The Netherlands is allocating over €13 million to four projects involving 37 small and medium-sized enterprises, research organizations, and government bodies, with three focused on artificial intelligence (AI).
One project aims to utilize AI and virtual/augmented reality to improve digital services for individuals with visual or hearing impairments. Another project seeks to implement AI on a large scale in manufacturing processes within the high-tech industry, a sector where the Netherlands has a historical strength.
AI is also expected to revolutionize port operations, enhancing processes such as docking, unloading, maintenance, and refueling of ships. The technology will help identify sustainable fuel availability and electricity grid capacity, supporting the goal of CO2-neutral European ports by 2050.
The funding is part of the Perspectief program by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), which encourages collaboration between researchers, businesses, and government for societal challenges and key technologies like AI. The participants are contributing an additional €6 million to these initiatives.