Brabant intensifies semicon and AI collaboration with Singapore
As Singapore and the Netherlands tighten ties in the high-tech sector, Brabant emerges as a hub in Europe’s semiconductor and AI ambitions
Published on May 25, 2025
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Brabant, the southern Dutch province known for its deep-tech prowess, is taking a leading role in forging international partnerships to secure the future of Europe’s innovation economy. This week, three major developments underscore how Brabant-based players push boundaries in artificial intelligence, photonics, and semiconductor manufacturing by teaming up with Singapore. The province dominated the national trade mission to this key Asian tech nation.
The linchpin of this new wave of collaboration is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), signed on May 20 in Singapore. The agreement lays the foundation for closer cooperation across a range of high-tech domains, including semiconductors, photonics, AI, and quantum technologies.
“This MOU strengthens the relationship and offers a unique perspective on a common development of futureproof and game changing industries,” said Daan de Cloe, Managing Director of Foreign Investments & International Trade at BOM.
The strategic alliance aims to harness Singapore’s role as a business hub in Asia and the Netherlands’ position as a gateway to Europe. Through mutual knowledge exchange, talent development, and joint R&D efforts, BOM and EDB intend to build a shared ecosystem where innovation thrives.
Sioux Technologies and AAT
One of the first concrete projects to spring from this broader collaboration is a strategic partnership between Eindhoven-based Sioux Technologies and Singapore’s Applied Angstrom Technology (AAT). Together, the two firms will co-develop an AI-driven software platform for next-generation semiconductor equipment.
“This modular and scalable platform is set to redefine productivity in the industry through real-time data analytics and predictive maintenance,” said Arnoud de Geus, CTO at Sioux Technologies, during the formal signing ceremony in Singapore.
With over 1,300 engineers worldwide and its headquarters in the Netherlands, Sioux brings deep experience in high-tech system development. This partnership not only reflects the region’s strengths in mechatronics and AI, but also aligns with European goals to enhance autonomy in chip production.
The agreement, signed in the presence of high-level officials including Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts and Singaporean Minister Grace Fu, illustrates the importance both nations attach to AI-enabled innovation in the chip sector.
Photonics on the international stage
Another Brabant-linked entity making waves in Singapore is PhotonDelta, the national hub for integrated photonics headquartered in Eindhoven. At SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, PhotonDelta signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), aiming to accelerate photonics R&D and commercial adoption between the two countries.
“In an increasingly complex technological landscape, we need international coalitions to unlock the full potential of photonic chips,” said PhotonDelta’s representative during the signing.
PhotonDelta’s presence at SEMICON SEA also highlighted the importance of aligning Dutch and Singaporean photonics roadmaps. As the demand for faster, energy-efficient data transmission grows across sectors like healthcare, mobility, and telecom, integrated photonics is becoming a critical enabler, and Brabant is positioning itself at the heart of this emerging value chain.
A High Tech Campus Eindhoven delegation was also part of the Netherlands Pavilion at SEMICON SEA, together with Campus companies InPhocal, SCIL Nanoimprint Solutions, Aalberts Advanced Mechatronics, and Nearfield Instruments. Brainport Industries, with ten member companies, was also present at the fair.
As Singapore and the Netherlands celebrate 60 years of trade relations, this new chapter of high-tech collaboration demonstrates how local innovation can power global transformation. “We look forward to working with our Dutch partners to nurture competitive industries and talent to support the growth of companies and communities in our two countries,” said Jermaine Loy, Managing Director at Singapore EDB.
HighTechXL
Last year, HighTechXL, a leading venture builder based at High Tech Campus Eindhoven, partnered with Enterprise Singapore to run a specialized 22-week acceleration program in Eindhoven. This program, focusing on deep tech domains, includes mentorship on market validation, financial modeling, and pricing strategies, helping startups address long-term global challenges.