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Accelerating innovation in the field of deep tech is essential to keep European societies safe, resilient, open, and competitive. That was the key message from European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen (Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy) last Friday at the launch of two new Technology Collaboration Labs focused on AI and quantum technology in Delft.
“Quantum, AI, and other deep techs have become important to our wellbeing, our security, and our democracy — and are a key factor for competitiveness and growth,” said the Commissioner in a video message addressed to the audience gathered in the Aula of TU Delft. “However we still import way too much technology in Europe, while other regions are investing heavily in their own capacity.”
Closing the innovation gap
“We must close our innovation gap to make sure we keep our strategic interests, ensure our autonomy, and avoid technological co-dependency,” Virkkunen continued. The establishment of the Technology Collaboration Labs comes at a decisive moment. “Europe must position itself to the front in the race for global leadership in deep tech.”
The Technology Collaboration Labs were first announced last November at the World Future Forum in Lisbon, attended by TU Delft Rector Magnificus and President of the Executive Board Tim van der Hagen. These labs unite leading researchers and industrial partners to accelerate innovation in breakthrough technologies such as AI, quantum computing, space technology, and clean tech — and to ensure access to funding.
Friday’s event marked the official launch of the first two labs (see box). “Deep tech has the potential to reshape the human condition,” said Roland Strauss, initiator of the World Forum. “The Technology Collaboration Labs enable Europe not just to compete, but to lead in a sustainable way.”
Responsible deep tech
Deep tech will impact all aspects of our lives and society. That is why Europe must lead in its development, Van der Hagen stressed in his address on Friday — not only for reasons of strategic autonomy, security, and economic growth.
“We believe that if we take the lead in Europe, we can ensure deep tech is developed responsibly and in line with our values and ethical principles. In other words, that we innovate for the common good,” said the Rector Magnificus.
Europe has a strong record in scientific research in deep tech, but innovation is progressing more slowly here than in other regions of the world. This is not only due to lower levels of private investment, but also due to the European mindset, as became clear during a panel discussion in which Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy of Techleap, also participated.
AI in Healthcare Lab and Quantum Policy Lab
TU Delft is taking a leading role in the establishment of the first two labs: the AI in Healthcare Lab and the Quantum Policy Lab. Delft has much to offer when it comes to these topics. For instance, 30 percent of research conducted in Delft is related to healthcare, and there is close collaboration with doctors, nurses, and patients. There is still a knowledge gap when it comes to the ethical, social, and legal implications. This is one of the key challenges the AI in Healthcare Lab will address.
The innovation ecosystem around quantum technology is centred at QuTech. Delft has played a leading role in, among others, the Quantum Internet Alliance, a European partnership building the first full-stack quantum internet prototype network. Surrounding this are many policy-related issues, for which the Quantum Policy Lab is working to develop solutions.
Ambition to win
“The ambition to win,” Constantijn replied when asked what he saw as the main reason behind Europe’s lagging investments. “Which will drive the will to finance.” “In Europe, we enjoy talking about the process — other countries focus on winning.”
According to Stéphane Ouaki, Director at the European Innovation Council, the financing issue lies mainly with companies that have moved beyond the early stage and need to scale. These businesses struggle to secure sufficient private capital, he said during the discussion. The pipeline is full of promising companies, but new financing instruments are needed to help them break through. This particularly means attracting capital from institutional investors, pension funds, and insurers.
“We need to support these companies as they grow,” said Ouaki. “At the end of the day, money talks. And if we cannot generate significant amounts to support the growth of these technologies, we will inevitably fall behind.”
AI gigafactories
Roberto Viola, Director-General of DG Connect, acknowledged during the panel that Europe must step up, and that major investments are needed — including in infrastructure such as the construction of so-called AI gigafactories.
At the same time, Europe remains at the heart of scientific breakthroughs. Viola pointed out that mRNA technology, used in COVID-19 vaccines, was developed in Europe. “We don’t want to lose that position.” The two new labs are therefore crucial. “Both contribute to what we aim to achieve.”
