With a strong Dutch pavilion, valuable international meetings, and strategic discussions about pilot lines and collaboration, the Netherlands visibly positioned itself as a leading player in the global semiconductor supply chain during Semicon Europe 2025. This year, Semicon Europe was organized in conjunction with Productronica, ensuring broad representation of suppliers, packaging specialists, and testing companies. The Dutch presence had a significant impact, for both industry and SMEs
Strong Dutch pavilion showcases the entire value chain
The Dutch pavilion, organized by industry partner High Tech NL in Hall B1, was a real eye-catcher. The transparent design, excellent location, and strong branding attracted many international visitors. Participating companies indicated that they had valuable discussions and gained significant visibility. For many parties, Semicon Europe has now become a regular annual event, a clear sign that the formula is working.
The Netherlands is one of the few countries in the world with a fully integrated semiconductor value chain. This makes the Netherlands uniquely positioned as a high-tech gateway to Europe. This was also reflected in the presentation at the Dutch pavilion, which included:
- Chip design and architecture
- Manufacturing equipment and metrology
- Advanced packaging & heterogeneous integration
- Test, assembly & high-end engineering
- Supply of materials, parts, and precision components
Click here for all participants.
Ambassador's visit and discussions with semiconductor leaders
On Wednesday, Ambassador Hester Somsen paid an official visit to the Dutch pavilion. Together with Eric-Mark Huitema (CEO), Tom van der Dussen (program manager, both from High Tech NL), and our Managing Director Leo Warmerdam, she visited various companies at the booth, including:
These companies, along with all the other participants at the booth, symbolize the innovative power: high-end equipment, deep-tech expertise, and precision technology essential to the global semiconductor industry.
This was followed by a discussion with Frank Boesenberg, CEO of Silicon Saxony. The conversation focused primarily on the geopolitical pressure on the semiconductor supply chain, a topic of great concern to both Germany and the Netherlands. The shared sense of urgency was clear.
The visit concluded at Trymax, where CEO Leo Meijer explained the company's ambitions. Trymax aims to transition from fast follower to technological market leader, partly through the acquisition of new technology. This trend is expected to take further shape in 2026.
Fraunhofer: Pilot Lines, collaboration, and European strategic autonomy
A key moment during Semicon Europe was the meeting with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The key topics were:
- The Dutch approach through the National Technology Strategy (NTS).
- Collaboration through action agendas for the NTS and the triple helix.
- The High Tech Agenda Germany.
- The construction and setup of the new APECS pilot line for advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration.
- The role of SMEs within European pilot lines.
Conclusion: The Netherlands is firmly positioned in the European semiconductor future
Semicon Europe 2025 demonstrates that the Netherlands:
- Is growing strongly as a semiconductor ecosystem.
- Is deepening its strategic international connections.
- Is proactively working on pilot lines and European collaboration.
- Offers SMEs ample opportunities within the next generation of chip technologies.
With a powerful pavilion, new connections, and clear next steps, the Netherlands is working towards an even stronger foundation within the global semiconductor industry.
