16 October 2025

Brainport, NTT DATA and Cisco Launch New Innovation Lab to Help Drive the Future of Dutch Manufacturing

• The Innovation Lab, called "Factory of the Future Experience Center," is designed to advance Industry 5.0 solutions in the Dutch manufacturing sector.
• It’s focused on the impact of cutting-edge technologies including private 5G, AI and edge computing.
• The initiative aims to strengthen the regional ecosystem and address the growing shortage of technical talent.

Eindhoven, Netherlands – October 16, 2025 - NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, together with Brainport Industries and Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking and security, today announced the launch of an innovation lab at Brainport Industries Campus (BIC), the heart of the Dutch manufacturing industry and high-tech region. The lab, that will be set up in the Factory of the Future Experience Center at BIC, aims to accelerate Industry 5.0 by combining private 5G, edge computing and AI-ready infrastructure to address real-world manufacturing challenges. 

By developing innovative solutions such as digital twin technology for real-time process optimization, advanced robotics for automated logistics and augmented reality (AR) training for workforce upskilling, the collaboration strengthens the link between technology, education and business. This initiative supports companies at BIC and aims to help address the growing shortage of technical talent by creating attractive careers in manufacturing. 

Where technology and expertise converge
Each partner contributes based on their area of expertise. Cisco delivers the technological foundation, including private 5G, edge computing and secure, AI-ready infrastructure. NTT DATA brings its strengths in AI, systems integration and smart manufacturing, shaping AI-driven applications in production processes. Brainport Industries facilitates the Factory of the Future Experience Center and serves as a host and ecosystem manager, connecting educational institutions and local businesses to foster open innovation. 

Accelerating innovation in the Netherlands
"Brainport stands for innovation, collaboration and developing the talent that shapes the future of the manufacturing industry. The Factory of the Future Experience Center, equipped with an NTT DATA Private 5G network based upon Cisco technologies, will powerfully strengthen our ecosystem," said John Blankendaal, Managing Director at Brainport Industries.

"With this innovation lab, we bring together technology, knowledge and talent to make the Brainport region’s manufacturing industry resilient and future-proof," commented Jeroen van Hamersveld, Managing Director Netherlands at NTT DATA. "Our goal is to make AI and automation tangible, achievable and available to everyone in the industry. By sharing global expertise through this local project, we will accelerate innovation in both the Brainport region and in the Netherlands as a whole."

Paul van der Weijden, Country Digital Acceleration Director at Cisco Netherlands added: “AI starts with a secure, reliable network. Only Cisco combines the power of advanced networking with integrated security, observability and collaboration, delivering the foundation needed to help accelerate AI adoption for countries and businesses alike. By connecting cutting-edge technology with education, Cisco and NTT DATA are helping build a strong, sustainable and resilient Dutch manufacturing industry.”

Empowering students, SMEs and start-ups
BIC is a leading international hub where over 50 high-tech manufacturing companies and three educational institutions collaborate on innovation, production and talent development. The new innovation lab intends to equip students with practical experience by enabling them to work directly with advanced technologies such as AI and private 5G networks, gain real-world insights and participate in industry-applied innovations. 

Local SMEs and start-ups will also benefit from access to cutting-edge technologies, shared facilities and the extensive expertise of technology partners, significantly lowering barriers to innovation. This enables creative solutions, such as drone- and AGV-driven logistics, augmented reality for training and digital twin applications, helping shape the "Factory of the Future."

About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world’s leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services.  Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 70 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D. 

Visit us at www.nttdata.com 

About Brainport Industries
Brainport Industries is the leading network of high-tech suppliers in the Netherlands. Based in the Brainport Eindhoven region, one of Europe's most innovative high-tech hubs, Brainport Industries brings together an ecosystem of some 125 companies and knowledge institutes. This network focuses on cooperation, knowledge sharing and innovation within the manufacturing supply chain. Brainport Industries supports high-tech suppliers with projects on the themes of (international) cooperation, sustainability, digitalisation & technology and human capital. Through joint programmes, Brainport Industries works to strengthen the competitive position of the Dutch high-tech sector internationally.

Read more at https://www.brainportindustries.com/en

About Brainport Industries Campus
Brainport Industries Campus is one of the high-tech and innovation campuses in Brainport Eindhoven. A breeding ground for the high-tech manufacturing industry, where the jobs of tomorrow are created. At BIC, entrepreneurship, top technology and education come together under one roof and innovations are developed for social challenges in the field of sustainability, mobility, energy and healthcare. The entire campus area is developing rapidly. The existing BIC 1 campus building is almost fully occupied, with around 2,000 jobs and more than 500 students every day. The next step is the realisation of BIC 2, which with 225,000 m2 is more than twice the size of BIC 1. And on the northern part of Brainport Industries Campus, the possible expansion of ASML is planned with thousands of jobs. With its total development, Brainport Industries Campus is crucial for the (future) earning capacity of the city, the Brainport region and the Netherlands. For more information, visit: https://www.brainportindustriescampus.com/

Media Contacts at NTT DATA

Iris Mulder
Iris.Mulder@nttdata.com

Lianne van Dijk & Stella Jansen
ntt@progresscommunications.eu