Dutch high-tech sector signs strategic deals in Japan

Last week, Dutch companies and knowledge institutions signed strategic partnerships in Japan in the fields of semiconductors, quantum technology, and 6G networks. Led by Minister Dirk Beljaarts (Economic Affairs), more than 70 Dutch companies and institutions from the high-tech and digitization sector traveled to Japan. During the mission, organizations signed various agreements with leading Japanese partners in the presence of the King and the minister.

For entrepreneurs in the technology and manufacturing industry, this offers new opportunities in one of the most advanced markets in the world. During the mission, they made the following agreements, among others:

• TNO & XG Mobile Promotion Forum (XGMF): an agreement aimed at cooperation in industrial wireless communication and the development of 5G and 6G technology. Both parties want to jointly build a global ecosystem for future mobile internet.
• The Japanese company Fujitsu announced that it is expanding the Advanced Computing Lab Delft, at QuTech at Delft University of Technology, to promote the development of quantum applications.
• Quantum Delta NL & AIST (Japan's national research institute): an agreement to strengthen long-term cooperation on quantum technology and develop an international ecosystem for quantum innovation.

According to the ministry, these agreements strengthen technological cooperation between the Netherlands and Japan. Minister Beljaarts: “The Netherlands is a valuable partner for Japan in high-tech: we bring important technology, such as chip machines and smart digital solutions, while Japan excels in high-quality production and advanced materials. By working together, we are creating new opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs in this important growth market.”

Photondelta

PhotonDelta announced a partnership in Japan with the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This strategic agreement marks a joint commitment to promote the development of a robust, end-to-end value chain for the photonic chip industry. By formalizing the collaboration, both organizations aim to support technological innovation, stimulate mutual knowledge exchange, and promote global awareness of the potential of integrated photonics.

“This partnership reflects our shared ambition to accelerate the global photonics industry and address critical societal challenges through the advancement of photonic chip technologies,” said a spokesperson for Photondelta.

Strong Dutch-Japanese partnership

In 2024, Dutch exports to Japan amounted to more than €6.3 billion, with exports of high-tech goods, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, forming an important part of this. There are 800 Japanese companies based in the Netherlands, most of which are active in the High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM) sector.

The economic mission took place around the Dutch national day during Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. The Expo is the 36th world exhibition and has as its theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’. The Netherlands presented itself at the Expo as an innovative, sustainable, and technologically leading partner. The Expo served as an international networking platform and showcase for Dutch innovation.