Join academic, industrial and clinical partners in developing public‑private consortia for the Optical System and Integrated Photonics (OSIP) NTS Action Agenda on the sectors of Medical Technologies and Agri-food. The workshop focus on shaping collaborations around photonics‑based technologies in these sectors and exploring opportunities for a kick start funding of the action agenda OSIP ( €10M max) as well as various other subsidy instruments such as an NWO Perspective (max. €5M funding per project).

Who Should Attend?

Researchers from academic institutes, applied research institutes and private organisations; Academic hospitals; 

Companies in the Medtech, agri-food, optical systems and integrated photonics ecosystem

Start‑ups and scale‑ups in the OSIP dpmain

Regional development agencies (ROM)

Clinicians, technology- and system integrators

👉 Register below to participate and stay informed about programme updates.

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 18:00
📍 Location: Oost‑NL Apeldoorn
🏠 Address: Laan van Malkenschoten 40, 7333 NP Apeldoorn

This session includes lunch, breakout discussions, and an open space for deeper dives and networking. Online participation os not possible.

Sufficiant parking is available.

We look forward to your participation!

 

12:00	Arrival with walk in lunch
13:00–13:30	Welcome & presentations
	• ROM • NTS
13:30–14:30	Breakout sessions in chosen sectors
14:30 -15.00	Speed‑dating sessions
	• 3 × 10 minutes
15:00–15:40	Open Space & networking
	Deep dive into short & medium term funding opportunities
	• 2 × 20 minutes
15:40 - 16:00	Speed‑dating sessions
	• 2 × 10 minutes
16:00 - 17:00	Closing & drinks
	• Summary by moderators • Questions from the group • Next steps • Thank‑you • Drinks

Moderators: 

Optics Netherlands, PhotonicsNL, Wederic, ROM

Experts: 

Medical: Johannes de Boer (VU), Michiel Oderwald (TNO), Arjen Amelink (TNO), 

Agri-Food: Erik Pekkeriet (WUR), 

The programme aims to position the Netherlands as a global leader in optical and photonic diagnostic solutions that are faster, more accurate, and more patient‑friendly.

Five thematic sessions will guide consortium formation:

1. Combined OCT + fluorescence imaging
2. Portable optical wearables for non‑invasive monitoring
3. Advanced retinal imaging for early detection of eye and systemic diseases
4. Integrated photonics ultrasonic transducers (IPUTs) with higher resolution and penetration
5. Point‑of‑care biosensor platforms on photonic chips

Key objectives:

Addressing healthcare system pressure, ageing populations, and staff shortages
Crossing the TRL 3–6 development gap
Clinical validation through UMC living labs
MDR/IVDR integration early in development
Strengthening the Dutch medtech innovation ecosystem and export position

This Programme focuses on making agriculture and food production smarter, more sustainable and scalable with OSIP sensors and light technology.

For example, hyperspectral, NIR and SWIR sensors are being developed for real-time monitoring of crops, soil and water, which can be used on machines, drones and satellites. In addition, photonic emission sensors are being developed, including for nitrogen, methane and ammonia, to enable more targeted monitoring and control of environmental impact and biodiversity.

For applications in food processing, miniaturised Raman and laser speckle sensors are being developed for inline quality control. In parallel, dynamic lighting strategies are being developed that contribute to improving plant growth and animal welfare, with lower use of energy, pesticides and antibiotics.

The programme consists of four public-private partnership lines, which are being brought from lab prototypes to pilots at growers and food processors through a phased approach. These processes are linked to AI analysis and testing grounds. The expected impact lies in higher yields and (product) quality, less waste, a lower ecological footprint and the preservation of Dutch export leadership in high-tech agri-food.