State visit Macron: intensifying collaboration between Brainport and Grenoble on semicon and photonics part of innovation pact

On April 11th and 12th, Amsterdam is the setting for the state visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron to the Netherlands. Relations between France and the Netherlands are becoming increasingly important in Europe, given the geopolitical tensions in the world, but also for addressing major societal issues such as climate change and energy transition. This is also the main message that the president wants to convey with this visit.

A message that we strongly endorse in Brainport Eindhoven. In fact; this region demonstrates the technological leadership required for the major challenges that France and the Netherlands are facing in Europe in terms of digitization and key technologies such as quantum technology and photonics, but also in the field of climate and energy.

Brainport has been investing in technologies related to energy transition for years. We combine broad knowledge in the field of electrochemical conversion and materials and production techniques. This makes the region strong in the development of new battery technologies and new energy carriers, such as hydrogen and metal powder, that can be used in a CO2-neutral manner. In Brainport Eindhoven, this knowledge is used to make the industry more sustainable, but also for sustainable, emission-free, smart and safe mobility solutions. Earlier this month, during a trade mission to the north of France, led by Minister Schreinemacher, these were the central themes and good contacts were made for more cooperation at all levels.

Brainport Eindhoven is watching the state visit of President Macron with great interest. It is about much more than just strengthening friendships. It is about finding joint solutions, sustainable earning capacity and growth through collaboration in Europe. On April 11th and 12th, there was and is a lot of attention for technology, innovation and industrial cooperation, among others during the official government consultations.

The signing of the French-Dutch innovationpact is a good starting point for joining forces for joint solutions, sustainable earning capacity and growth through collaboration in Europe. The Netherlands and France have agreed to further strengthen collaboration in the field of digitization, key technologies and making the industry more sustainable. Both countries are leading players in the field of semiconductors, the development and production of chips (machines) and innovations such as photonics. Brainport Eindhoven and the Grenoble region have therefore agreed to collaborate more and exchange knowledge. One of the follow-up actions is an inbound mission in the semicon (semiconductor) supply chain from Grenoble to Brainport Eindhoven at the end of 2023.

In Brainport Eindhoven we are already raising the French flag, anticipating the relations that will arise from this State visit and as an invitation to President Macron to get to know this particularly innovative part of the Netherlands: Brainport Eindhoven, the home of pioneers.