Symposium: Academic Spin-offs in the Dutch AI Strategy
How can academic AI startups help the Netherlands stay at the forefront of global AI developments?
AI is advancing rapidly and its societal impact is immense. TTT-AI is celebrating its success and the extension of its startup activities for the next five years by organizing a symposium on this timely and exciting topic. For the Netherlands, staying aligned to international developments while seizing opportunities is essential. In recent months, multiple stakeholders have put forward national AI strategy plans to achieve this.
This symposium brings together key players to explore the role of academic startups within these strategies.
What to expect:
• A clear overview of current Dutch AI strategy plans
• Insights into the role of academic AI start-ups
• Updates on international AI developments
• Investor perspectives on academic AI startups
• The opportunities for academic AI startups
• AI Factory and other developments relevant for startups
In a round-table with experts lead by Techleap, we will discuss the following themes:
• Economic impact and opportunities & threats for AI startups
• What the Netherlands and its universities can do better
All highly interactive with the participants and organized by TTT-AI together with AI House/ Prosus, Amsterdam AI, LUMO Labs, AIC4NL, Techleap and ROM-NL.
Arjan van den Born, will present an overview of the Dutch plans. He is Director of ROM Utrecht Region and supervisor of the recent Invest-NL / ROM-NL report "AI Deep Dive".
Max Welling, founder of CuspAI, Building a company on the Cusp of AI and Science, UvA professor, received the Dutch AI Award 2026. Max will share his vision and will join the round table discussion.
Programme
13:00 Walk-in & Registration
13:30 Opening
The symposium will be chaired by Anita Lieverdink, AIC4NL
Welcome by TTT-AI
Peter Westerhuijs, Program Manager TTT-AI
Overview Dutch AI Strategy plans & Academic Spin-offs
Arjan van den Born, Director ROM Utrecht Region; supervisor of the Invest-NL / ROM-NL AI plan report
International Landscape, Trends and Developments
Dmitri jarnikov, Director Data Science at Prosus Group, among the largest technology investors in the world
The new Dutch AI Factory in 2027, opportunity for research and startups
Edwin Kuipers, AI Factory
Investor Perspective on Academic AI Spin-offs
Thomas Hannes, Partner at LUMO Labs VC
15:00 Break
Round Table Discussion led by Techleap, Part I
With Invest-NL, ROM-NL, Prosus, entrepreneurs, investors, EZK and attendees
Building a Company on the Cusp of AI and Science
Max Welling, Founder of CuspAI
Round Table Discussion led by Techleap, Part II
With Invest-NL, ROM-NL, Prosus, entrepreneurs, investors, EZK and attendees
17:00 Wrap-up
Drinks & Networking
Who should attend?
Anyone interested or involved in Dutch AI startups — whether as an investor, entrepreneur, or in policy and (academic) support organisations and incubators.
Location: AI-HOUSE, GUSTAV MAHLERPLEIN 5, 1082 Amsterdam
This event is co-hosted by Prosus. By signing up, you agree to Prosus’ privacy policy available here (https://www.prosus.com/site-services/privacy) and to receive email updates about future Prosus events. Our co-hosts may also process your information according to their own privacy policies.