IO's innovation calendar: January

There are countless events and lectures organized every year for innovation professionals. Can't see the forest for the trees? Or do you need inspiration? Good news! Each month, IO gives you an overview of exciting events for that period. Whether you're interested in artificial intelligence, sustainability, or healthcare, there's something for everyone. We group them by region.

Southern Netherlands

1. The event AI in Warfare: Distance, Drones and Datafication will take place on Jan. 8 at 12:40 p.m. at Eindhoven University of Technology. From remote-controlled surveillance systems that collect and process vast amounts of battlefield imagery to AI-assisted decision-making systems that help create target lists, the use of AI in warfare is skyrocketing. International law expert Jessica Dorsey discusses the implications of increasingly sophisticated warfare technologies.
2. On Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m., the City Vision Event will take place in Eindhoven. This is a unique opportunity to participate in a conversation about the future of the dynamic city at the Eindhoven Innovation Café. It is an informal gathering with drinks and networking opportunities. And a chance to actively contribute to the conversations that will shape the direction of Eindhoven. Eindhoven is growing rapidly and facing the challenge of preparing for the future amid global issues. This is the time to join the forces of regional ecosystems. How do we create a sustainable and attractive city for future generations? What innovations and experiments are needed to stay ahead?
3. An interesting event on smart solutions to grid congestion in the Brainport region will take place on January 28 at 14:00 in Eindhoven. Brainport plays an important role in economic growth, innovative high-tech solutions, and sustainability. At the same time, the electricity infrastructure is increasingly becoming a limiting factor. The current network can no longer keep up with the increasing demand for electricity and the growing supply of sustainably generated energy. Although grid operators are working hard to expand, this is not happening fast enough. Smart solutions that use the grid more efficiently can make all the difference. This is why Brainport Development, VNO-NCW Brabant-Zeeland, and the RES-Metropolitan Eindhoven region are organizing this large-scale event for the second time.

Northern Netherlands

1. For eight years, Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) has offered space for sustainable and social entrepreneurs to test their prototypes in a festival environment. During Innofest they get the chance to test their innovations in practice with a wide audience. Again this year, ESNS and Innofest are collaborating, allowing six promising energy startups to run their test cases during the festival from Jan. 15 to 18, 2025. Hitloop, for example, will be present: a project focused on AI-generated music.
2. Sustainability is a major focus within healthcare, where the use of resources and energy is often intensive. The UMCG (in Groningen) strives for a balance between quality care and attention to our planet. From making policies more sustainable to being more conscious of materials such as gloves: every step counts. During the symposium Infection Prevention and Sustainability on January 16, you will discover how small actions together make a big difference. The event starts at 12:30 p.m.

Eastern Netherlands

1. Then: an interesting agricultural event on emission-free dairy farming. At the Nederlands Centrum voor de Ontwikkeling van Kunstmestvervanging, a New Year webinar will be given on Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. The webinar is being organized because of recent scientific evidence: nitrogen, coming from the barn, can be applied outside the barn with precision, providing substantial emission reductions. This is important news for, for example, permit providers and PAS reporters.
2. The Groene Sector Vakbeurs will take place on January 7, 8, and 9, 2025, in Hardenberg. It is the annual meeting point for professionals in the green sector. With an average of 16,500 visitors and more than 300 exhibitors, the trade fair is an important place for knowledge exchange and networking. This year, the fair is also celebrating its 25th anniversary. Visitors this year will discover how sustainable innovations not only bring environmental benefits but also offer economic opportunities and contribute to the well-being of society.
3. In the first webtalk of 2025, on Jan. 16 at 12:00 p.m., the ElaadNL Foundation looks both back and forward to the testing of electric vehicles in the Elaad TestLab. The lab tests the charging process of various electric vehicles, from passenger cars to electric buses and trucks, as well as the associated charging infrastructure. As every year, Thijs van Wijk, manager of the test lab gives an overview of the tests carried out in the past year. What were the main trends of 2024, and what can we expect in 2025?

Western Netherlands

1. On January 9, 2025, the first H2Café of the year will be organized in Rotterdam. This event offers a unique opportunity for prominent players within the Dutch hydrogen sector to come together. There will be a look ahead at companies' ambitious plans for 2025 and discuss what steps are needed to further strengthen the hydrogen sector. The National Hydrogen Program event begins at 4:30 p.m.
2. What will public services look like in 2035? What scenarios do we need to consider, and how can we ensure that services meet the needs of citizens and entrepreneurs in the future? During the State Talk on Jan. 16, these questions will be discussed in detail. In the process, four scenarios will be presented to help us think about the future of public service and the implications when these scenarios become reality. It will take place at 17:00 in The Hague.
3. How is AI affecting our language, technology, and society? On Friday, Jan. 31, at 09:30, Utrecht University is hosting a conference exploring this topic. During the event, experts will share their insights on the impact of AI on language and communication. Social changes will also be discussed.