UK semiconductor programme: delegation to the Netherlands (open to applications)
The programme will offer UK organisations exclusive access to Dutch stakeholders, clusters and the European R&I system to develop market access opportunities and R&I collaborations for UK organisations.
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Details
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK are inviting ambitious semiconductor organisations to participate in a visit to the Netherlands to help build relationships and identify collaborative research and innovation (R&I) partners.
The visit will:
- take place in late June (week commencing 24 June)
- be a 2-day tailored programme that will connect UK organisations with Dutch stakeholders
The programme will be personalised based on the attendees. It will also offer exclusive access to cluster destinations, curated networking opportunities with Dutch organisations and policy-makers, presentations from experts and industry leaders, and workshops to help unlock collaborative R&I opportunities.
We welcome applications from all organisations that would benefit from collaboration with the Netherlands. We are particularly interested in applicants from the following focus areas:
- Photonics
- Design
- Heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging
Objectives of the visit
The programme will offer a unique opportunity to create connections and establish an understanding of the Dutch and European R&I system to develop market access opportunities and R&I collaborations for UK organisations.
It will enable access to EU-funded infrastructure and enable UK organisations to take direct advantage of the UK’s budgetary contribution to Horizon.
It will enable UK organisations to deepen relationships with European customers and investors, and researchers with collaboration partners. It offers opportunities to tap into European supply and value chains, potentially strengthening the UK position in the global value chain.
Eligibility
All UK-registered organisations with a focus on semiconductors, that are interested in R&I collaboration and commercialisation are eligible to apply.
We want to fund a variety of projects, for example across different focus areas and UK geographical locations. We call this a portfolio approach.
SMEs (defined here) may be eligible for funding to cover the costs of the trip. Further detail will be provided to successful applicants. Further funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Application and deadline
Eligible organisations that are interesting in participating are invited to complete this application form.
DSIT and Innovate UK are looking to attract organisations that are likely to successfully engage in collaborative projects with the Dutch and in the European R&I ecosystem in the future.
Applications from eligible organisations must be received by 9am on Monday 13 May 2024. We expect to announce the successful organisations on Friday 17 May 2024.
If you have any questions on the application process email charlie.bellingall@dsit.gov.uk and roxana.legezynska@dsit.gov.uk.
Expected timeline
The timeline below may be subject to change.
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| Friday 26 April 2024 | Application window opens |
| Monday 13 May 2024 | Application window closes |
| Friday 17 May 2024 | Successful organisations announced |
| Week commencing 10 June 2024 | Pre-visit virtual workshop |
| Week commencing 24 June 2024 | Visit to the Netherlands |
Background
The UK’s recent association to Horizon Europe and the EU Chips Joint Undertaking, alongside continued participation in the Eureka programme, enables impactful new opportunities for R&I research with European partners. To unlock these benefits, UK organisations with an interest in R&I need to be integrated into the European semiconductor ecosystem to identify potential partners for joint innovation projects.
The Netherlands provides a natural partner due to their strong position in the international semiconductor ecosystem, appetite of their large industry players for international collaborations and the positive relationship to date. They are already a sought-after partner for UK organisations in the XECS Cluster under Eureka, which offers R&I funding opportunities through engagement with large European industry players.
More broadly, the Netherlands are a world leader in science, research, innovation and critical tech. In 2021 the Dutch semiconductor industry grew by around 31.1%, to €39.1 billion in estimated worldwide revenues. The Netherlands spent 2.29% of GDP - €18.4 billion - on R&D in 2020, with a highly developed and interconnected research ecosystem. It is home to world-leading innovative regions, including ‘BrainPort’ in Eindhoven and Twente for semiconductor technology. It is also the EU’s fourth most innovative country according to the European Innovation Scoreboard, with five universities in the world top 75 of the Times Higher Education ranking.