The week of IO+: deep tech and science are our main assets
Every Sunday, our weekly review offers an overview of the most interesting stories around important innovations.
Published on March 23, 2025
As editor-in-chief, Aafke oversees all content and events but loves writing herself. She makes complex topics accessible and tells the stories behind technology.
Smart chips are thinner than hair, efficient batteries for EVs and components (MEMs) that combine electrical and mechanical functions on a micro-scale. Deeptech is the Netherlands' and Europe's trump card for growth. It sounds like a slogan of IO+, but it is the main conclusion of the latest +Dealroom report released last week.
- Deeptech is Europe’s trump card for growth, says Dealroom.co
- XIVER explores growth as an independent MEMS foundry
Deeptech and innovation spring from education and research. The current administration announced its intention to cut half a billion euros last year. Knowledge is crucial for—what's in a name—the knowledge economy our country runs on. The Netherlands is cutting back on its expertise and risks becoming a global rearguard, while other countries are investing heavily in science. So, write Mauro and Merien this week in their joint Behind the Figures story.
Under Trump's leadership, the U.S. cannot be included among the ranks of countries that invest heavily in science and research. Last week, he signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education and launched an unprecedented attack on higher education. Merien and Mauro explain that the Netherlands should seize its opportunity to welcome American scientists with open arms.
Following the wrong example: budget cuts threaten Dutch education
The Netherlands is cutting back on its own knowledge and is becoming a global laggard – while other countries are investing in science.
How credible is it that NL wants to attract talent?
Less than five hours after we published that article, news came from The Hague: Minister Eppo Bruins (Education) is creating a special fund to bring dozens of top scientists to the Netherlands quickly. Bruins doesn't say it out loud, but it's mostly about scientists in the United States who are in danger of losing their jobs under the Trump administration.
But - this also falters somewhere; Bart writes in his opinion piece: “On the one hand, the Netherlands profiles itself as a magnet for the best international talent. On the other hand, it is cutting itself in half due to budget cuts, increasing regulatory pressure, and a policy climate that does not embrace internationalization as much as it tries to limit. How credible is that message to scientists worldwide if they end up in a locked system?”
Funding for international top scientists, cutbacks for the rest
There is something fundamentally wrong between a fund for top scientists and cutbacks in higher education, says Bart Brouwers.
House of Representatives votes for EU cloud alternatives
Urging local digital sovereignty, European leaders sent an open letter to the Commission on Digital Sovereignty. The letter calls for less dependence on foreign digital services and infrastructure. The initiative calls for developing a sovereign infrastructure fund to encourage investment in AI, chips, and cloud computing, among other things.
MP Koekkoek (Volt) is also concerned that US cloud providers dominate the European market. She filed a motion for accelerated investment in European cloud alternatives.
House of Representatives votes in favor of EU cloud alternatives
The Dutch House of Representatives has agreed to a motion that calls for accelerated investment in European cloud alternatives.
It's good to mention that our AI colleague Laio—who doesn't know her—usually uses American cloud services such as OpenAI ChatGPT and Anthropic Claude. However, the article “Lower House votes for EU cloud alternatives” is an exception. Although it used AI, it was produced entirely in the Netherlands, using an AI model hosted by Leaf.Cloud.
Oh, and in the quest for more independence on cloud services, here are six European alternatives to Elon Musk's Starlink:
These are the six European alternatives to Elon Musk's Starlink
There are concerns about whether Europe can continue to rely on Starlink. These are the European alternatives.
And then, there was this:
- Must read of the week: What can Europe learn from Northvolt’s bankruptcy?
- Ministers: EU must invest in its own innovative strength
- Chahim: EU's Automotive Action Plan threatens Europe's future
- Can the Netherlands become a nuclear power, alone or with others?
- Fewer vacancies for ICT jobs, partly due to AI
- Innovation Maestro's: A special Dutch steel protects cars during collisions
- The home battery for Dutch households is a brother effort
Haven't had enough yet? Read everything we published last week here. Enjoy your Sunday!
Aafke Eppinga, editor-in-chief at IO+