How Japan and the Netherlands Power the Future of Compute
From Promise to Practice
Brabant Innovation Day returns on 9 June 2026, building on the success of the 2024 summit in Tokyo. Under the theme ‘From Promise to Practice: How Japan and the Netherlands Power the Future of Compute’, the event will bring together leading organisations from the Brabant high‑tech ecosystem (including PhotonDelta, TNO, Holst Centre, SMART Photonics, PITC, and World Class Maintenance), as well as the Province of North Brabant (including vice governor Martijn van Gruijthuijsen), and partners from Japan and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Tokyo.
Taking an ecosystem‑level perspective, the programme will explore how collaboration between industry, research institutions and government helps translate breakthrough innovation into scalable, reliable applications – from early‑stage research to industrial deployment – and strengthens the future resilience of high‑tech manufacturing.
Time: 11:30 – 19:45 (including networking dinner)
Venue: The Okura Tokyo (2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001)
We’ve reached maximum capacity for now. You’re welcome to join the waiting list, and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up.
Speakers
With presentations and contributions from:
- Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, vice governor of the province of North Brabant
- Eelko Brinkhoff, CEO of PhotonDelta
- Johan Feenstra, CEO of SMART Photonics
- Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt, CEO of Brabant Development Agency
- Ton van Mol, Managing Director of TNO Holst Centre
- Henk Akkermans, Professor at Tilburg University and Director of World Class Maintenance
- Frank Sperling, Co‑founder and CTO of Nobleo Technology
- Helen Kardan, Director of Science & Technology at TNO High Tech Industry
- Takeshi Kamijo, R&D Scientist at Photonics Integration Technology Centre and TNO
- Jan Tatousek, Senior Business Development Manager at Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC)
- Dzmitry Pustakhod, Electrical Engineering and Photonics Integration Scientist at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
- Naoko Sawatari, Lead Global R&D team at DNP
- Eras Draaijers, Counsellor for Innovation and Science & Technology at the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo
- Edo de Ronde, Executive Director for Japan at NFIA Tokyo
- Contributions from Hitachi High Tech and Dexerials
Opening of the networking drinks by Dutch ambassador Gilles Beschoor Plug
Programme
Opening by Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, vice governor of the province of North Brabant
Block A: From Lab to Fab: Building the Future of Compute & Semiconductors Together
This block focuses on the earliest stages of innovation: how scientific discoveries evolve into prototype‑ready technologies. Speakers will explain the foundations of next‑generation compute, the role of integrated photonics and semiconductors, and how Japan and the Netherlands can work together from the outset of the innovation chain. The power of an ecosystem approach (open innovation) will also be shared. The aim is to build a shared understanding of the technological directions and the collaborative opportunities ahead.
- Helen Kardan (TNO) on From Promise to Practice: How Europe Builds the Next Generation of Photonics and Semiconductors
- Eelko Brinkhoff (PhotonDelta) on From Fab to Product: Engineering Reliability and Scale
- Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt, CEO of Brabant Development Agency (BOM) on The Brabant Ecosystem
- Panel, hosted by Helen Kardan (TNO), on Open Innovation in Practice: How to Accelerate Photonics and Semiconductor Industrialisation.
Block B: From Fab to Product: Engineering Reliability and Scale
This block moves from prototyping to industrial capability. Speakers will show how new pilot lines, advanced production methods, and data-driven manufacturing pave the way to stable, high-yield, market-ready photonic and semiconductor products. It highlights how Japan and the Netherlands can collaborate in manufacturing excellence, process optimisation, and reliability.
- Takeshi Kamijo (PITC) on Accelerating Photonics by Bridging the Gap Between Research and Application
- Naoko Sawatari (DNP) on its technology and collaboration with the Brabant ecosystem
- Frank Sperling (Nobleo Technology) on Mechatronic Systems
- Henk Akkermans (Tilburg University and World Class Maintenance) on Collaborative Process Innovation for Optimizing Production and Smart Maintenance
- Panel, hosted by Helen Kardan (TNO), on Learning at Scale: How Data and AI Turn Pilot Lines into Reliable Production.
Block C: Global Synergy: How Japan and the Netherlands Can Shape the Future Together
This block focuses on the strategic dimension: how Japan and the Netherlands can align national strategies, research priorities, and industry strengths to accelerate deeptech innovation. It highlights long-term collaboration models, government support, and shared opportunities in the coming years.
- Ton van Mol (Holst Centre) on How Holst Centre’s open innovation model accelerates the commercialization of integrated photonics
- Johan Feenstra (SMART Photonics) on Building Europe’s first industrial-scale facility for Indium Phosphide photonic chips at a 6-inch wafer scale
- Representatives from Hitachi High Tech and Dexerials share insights on Collaborating with the Dutch High-tech Ecosystem
- Panel, hosted by Helen Kardan (TNO), on How to make Dutch-Japanese collaboration work
- Eras Draaijers (Embassy of the Netherlands in Japan) on Strategic Agenda for Deeptech: Opportunities for Collaboration with the Netherlands in 2026–2027.
Networking drinks and walking dinner
- Opened by Dutch ambassador Gilles Beschoor Plug.
