play towards a software solution, solving a global problem for non-standard pipelines. As Brooklyn Ventures it confirms our capabilities to globally scale startups and scale ups by our hands-on involvement.”

Unique combination of organic, international growth and innovative potential

Francis Quint, head of InnovationQuarter Capital: “With our investment in IRM Systems B.V. we aim to support successful entrepreneurs such as Rutger Schouten who built a flourishing high-added value business in Zuid-Holland (Delft) to enable their growth-ambitions. IRM Systems is a company with highly skilled employees in combination with innovative potential, through the development of IRM Smart Pipeline Data. InnovationQuarter is excited to support IRM Systems B.V. in its growth-ambitions”

Deputy Mayor Ferrie Förster from the City of Delft announced InnovationQuarter’s new investment at the Knowledge Expo Delft hosted at Buccaneer, center for innovation in energy and offshore in Delft.

EFRO / European regional development fund of the European Union