By participating in six of the eighteen prestigious Dutch 'Groeifondsen', the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) has strengthened its commitment to a sustainable and responsibly digital future. With these funds, the Netherlands' positions in sectors such as 6G technology, complex microelectronic communications systems, battery technology, and sustainable solar panel production will be consolidated, spearheading the development in these critical areas.
The funded projects that EEMCS is participating in are '6G Future Systems', 'Circularly Integrated High-Efficiency Solar Panels', 'Polaris', 'Material Independence & Circular Batteries', ‘Creative Industries Immersive Impact Coalition’, and ‘Maritiem Masterplan 2.0’. These initiatives form the crux of the faculty’s strategy to urgently tackle the energy transition and continue improving our increasingly digital society.
“The excitement and pride I feel regarding our substantial involvement in these transformative Growth Funds is immense”, reflects dean Lucas van Vliet. “We are playing an instrumental role in driving the digital revolution with future communication technologies, as well as taking another gigantic step in the transition towards a sustainable future. This not only underscores our commitment to innovation but hopefully also reaffirms our reputation as a team player in shaping the future of technology and sustainability.“
In the '6G Future Systems' project, and in alignment with the Future Network Services (FNS) program, EEMCS is set to contribute to the foundational technology of 6G, a pivotal development for the upcoming generation of mobile technology. This strategy aims to place the Netherlands at the forefront of this digital revolution, paving the way for smart networks and leading applications that will augment our society and strengthen our digital autonomy.
Simultaneously, the 'Polaris' fund aims to expedite breakthroughs in complex microelectronic systems, essential for applications such as MRI, radar, and telecommunications. The POLARIS initiative aims to take the lead in innovating Radio Frequency (RF) technologies, thereby solidifying Netherlands' economic leadership and strategic autonomy in this crucial sphere.
The 'Circularly Integrated High-Efficiency Solar Panels' project, also known as SolarNL, marks another major stride towards the energy transition and a circular economy. This effort focuses on the development of next-generation, fully circular solar panels, further advancing the use of renewable energy and reducing the impact of climate change.
The 'Material Independence & Circular Batteries' project underlines the critical importance of battery technology in energy transition. The project aims to create a robust Dutch presence in the global battery chain, with sustainability and circularity at its core. By lessening dependence on international raw material suppliers and fostering local battery technology development, this initiative envisions a self-sufficient battery recycling and manufacturing industry within the Netherlands.
Finally, ‘Creative Industries Immersive Impact Coalition’ aims to bolster Dutch innovations in Immersive Experiences (IX) digital revolution, technologies that will reshape our everyday lives. By addressing existing challenges, including a fragmented ecosystem, the project hopes to boost the production of IX content. In a related initiative, the ‘Maritiem Masterplan 2.0’ is focusing on the development of reliable, climate-neutral ships, aiming to accelerate maritime energy transition.