On September 24, the AI Innovation Center at High Tech Campus Eindhoven became the stage where the Dutch semiconductor and telecom community came together for the NL@MWC community event, powered by Ecosystem Services, High Tech NL and Holland High Tech.
The day started with inspiring demo tours: at the NXP Experience Center, Rob Hoeben welcomed participants with a guided introduction to cutting-edge applications of semiconductors
Meanwhile, at the demo lab of Axelera AI, Steven Husche showcased the power and versatility of the Axelera AI chip, demonstrating its potential across real-world use cases. These tours set the tone for a day of technology, collaboration, and forward-looking discussions.
Bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and policy makers, the program prepared the Dutch high-tech ecosystem for its presence at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, highlighting how semiconductors, connectivity, and AI are increasingly converging.
Program Highlights
- Opening remarks by Mark Beermann & Anke Kuipers (Ecosystem Services), Tom van der Dussen (High Tech NL), and Paul van Son (High Tech Campus Eindhoven) emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is key.
- Anke introduced the themes of MWC26 and shared what the NL Program at MWC is all about.
- Carol de Vries (PhotonDelta) outlined the opportunities MWC can bring for the semiconductor sector.
- Paul Barreveld (Catalonia Trade & Investment NL) announced the Open Innovation Challenge, energizing startups and corporates alike.
- Leo Warmerdam (Holland High Tech) presented the National Technology Strategy, urging stronger alignment around key technologies.
- Prof. Hans Hilgenkamp (University of Twente, MESA+) explored “The Future of Chips in a Data-Driven World”with Mission 10x. The link with the brain and how energy efficient the brain is and how this inspires also the chip industry was an exciting link.
- Sneha Kondur (Axelera AI) and Christiaan van der Sluijs (Semiblocks) both exhibitors of the upcoming Netherlands pavilion at MWC shared their innovative solutions in AI and chip making.
- Dominiek Veen (Human Capital Agenda ICT) emphasized that talent development remains a bottleneck for growth and explored with the room, the challenges, what people are already using and where they see bottle necks.
A panel discussion featuring experts like Jacob Groote (KPN), Erik WIlbrink (Bruco), Ivan Stojanovic (NXTGEN), and Leo Warmerdam (Holland High Tech) explored where semiconductors and telecom truly intersect. Jacob Groote came with a nice quote and wish for NL@MWC: “The Netherlands, leading in Semicon & Telecom driving applications for real-world impact.”
Key Takeaways
- Semiconductors and telecom are inseparable: the future of 5G, 6G, and IoT depends on chip innovation. Applications that make use of the technology is the way forward.
- National strategy matters: public-private alignment is essential to keep the Netherlands ahead and makes it easier to align with the strategy from a European point of view.
- Talent is the real bottleneck: investment in skills and education must accelerate. But at the same time the conditions important for talent to stay or come should be solved. Like the housing issues for example.
- Innovation pathways: the Open Innovation Challenge and the Netherlands Pavilion at MWC will catalyze new ideas and collaborations.
Call to Action
The day concluded with a strong call-to-action: to build on the momentum, turn insights into concrete projects, and position the Netherlands as a leader in connectivity-centric chip design and AI hardware. The closing networking reception, supported by Holland High Tech, offered fertile ground for new collaborations and partnerships . A great sneak preview of what is to come in March 2026 during NL@MWC Barcelona.
Many thanks to Tom van der Dussen and Heleen Kamerman of High Tech NL in co-organising event and thanks to Holland High Tech for supporting the event.