Kick-off of the MICB Programme Accelerates Growth of the Dutch Battery Ecosystem
Public and private partners are launching 22 projects within the National Growth Fund programme to accelerate innovation, industrialisation and knowledge development across the Dutch battery value chain. The Netherlands is taking an important step in strengthening its emerging battery industry. During the kick-off of the National Growth Fund programme Material Independence & Circular Batteries (MICB), held on 3 March 2026 at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, companies, knowledge institutions, government bodies and regional partners came together to mark the start of 22 projects across the Dutch battery chain.
Batteries play a key role in the energy transition, the electrification of mobility and the stability of the energy system. At the same time, the strategic importance of battery technology for industrial development and economic resilience is increasing worldwide. Through the MICB programme, the Netherlands is making targeted investments in innovation, industrialisation and knowledge development within the battery value chain.
Accelerating Ecosystem Growth
The plenary session opened with remarks by Stephanie Riffo (BCC-NL), followed by a joint keynote from Arnout Mijs (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) and Mustafa Amhaouch (Director, BCC-NL).
The event highlighted that battery technology is not only a key technology for the energy transition but also presents new economic opportunities for Dutch industry.
“Battery technology is a crucial technology for the energy transition and the future of our industry. By connecting our knowledge base, innovation power and industrial strengths, the Netherlands can make a significant contribution to the European battery value chain,” said Arnout Mijs on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
The gathering also demonstrated the breadth of the Dutch battery ecosystem. The audience included professors from universities, CEOs of start-ups, engineers, researchers, policymakers from various ministries and implementing agencies, as well as representatives from industry and education.
Attendees included policy officers from the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Infrastructure and Water Management, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and KGG, along with representatives from knowledge institutes, companies and educational institutions. This mix of disciplines and organisations underscores the strength of the Dutch battery ecosystem.
“Bringing together industry, science and government is essential to truly accelerate innovation. That collaboration is clearly visible here today,” said Mustafa Amhaouch, Director of BCC-NL.
Batteries as a Strategic Technology
The National Growth Fund is primarily aimed at strengthening the Netherlands’ long-term economic earning capacity. Investments focus on technologies and innovations that contribute to economic growth, new industrial activity and strategic autonomy. These economic objectives are closely linked to societal challenges such as the energy transition and reducing dependencies in critical technologies.
The MICB programme aligns with the priorities of the National Technology Strategy (NTS), in which battery technology is included within the domains of Energy Materials and Process Technologies. The programme also supports the Netherlands’ new industry policy, which focuses on strengthening strategic value chains and scaling up innovative manufacturing industries.
Open Battery Industrialisation Centre: National Facility for Scaling Up
One of the key announcements during the event was the launch of the Open Battery Industrialisation Centre (OBIC). OBIC is being developed as a national facility where companies can test, validate and scale up their battery technologies towards industrial production. The facility will help companies significantly accelerate the transition from research and development to industrial application.
Realisation of OBIC is made possible through investments from the National Growth Fund MICB programme, including approximately €12.2 million from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, supplemented by around €1.2 million from the Province of North Brabant. Although located in Brabant, OBIC is explicitly intended as a national infrastructure supporting companies and knowledge institutions across the Netherlands.
A New Phase for the Dutch Battery Ecosystem
The kick-off of MICB does not mark the beginning of the Dutch battery ecosystem, but rather a new phase in its acceleration. With strong industrial partners, leading knowledge institutions and targeted public investments, the Netherlands is building toward an integrated battery value chain.
BCC-NL continues to serve as a connecting force. Together, we accelerate the growth of the Dutch battery ecosystem.