Faster MRI scans, more accurate radar, more efficient self-driving cars, and even wireless communication: we owe it all to radio frequency (RF) systems. With support from the National Growth Fund, the high-tech project POLARIS is working on the next generation of RF systems with the aim of strengthening the Netherlands' technological and economic position.
What are RF systems?
POLARIS (Pathway towards Opportunities for Large-scale Applications of Radically Integrated Systems) focuses on RF innovations in MRI, radar, and telecommunications. RF systems are all around us (think televisions, radar systems, mobile phones, and medical equipment) and use electromagnetic radio waves to transmit information. POLARIS aims to make these RF systems more powerful so they can operate more precisely and over longer distances.
Many social applications
POLARIS technology has many potential societal applications. Consider MRI scans, which will be faster in the future thanks to this technology, allowing doctors to see more. Furthermore, the POLARIS program will also ensure that the Netherlands gains a strong position in telecommunications, such as 6G. Developing better radar technology also benefits national security.
Expanding the strong position of high-tech sectors
POLARIS stimulates growth in leading high-tech sectors, where the Netherlands already ranks among the top three globally. The project ensures that the various ecosystems within these sectors collaborate effectively. The POLARIS consortium comprises a mix of knowledge institutions, SMEs, and major players such as Philips and Thales. Thanks to these companies, the Netherlands is already a leader in RF systems.
Human capital
POLARIS places a strong emphasis on human capital by training a new generation of experts. Support from the National Growth Fund allows PhD candidates to be paid to conduct research on a specific topic for up to five years. This financial support allows many people to work on this project for extended periods, enabling POLARIS to make a real impact. Not only through articles and research, but also by developing model systems.
Long-term application-oriented research
With €168 million, POLARIS is one of the largest research programs in the Netherlands. The funding comes partly from the National Growth Fund and enables POLARIS to conduct long-term, application-oriented research. What should these future systems look like? What materials will be used? Which parties can collaborate on this? The project will find answers to these questions in the coming years.
The article above is a summary of the National Growth Fund interview with Frank Biemans (POLARIS Program Director). Read the full interview on the National Growth Fund website:
