The Dutch AI Congress 2026

Impact with AI, the Fair Tech way

Whether you’re looking to innovate, build applications, or shape policy, the Dutch AI Congress offered a clear picture of where the Netherlands stands on responsible AI and what’s needed to move forward. You had the chance to meet AI pioneers, discover new applications, and be inspired by cutting-edge keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and organizations at the innovation square.

The Dutch AI Congress 2026: Impact with AI, the Fair Tech way

About the conference

How can we strengthen the Netherlands’ position in AI within Europe? And what does it take to develop AI applications that create both social and economic value? That was the core of the theme “Impact with AI, the Fair Tech Way.” 

This theme was evident throughout the entire program. 

AIC4NL: "The government can work much more efficiently with AI and drive more investment"​

The Dutch government currently appears to be investing very little in the AI ecosystem, aside from a 200-million contribution to the AI factory in Groningen. That amount could increase, for example, if the government itself were to expand its use of artificial intelligence. What else is needed to ensure that investments in AI and digital sovereignty—or strategic autonomy—by companies and investment funds are further accelerated? You’ll hear Willem Jonker, chairman of the board at AIC4NL, and Rinke Zonneveld, CEO of Invest-NL, discuss this topic with Joe van Burik and Lucinda Sterk (who is replacing Ben van der Burg) in this episode of *De Grote Tech Show*, recorded in front of a live audience at the Dutch AI Congress in Utrecht.

Joe Burik and Lucinda Sterk from *De Grote Tech Show* and AIC4NL Chair Willem Jonker at a table with microphones and a sound system during the Dutch AI Congress.
The Dutch Congress 2026 AIC4NL | AI for the Netherlands

Haroon Sheikh: 'Bringing Together Tech Talent from Amsterdam and Brainport to Strengthen Our AI Position'

What is the ultimate goal of artificial intelligence? It is one of the most important questions we ask in the context of “AI Fair Tech.” But what exactly does this mean, and how does it affect our digital economy? We explore all these (philosophical) questions with philosopher Haroon Sheikh, who is also a distinguished professor at VU University Amsterdam and a senior researcher at the Scientific Council for Government Policy. You can hear it all in this new episode with Joe van Burik and Lucinda Sterk (who is replacing Ben van der Burg), recorded in front of a live audience at the Dutch AI Congress in Utrecht.

The program

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Walk-in

Field of activity: Defense

The NL AIC is a public-private partnership in which the government, the business community, educational and research institutions, and civil society organizations work together. The coalition aims to stimulate, support, and, where necessary, organize Dutch activities in AI. It wants to put the Netherlands at the forefront of knowledge and application of AI for prosperity and well-being, while respecting Dutch and European standards and values. The NL AIC functions as the catalyst for AI applications in our country.

From experiment to transition: AI as a structural force in the public sector

Development of a National AI Agenda for Agriculture, Food, and Nature

🇬🇧 European Grand Challenges for AI Innovation

From concept to practice: Agentic AI in healthcare, safe and responsible

The Great Tech Show: Live recordings and audience interaction

AI in Customs and Logistics: From Disparate Data to Smart, Shared Supply Chain Decisions

General purpose AI (GPAI) in practice: How can you use ChatGPT, Gemini, Le Chat, and Claude responsibly?  

🇬🇧 2026 AI Cup Final: Young AI Talent for Biodiversity

Field of activity: Defense

The NL AIC is a public-private partnership in which the government, the business community, educational and research institutions, and civil society organizations work together. The coalition aims to stimulate, support, and, where necessary, organize Dutch activities in AI. It wants to put the Netherlands at the forefront of knowledge and application of AI for prosperity and well-being, while respecting Dutch and European standards and values. The NL AIC functions as the catalyst for AI applications in our country.

From pilot to director: Human-Autonomy Teaming in aviation

AI from energy hub to electricity grid: from local flexibility to smart grid management

Access to the Dutch AI Factory (NLAIF)

AI impact in the technical industry – Fair tech for higher productivity

The Great Tech Show: Live recordings and audience interaction

AI in Education: Opportunities, Choices, and Limitations

AI is changing how we work — and requires a different approach to learning and organization.

Collaborating on AI startup scaling

Field of activity: Defense

The NL AIC is a public-private partnership in which the government, the business community, educational and research institutions, and civil society organizations work together. The coalition aims to stimulate, support, and, where necessary, organize Dutch activities in AI. It wants to put the Netherlands at the forefront of knowledge and application of AI for prosperity and well-being, while respecting Dutch and European standards and values. The NL AIC functions as the catalyst for AI applications in our country.

The innovation square: networking, discovering, and connecting

The Innovation Plaza was the place where you could look around, catch up , and get new ideas. Here, you could discover surprising AI applications and booths featuring students, startups, and organizations working on AI solutions that could be of great value to your work or organization. An accessible place to share knowledge, ask questions, and meet people who are making an impact with AI. 

The Dutch Congress 2026 AIC4NL | AI for the Netherlands

Which startups were featured at the Innovation Plaza?

Practical information

Tickets 

  • A regular ticket for The Dutch AI Congress costs €269, including VAT. 
  • Main contacts of paying members at AIC4NL have received codes for free tickets via email. 
  • Primary contacts for free members at AIC4NL have received discount codes via email. 
  • After registration, you will automatically receive an invoice for the payment via email. 
  • Paid tickets cannot be refunded. However, it is possible to change your session preferences or personal details. 
     

Access to the event 

  • During the week of the Dutch AI Congress, all registered participants will receive a QR code by email. This is everyone's personal admission ticket. Didn't receive an email? First check your spam folder or send an email to events@aic4nl.nl.
  • Having trouble checking in? Please visit the information desk, where they will be happy to assist you. 

Catering and dietary requirements  

  • During the Dutch AI Congress, there will be an extensive range of food options, including vegetarian and vegan options. You can indicate any dietary requirements or allergies when registering. There will be a specific pick-up point for this during the congress.
  • All food and beverages will have clear ingredient labels. 
  • Do you have any specific questions? The catering staff is ready to help you. 
     

Location details 

  • The conference will take place at DeFabrique in Utrecht. 
  • Address: Westkanaaldijk 7, 3542 DA Utrecht.

Parking 

  • The location has 700 free parking spaces. Professional parking attendants are on hand to ensure that parking runs smoothly. 
  • Do you drive an electric car? There are fourteen charging points available in the parking lot. 
     

Public transportation 

  • DeFabrique is easily accessible by public transport. It is about a 15-minute walk from Maarssen station. There are also free shuttle buses from this station. 
  • For both the walking route and the shuttle service, take the Kanaalzijde exit at the station. 
     

Accessibility 

  • Approximately half of the breakout sessions will take place on the first floor. All rooms are accessible by elevator, except for Kalvermelk 2A.
  • The presentations and panel discussions in the main hall will be interpreted live from Dutch into English.

Contact 

  • Do you have a question for the organization? Please contact us at events@aic4nl.nl. 
Two hands shaking each other in business environment

The Dutch AI Congress

Theme: Getting Started with AI