NWO backs four Dutch high-tech consortia

The Dutch research funding agency NOW, together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has granted 46.4 million euros to twelve public-private R&D consortia, four of which target high tech. The funding was awarded under the Perspectief program, which aims to support technological innovations with societal impact and the creation of economic opportunities for the Netherlands.

Within the high-tech realm, the AI4Optics project brings together researchers in computer science, mathematics and physics to build fast, AI-driven simulation tools for designing illumination systems and optical components. The goal is to enable sharper imaging, more energy-efficient optics and improved performance in applications from lighting to space-based sensing. Anteryon, ASML, Demcon and Itec are among the project’s participants.

The Chain project aims to push imaging and inspection to the smallest scales, combining light, extreme-ultraviolet radiation and electron-beam techniques. Through new measurement methods and advanced data processing, the project hopes to deliver high-resolution 3D images of microscopic structures – a capability that could support next-generation semiconductor manufacturing and quality control. ASML, Demcon and Thermo Fisher Scientific, among others, are part of the consortium.

For thermal and cryogenic technology, Purecool is tasked with designing compact, energy-efficient and maintenance-friendly cooling systems for ultra-low-temperature environments. Such systems are critical for quantum computing, cryogenic semiconductor production and medical imaging. The project includes ASML and Thermo Fisher Scientific as industrial partners.

Finally, Focus is concentrating on the development of new, small and accurate optical components. The project aims to deliver more precise and faster design methods, better manufacturing processes, new lens materials and new measurement techniques to assess the quality of the components produced. The consortium consists of Anteryon, ASML and Signify, among others.