The Dutch AI & Data Science Landscape

AI and Data Science significantly contribute to the Netherlands' economic growth, attracting global investors, startups, and skilled talent. Berkay Yavuz, founder of Adsby—a SaaS platform for AI-powered digital marketing—highlights the advantages of being based in the nation: “Being in the Netherlands gives me access to Europe and from Europe, access to the world. This convenience is invaluable for a company like mine.” His relocation from Turkey underscores the country’s appeal for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking stability and access to European markets.

AI and Data Science use intelligent systems and algorithms to analyse complex data, driving innovation in healthcare, finance, logistics, and sustainability. In the Netherlands, they address global challenges like climate change and enhance competitiveness, contributing to sustainable economic growth. Aligned with the Dutch National Technology Strategy (NTS), AI technologies enhance global competitiveness while contributing to sustainable economic growth.

“AI is like the best sidekick I’ve ever had. It doesn’t replace me, but it enables me to work 200% by handling repetitive tasks and data-heavy processes, giving me more time for creativity and strategy.”

Berkay Yavuz, Founder, Adsby

Initiatives like the Breaking Barrier program, previously established by AiNed and now part of AIC4NL, aim to promote responsible AI development and support innovation by helping promising startups scale. This is achieved through services provided by selected partnerships within AIC4NL.

Reports predict that the Dutch Data & AI services market will exceed €10 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8%. The rising adoption of big data analytics and AI solutions among Dutch enterprises fuels this growth.

Revenue growth, AI market in the Netherlands is expanding at an annual rate of over 20%. A report by Implement Consulting Group predicts that AI could add up to €85 billion to the Dutch economy over the next 10 years. Jobs in AI-exposed sectors such as IT and financial services are experiencing rapid growth due to high demand.

The key sectors driving growth include: healthcare is utilising AI for predictive diagnostics and patient management. Agriculture is employing precision farming techniques. Whereas logistics is focusing on autonomous systems to optimise supply chains.

For the productivity and economic impact AI adoption has already increased productivity in the Netherlands by approximately 15%, contributing €45 billion annually to GDP. Automation and data-driven solutions in manufacturing will further enhance efficiency.

The Dutch AI landscape features a mix of startups, scale-ups, and established enterprises. Philips AI a leading healthcare technology innovations. Booking.com is leveraging data science for customer experience optimization. ASML is Innovating AI applications for semiconductor manufacturing. ING is enhancing digital banking through advanced fraud detection and predictive analytics.

These organizations invest heavily in research and development while competing globally, solidifying the Netherlands’ position on the international AI map. However, Esther stresses that these large tech companies do not solely dominate the region’s AI sector; smaller companies, startups, and non-tech sectors like fintech, energy, and healthcare contribute significantly.

“You have to track trends and newsletters, and stay informed about what big players are doing. In AI and data science, knowledge is still fresh and evolving quickly, so staying up-to-date is essential.”

Berkay Yavuz, Founder Adsby

The Netherlands AI Coalition (NL AIC) promotes promising Dutch startups internationally. These young companies are vital for economic growth and job creation as they invest in research and translate findings into innovative products. Initiatives like the Breaking Barriers program aim to eliminate obstacles to AI implementation and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

The NL AI Coalition has built an ecosystem in several sectors. You can easily apply to become a member of the coalition to join the specific groups, whether it is the startup-scaleup group or more sector-specific.

Berkay states that AI’s role is shifting from mere automation to being a valuable partner in creative and strategic processes, further dispelling the myth that AI will take over all jobs. The Netherlands is at the forefront of technological advancements in AI and data science:

Machine Learning & Deep Learning, driving innovations across multiple industries.

Natural Language Processing (NLP), enhancing human-computer interaction.

Autonomous Systems & Quantum Computing, pushing boundaries of innovation.

Institutions like TU Delft and the University of Amsterdam collaborate with tech hubs such as Eindhoven Brainport to ensure global competitiveness. Emerging technologies include:

Edge Computing, enabling faster data processing near sources for applications in autonomous vehicles.

AI in Cybersecurity, enhancing threat detection to safeguard data privacy.

Sustainable AI Applications, aligning with sustainability goals through energy-efficient models.

AI-Powered Robotics, is transforming industries like agriculture and logistics.

The Dutch government enforces policies for ethical practices and data privacy in AI. The NL AIC fosters collaboration among academia, businesses, and policymakers, ensuring compliance with the European AI Act and strengthening GDPR data privacy.

“With the new EU AI Act, there will be a lot to do on the edge of tech and non-tech, translating implications into actionable strategies for companies.”

Esther Smit, Business Director, ICAI 

Policies such as Open Data Initiatives encourage innovation through public data access. Additionally, regulatory sandboxes enable controlled experimentation with new technologies.

The Netherlands is a leading AI investment hub and consistently ranks among the top countries in Europe for AI investment growth. Venture capitalists invested $3.5 billion in Dutch startups in 2024, almost $1.1 billion more than in 2023. All institutions in the region foster innovation and academia-industry collaboration.

“The government clearly sees the need for investment in AI startups. Programs like the MIT-regeling or the Innovation credit of RVO are a step in the right direction, aimed at scaling up promising startups and bridging the investment gap.”

Miriam Veronesi, Senior Innovation Orchestrator TNO, Chair Startups and Scaleups NL AI Coalition

The country is a dynamic AI and Data Science hub, combining robust market growth, innovative technological advancements, and strong regulatory frameworks. With significant contributions to GDP, the Dutch ecosystem successfully balances ethical AI development with economic growth, supported by collaborative initiatives between government, academia, and industry leaders.