New knowledge and networking event Tech Event NoordNL strengthens innovation and knowledge sharing in the northern Dutch technical sector

With approximately 2,000 manufacturing companies and suppliers, the Northern Netherlands technical industry has everything it needs to achieve strong economic growth and contribute to the national ecosystem. Cooperation, innovation and knowledge sharing are essential. Therefore Mikrocentrum organizes the Tech Event NoordNL together with an initiative group consisting of seven Northern Dutch organizations. This will be the connecting event where cooperation and innovation between companies, partners and education in the North Dutch technical industry is stimulated. The event will take place on June 17, 2025 in the Bonte Wever, Assen.

Increase visibility for technical Northern Netherlands

The high-tech and manufacturing companies in Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen work on impactful technical solutions and innovations every day. Although these companies are not always well known or visible, there are countless examples of their contributions to the development of solutions to new technological challenges. To make this region stronger and future-proof, visibility, cooperation and knowledge sharing are crucial. With the Tech Event NoordNL, cooperating parties from business, education, government and industry associations want to give this an extra impulse.

Indeed, collaborations between companies and organizations are key to growth and innovation. The event provides a platform to make these connections and position the region as a key player in the national tech ecosystem."
Timo van Leent, Manager of Events Department at Mikrocentrum

The initiative group

The initiative group behind the Tech Event NoordNL consists of leading parties working together to strengthen the northern Dutch technical industry:

• Demcon, high-tech company
• STT Products, high-tech machine builder
• FME, business association for the technology industry
• Koninklijke Metaalunie, trade association for SMEs in metal technology
• Northern Development Company (NOM)
• NPAL, industrial knowledge community
• Innovation cluster Drachten (ICD).
• Mikrocentrum, platform organization for the high-tech and manufacturing industry

Growth toward a prominent role in ecosystem

The Tech Event NoordNL aims to strengthen the northern Dutch, technical industry as an ecosystem. Important goals here are to strengthen the visibility at (national level) both of the region and individual companies. But also promoting knowledge sharing around (new) technological developments relevant to the region.

"Industry companies, governments and educational institutions often do not know each other enough. That is a missed opportunity," said Timo van Leent, Manager of Events Department at Mikrocentrum. "After all, collaborations between these companies and organizations are the key to growth and innovation. The event provides a platform to make these connections and position the region as an important player in the national technical ecosystem."

Innovative nature

Lars de Groot, Managing Director at Demcon Industrial Systems Groningen is excited about the upcoming event. He says: "Technology is developing at lightning speed, partly thanks to innovations in the field of data-driven work and autonomous (factory) systems. This opens the door to solutions that were unthinkable just a few years ago. These innovations make it possible to bring new products to market and allow companies to produce more efficiently, predictably and flexibly. Tech Event NoordNL is the event in the North where these groundbreaking solutions are presented. It is the place where professionals come together to exchange ideas, gain inspiration and take steps to accelerate further."

A comprehensive knowledge and networking event

During the Tech Event NoordNL, companies and innovations from the Northern Netherlands industry are put in the spotlight. The day offers a dynamic expo, numerous networking activities and a content-rich conference program.

The Tech Event NoordNL offers a unique opportunity to bring together companies, knowledge institutions and talents, strengthening innovation and cooperation in the region," said Menno Kooistra, director and owner of STT Products. "The added value lies in creating a platform where cutting-edge technology and regional expertise meet to increase competitiveness."

Sign up for your free visit

The Tech Event NoordNL is the connecting event for the Northern Dutch technical industry. You visit this knowledge and networking event completely free of charge.