Amsterdam, Netherlands – January 19, 2026 — Amsterdam’s NEMO Science Museum stands as a vibrant hub for discovery, blending interactive exhibits with forward-thinking initiatives that inspire innovation across the Netherlands. On 26 January 2026, this iconic institution will host a pivotal gathering where representatives from business, academia, and government present ten action agendas central to the National Technology Strategy. Minister of Economic Affairs, Liesje Karremans, will receive these agendas during a dedicated event, marking a significant step towards collaborative progress in key technologies.

Situated dramatically atop an underwater tunnel entrance in the city’s bustling Oosterdok area, NEMO has long championed accessible science since its opening in 1997. Its copper-clad facade gleams against the waterfront, reflecting Amsterdam’s dynamic energy while symbolising enduring technological resilience. Annually welcoming over 700,000 visitors, the museum’s five floors offer hands-on exploration of themes from atomic phenomena to future-oriented sustainability. This event transforms NEMO into a strategic nexus, aligning its educational mission with national ambitions for technological advancement.

The private programme, running from 13:00 to 18:00 at NEMO’s Oosterdok 2 location, fosters dialogue among stakeholders invested in the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Key Enabling Technologies. Organised under the banner “Action Agendas for the National Technology Strategy – Innovation in Action for Our Future,” the afternoon features insights from prominent voices. Techleap.nl, regional development companies, and Invest-NL will discuss transitioning from strategy to tangible implementation, emphasising practical pathways for growth. Contributions from ChemistryNL, Digital Holland, Health~Holland, and Holland High Tech will underscore the agendas’ role in uniting sectors for shared prosperity.

These ten agendas represent a comprehensive framework, addressing vital areas such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy systems, digital infrastructure, and health innovations. By prioritising collaboration, they aim to harness collective expertise, driving efficiencies and breakthroughs that benefit communities nationwide. NEMO’s selection as venue amplifies this synergy; its Technium floor, dedicated to unravelling everyday technologies, mirrors the agendas’ focus on real-world applications. Visitors there experiment with bicycle mechanics, sustainable production methods, and energy mixing simulations, gaining insights into the very principles these national plans seek to scale.

NEMO’s rooftop square further embodies this spirit, with installations harnessing wind, sunlight, and water to demonstrate renewable potential. Such features not only educate but also prototype solutions echoed in the agendas, from circular economies to smart urban systems. The museum’s collection of 20,000 objects—from historic generators to lab-grown prototypes—chronicles technology’s transformative impact on daily life, providing a rich backdrop for the event’s forward-looking discussions. A networking reception will cap the day, enabling connections that propel these initiatives into action.

This gathering builds on NEMO’s legacy of bridging theory and practice. Past collaborations, like the CATALYST project, have sparked community dialogues on smart city technologies through art and workshops, involving residents alongside experts. Such efforts highlight NEMO’s knack for inclusive engagement, ensuring innovations resonate with diverse audiences. Minister Karremans’ involvement signals strong governmental commitment, positioning the agendas as catalysts for economic vitality and societal well-being.

Looking ahead, these agendas promise enhanced competitiveness through targeted investments in research and development. They encourage ecosystems where businesses innovate alongside knowledge institutions, yielding advancements in biotechnology, clean energy, and connected infrastructures. For Amsterdam, a city synonymous with progressive urban living, the event reinforces its stature as a beacon for technological harmony. NEMO’s role extends beyond hosting; its laboratories and maker spaces equip the next generation with skills to contribute meaningfully.

Participants anticipate outcomes that streamline funding, accelerate prototypes, and expand educational outreach. By embedding public inspiration at the core—much like NEMO’s interactive ethos—the strategy fosters widespread participation in technological evolution. Families exploring the museum’s Fenomena floor, where scientific principles come alive through chain reactions and experiments, exemplify the inclusive mindset driving this national endeavour.

As the Netherlands navigates global challenges, events like this at NEMO illuminate a path of constructive partnership. The action agendas equip sectors with clear roadmaps, promoting resilience and ingenuity. With Minister Karremans at the helm, the 26 January milestone heralds an era of unified progress, where science and technology uplift communities and secure a thriving future for all.

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Image Credit: Photo by liammcgarry on Unsplash