AI is advancing rapidly and its societal impact is immense. For the Netherlands, staying aligned with international developments while seizing opportunities is essential. In recent months, multiple stakeholders have put forward national AI strategy plans, but what role do academic start-ups play within them?

This symposium brings together investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academic support organisations to answer that question. You will gain a clear overview of the current Dutch AI strategy plans, hear about international AI developments, and learn how deeptech AI startups can capitalise on initiatives like the AI Factory. Investor perspectives on academic AI startups will also feature prominently.

Arjan van den Born, Director of ROM Utrecht Region and supervisor of the recent Invest-NL / ROM-NL report "AI Deep Dive", will present an overview of the Dutch plans. Max Welling, founder of CuspAI, UvA professor and winner of the Dutch AI Award 2026, will share his vision on building a company on the cusp of AI and science.

Following the presentations, a round-table discussion led by Techleap will dive into what the Netherlands and its universities can do better and where the most promising opportunities lie. The format is highly interactive, all participants are encouraged to contribute.

This event is for anyone interested or involved in Dutch AI startups, whether as an investor, entrepreneur, or working in policy and (academic) support organisations and incubators. Organised by TTT-AI together with AI House / Prosus, Amsterdam AI, LUMO Labs, AIC4NL, Techleap and ROM-NL.he symposium will be organized by TTT-AI together with AI House/ Prosus and Amsterdam AI. Among other partners joining are AIC4NL, Techleap, ROM-NL and LUMO Labs.

The full programme and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.