The fifth edition of the Brabant Innovation Days took place at the Okura Tokyo hotel in November 2024. Now firmly established as an important fixture in the global innovation landscape, the event – hosted by the Province of Brabant, a European leader in deep tech and advanced manufacturing – brings together startups, research institutions, corporates, and policymakers to explore breakthrough technologies addressing shared global challenges.
Accelerating tomorrow’s technologies today
The 2024 theme highlighted AI, flexible electronics, and integrated photonics – areas where Brabant is at the forefront. Discussions focused on real-world applications in sectors like sustainable electronics, medtech, and telecommunications.
The event also emphasised two key enablers of tech-driven progress: open innovation and talent attraction. These reflect Brabant’s holistic view of innovation – one that values not only cutting-edge technologies, but also the people and partnerships that make them possible.
Strengthening Japan–Netherlands innovation ties
With around 130 participants, the event marked a record turnout, reinforcing the deepening collaboration between Japan and the Netherlands. Brabant’s longstanding ties with Japan – home to more than 80 Japanese companies operating in the region – were solidified through new commitments and shared ambitions.
Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, Vice-Governor of Noord-Brabant, emphasised the shared ethos between the regions: long-term thinking, technological excellence, and a belief in innovation that benefits society. A highlight was the signing of an agreement between Yamagata University and TNO Holst Centre, laying the foundation for future R&D cooperation.
The triple helix in action
Brabant’s innovation model – built on close collaboration between government, academia, and industry – was on full display. As Daan de Cloe of BOM noted, this triple helix approach underpins the region’s success in driving open innovation, while also ensuring IP protection and strategic alignment. Notably, companies based in Brabant account for over half of all Dutch patent filings.
Sustainable electronics: Innovation with impact
A standout session led by Ton van Mol, Director of TNO Holst Centre, showcased advances in sustainable electronics. He demonstrated how emerging technologies such as plastic foil substrates and laser transfer processes can outperform traditional PCBs and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.
Other innovations featured included:
- AIKON Health: Wearable sensors enabling remote monitoring for heart failure patients
- TracXon: Scalable printed electronics helping address the global e-waste crisis
- Onera Health: AI-powered sleep diagnostics integrating printed electronics and semiconductors
Integrated photonics: The backbone of the AI era
The afternoon was dedicated to integrated photonics, a field where Brabant leads on both ecosystem development and technology deployment.
Eelko Brinkhoff, CEO of PhotonDelta, shared how the ecosystem secured €1.1 billion in funding and backed 10 photonics startups in 2024 alone – on track to grow from 800 to 5,000 employees by 2030.
Major updates included:
- A new EU pilot line with €130 million in funding, landing in Eindhoven and Enschede
- PITC’s plans to boost testing capacity tenfold, accelerating industrial readiness
- TU Eindhoven’s roadmap for 3D integration of Indium Phosphide on Silicon, paving the way for next-gen photonic chips
- SMART Photonics achieving ISO 9001 certification – an important step toward becoming a world-class foundry
- Japanese firm Dexerials highlighting the advantages of working within High Tech Campus Eindhoven’s open innovation ecosystem
Growing the global talent pipeline
A key panel led by Helen Kardan (TNO) tackled the high-stakes challenge of talent attraction in deep tech. Discussions included:
- The success of PhotonJobs and tech hackathons in connecting talent and industry
- TU Eindhoven’s curriculum integration of photonics and optics at the undergraduate level
- The critical role of vocational education and international diversity in sustaining Brabant’s innovation workforce
Next stop: Osaka Expo 2025
The day closed with live demos and informal networking, facilitating deep engagement between Dutch knowledge institutions and Japanese companies.
Eric van Kooij, Counsellor for Science, Technology & Innovation at the Dutch Embassy in Tokyo, unveiled plans for the Netherlands’ participation in the Osaka World Expo 2025 – a major platform to showcase Brabant’s innovation to an audience of more than 28 million visitors.
A shared vision, realised
BID Tokyo 2024 was more than an event – it was a clear demonstration of how Brabant’s collaborative, cross-border approach can unlock global impact. As the province continues to lead in developing tomorrow’s technologies, it remains committed to building ecosystems where innovation thrives and serves humanity.