The Thriving IT Sector in the Northern Netherlands: A Closer Look

In recent years, the northern region of the Netherlands has emerged as a major player in the IT sector. From state-of-the-art data facilities to a wealth of educational institutions nurturing tech talent, coupled with strong networking partnerships, the north is shaping up to be a significant hub for IT innovation in Europe.

One of the cornerstones of the region's IT prowess is its impressive array of data centres. The northern provinces of the Netherlands boast several world-class data centres, attracting both national and international attention.

·  Groningen Data Port: Situated in Groningen, Groningen Data Port consists of two data centres: Groningen 1 and Groningen 2. The newest data centre (Groningen 2) is the first data centre in Europe with backup generators with fuel cells that run on green hydrogen (H2). Sustainability is a key focus for the Groningen data centre, operated by NorthC Datacenters. The centre has set a target to achieve full CO2 neutrality by 2030. 

·  Google's Eemshaven & Winschoten Data Centre: Adding to the region's data centre landscape is the global tech giant Google, which operates on renewable energy sourced from local wind farms. Establishing a notable data centre in Eemshaven, Groningen, the centre directly employs approximately 670 people, offering high-quality jobs in IT, engineering, and data management. In 2024 Google announced its plans to invest an additional €600 million to construct its new data centre in Winschoten.

Fueling the growth of the IT sector in the North is a robust network of educational institutions dedicated to shaping the next generation of tech leaders. From universities to specialised technical schools, the region offers a diverse range of programs tailored to the needs of the industry.

·  University of Groningen: The University of Groningen boasts an exceptionally acclaimed IT department and associated research institutions. Its Bachelor's degree in Computer Science is frequently recognised as the top program of its kind in the Netherlands. The primary IT research institute located at the Zernike Campus is the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Equipped with its own supercomputer, the Bernoulli Institute conducts cutting-edge research in Quantum Computing, Machine Learning and Statistics, Agent Modelling, and several other advanced areas. Additionally, the Groningen Digital Business Centre (GDBC) is a knowledge platform focused in the area of digital entrepreneurship. The GDBC’s activities strengthen the digital sector of the Northern Netherlands by combining academic knowledge with practical experience; thus facilitating professional matchmaking between digital businesses and students. 

·  Vocational Schools: In addition to universities, vocational schools like Noorderpoort and Alfa-college play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and industry. These institutions offer specialised IT courses, apprenticeships, and training programs, providing students with hands-on experience crucial for success in the IT sector.

The success of the IT sector in the north is not solely attributed to its infrastructure and educational offerings but also to its strong spirit of collaboration. Organisations like Samenwerking Noord (Collaboration North) serve as vital networking platforms where IT professionals, businesses, and educational institutions come together to share knowledge and foster innovation.

·  Samenwerking Noord: This organisation consolidates resources, shares expertise, and aims to create connections among innovative companies and projects across Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. Beyond its core 'cluster' activities, Samenwerking Noord manages several initiatives, including Connect.frl—a networking and social platform specific to Friesland; the IT Academy Noord-Nederland—a collaboration involving the government, three higher education institutions, and Samenwerking Noord; and the GDBC

While the ecosystem in the North has ideal conditions for the creation of new ventures, a number of companies have already found success and are thriving.

By embracing sustainability, investing in education, and fostering collaboration, the North of the Netherlands is not only shaping its own future but also contributing to the broader landscape of IT innovation on a global scale.