Registration and networking
Opening
Block A – From Lab to Fab: Building the Future of Compute & Semiconductors Together
This block focuses on the earliest stages of innovation: how scientific discoveries evolve into prototype‑ready technologies. Speakers will explain the foundations of next‑generation compute, the role of integrated photonics and semiconductors, and how Japan and the Netherlands can work together from the outset of the innovation chain. The power of an ecosystem approach (open innovation) will also be shared. The aim is to build a shared understanding of the technological directions and the collaborative opportunities ahead.
Coffee/tea break and networking
Block B – From Fab to Product: Engineering Reliability and Scale
This block moves from prototyping to industrial capability. Speakers will show how new pilot lines, advanced production methods, and data-driven manufacturing pave the way to stable, high-yield, market-ready photonic and semiconductor products. It highlights how Japan and the Netherlands can collaborate in manufacturing excellence, process optimisation, and reliability.
Coffee/tea break and networking
Block C – Global Synergy: How Japan and the Netherlands Can Shape the Future Together
This block focuses on the strategic dimension: how Japan and the Netherlands can align national strategies, research priorities, and industry strengths to accelerate deeptech innovation. It highlights long-term collaboration models, government support, and shared opportunities in the coming years.
Networking drinks and walking dinner
Confirmed participating organisations
FAQs
What is the purpose of this event?
BID Tokyo 2026 aims to strengthen collaboration between Japan and the Netherlands in the field of technologies shaping the future of compute, with a focus on semiconductors and integrated photonics. The event brings together stakeholders from research, industry, and manufacturing to explore how these technologies can move from scientific promise to practical, scalable and reliable applications, while supporting resilient and competitive innovation ecosystems.
Who will be attending?
The event gathers thought leaders, researchers, policymakers, technology experts and decision‑makers from both Brabant and Japan. Participants represent a mix of public- and private-sector organisations, as well as leading research institutes, universities, and industrial partners active across the semiconductor and photonics value chain.
Confirmed speakers include the following, with further additions to be announced:
- Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, vice governor of the province of North Brabant
- Eelko Brinkhoff, CEO of PhotonDelta
- Johan Feenstra, CEO of SMART Photonics
- Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt, CEO of Brabant Development Agency
- Ton van Mol, Managing Director of TNO Holst Centre
- Henk Akkermans, Professor at Tilburg University and Director of World Class Maintenance
- Frank Sperling, Co‑founder and CTO of Nobleo Technology
- Helen Kardan, Director of Science & Technology at TNO High Tech Industry
- Takeshi Kamijo, R&D Scientist at Photonics Integration Technology Centre and TNO
- Jan Tatousek, Senior Business Development Manager at Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC)
- Dzmitry Pustakhod, Electrical Engineering and Photonics Integration Scientist at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
- Eras Draaijers, Counsellor for Innovation and Science & Technology at the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo
- Edo de Ronde, Executive Director for Japan at NFIA Tokyo
Who is the organiser of the event?
The event is organised by the Province of North Brabant, working closely with partners including the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), and the Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo.
What topics will be discussed?
Key themes include the future of compute; next‑generation chip design; semiconductors and integrated photonics; the predictability, sustainability and reliability of advanced technologies; strategic autonomy combined with trusted partnerships; cross‑border innovation models; and collaboration across the full innovation chain, from research to manufacturing and scale‑up.
What makes this event unique?
It offers a focused opportunity for representatives from government, academia, and business in both countries to come together around practical innovation challenges in a global context. Through Brabant’s proven ecosystem model, it highlights how breakthrough research can be translated into manufacturable, reliable solutions. This year’s focus is on semiconductors and photonics, and the event also provides an opportunity to connect with the Netherlands’ high-tech ecosystem.
When does Brabant Innovation Day 2026 take place?
Brabant Innovation Day 2026 will take place on 9 June 2026. The programme runs from 11:30 to 19:45 and includes lunch and a networking dinner.
Why are Brabant and Japan working together to advance semiconductors and photonics for the future of compute?
Japan and Brabant share a strategic interest in reliable and sustainable technology value chains, built on longstanding trust and growing partnership. Brabant’s world-leading ‘lab‑to‑fab’ ecosystems links research, pilot lines and scalable manufacturing, complementing Japan’s expertise in precision manufacturing and advanced technologies. Together, they can accelerate innovation to industry and strengthen strategic autonomy with trusted partners in future-compute technologies.
Where does Brabant Innovation Day 2026 take place?
Brabant Innovation Day 2026 will take place at The Okura Tokyo (2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001)
How do I register for the Brabant Innovation Day 2026?
We have reached maximum capacity. Click here to join the waiting list, and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up. If you can’t attend after all, please let us know by email (BID@brabant.nl).
I registered but did not receive a confirmation. What should I do?
On registering, you will receive a confirmation email within the next few days. Please check your spam or junk folder. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact BID@brabant.nl.
Where can I find more information about the programme and speakers?
More information about the programme and speakers is available here: Brabant Innovation Day 2026 – Brabant Innovation Days.
What languages is the Brabant Innovation Day 2026 conducted in?
The event will be held in English and Japanese, with interpretation provided between the two languages.
Are there networking opportunities at the event?
Yes. The event includes networking drinks, offering opportunities to connect with fellow participants as well as keynote speakers. We also organise private meetings between Dutch knowledge institutions and Japanese companies.
Who can I contact with questions about the event?
Please contact BID@brabant.nl.
Downloads
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Brabant Innovation Day ’26 Japanese (new)
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Brabant Innovation Day ’26 English (new)
