The future of science is evolving, and academia is expanding beyond education and research to emphasize valorization, innovation, and impact. How can science meaningfully collaborate with public and private organizations to address pressing societal challenges?

National Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence

The National Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) has a mission to keep the Netherlands at the forefront of AI knowledge and talent development. By bringing together knowledge institutions, companies, governments, and non-profits, and leveraging their strengths, the Netherlands holds a strong position in this field. To maximize these strengths, ICAI adopted a successful hubs-and-spokes model, establishing multiple hubs across the country that connect with various regions. Labs are founded on local strengths, which ICAI supports and enhances on a national level.

Research Centre for Longevity Risk

The Research Centre for Longevity Risk (RCLR) is an initiative of the Amsterdam School of Economics and the NN Group. Their collaboration in the RCLR enables both parties to gain a better understanding of the financial and social consequences of longer lifespans and contribute to the public debate by raising people’s awareness. Working together with a private organization ensures that the new centre’s research can focus both on scientific results and on the socially relevant application of new knowledge.

Benefits of university-corporate partnerships

In this session, Esther Smit, Business Director at ICAI, will discuss ICAI Labs' collaborative efforts and their role in driving innovation. Torsten Kleinow, from the Research Centre for Longevity Risk, will share insights on the benefits of university-corporate partnerships, demonstrating how these collaborations advance impactful, real-world scientific research.