Food & agritech
11 November 2024
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Tech & Artificial Intelligence
Updated 4 September 2025 at 11:14
If you’re considering organising a tech or AI conference, Amsterdam offers an ideal setting. As one of Europe’s foremost tech centres, the city is home to a diverse and collaborative ecosystem spanning artificial intelligence, digital health, fintech, cleantech, and smart city technologies. On this page, we’ll take a deeper look at what makes Amsterdam’s key local players and initiatives, examples of major conferences that already take place here, and how the Amsterdam Convention Bureau can support planning for your tech and AI event.
Why host your next tech or AI event in Amsterdam?
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Amsterdam is home to a dynamic tech ecosystem, combining global names like Microsoft and WeTransfer with a new generation of forward-thinking enterprises such as Pacmed and DEUS. The city also gave rise to the TNW Conference, one of Europe’s most influential tech festivals, showcasing Amsterdam’s ability to support large-scale, high-profile events with impact.
Amsterdam also offers a strong foundation for events that focus on responsible innovation. The Netherlands recently ranked #1 in the Global Index on Responsible AI, and Amsterdam has built a reputation as both a smart city leader and a practical testing ground for real-world applications of tech.
Key advantages for event organisers:
- The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area accounts for 40% of all AI companies in the Netherlands
- Supported by national policy: the Dutch Digitisation Strategy promotes cross-sector tech integration
- Thriving startup scene in fintech, medtech, cleantech, and robotics
- Accessible city with venues, research hubs, and hotels all within easy reach
- Strong academic base through University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, and data science networks
- Public–private innovation projects that apply AI and data to city services while upholding transparency, privacy, and citizen control
- Recognition as a top smart city and leading example of “living lab” experimentation, meaning your event can directly engage with cutting-edge civic innovation.
Who are the key players in Amsterdam's tech scene?
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Amsterdam’s innovation landscape is known for its openness, strong academic ties, and collaborative spirit. Organisers can easily tap into a network of experts, institutions, and innovators.
Key organisations and initiatives include:
- Amsterdam AI - multi-partner initiative focused on ethical, human-centred AI
- AMS Institute - develops data-driven solutions to urban challenges (mobility, water, energy)
- Amsterdam Life Science District - innovation cluster for health and biotech
- DEUS - AI design house with human-centric R&D
- Pacmed - clinical decision-support tools powered by AI
- Fairphone - circular, ethically sourced electronics
- BrainCreators - AI automation and smart infrastructure tech
- Microsoft AI Lab - foundational research in AI and simulation (opened in Amsterdam in 2021)
- AiSalon - community for AI builders, investors, and partners to collaborate
What tech events already happen in Amsterdam?
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Amsterdam regularly hosts a range of internationally recognised tech and AI conferences, many of which integrate closely with the city’s innovation ecosystem. For example, TNW Conference features an impact programme that connects attendees with local startups, research institutions, and civic initiatives. Similarly, AI-focused events often draw on Amsterdam’s academic and applied research networks to enhance programme relevance and speaker line-ups. These formats allow organisers to extend their conference beyond the venue, incorporating local engagement, and access to sector experts that strengthen both content and delegate experience.
Flagship events include:
- TNW Conference - A homegrown success now drawing 10,000+ attendees annually. Includes side-events, startup matchmaking, and local speaker stages with rotating venues that highlight Amsterdam’s creative districts.
- World Summit AI - Gathers global AI leaders and Dutch researchers in collaborative settings that vary from year to year, often blending industrial and academic backdrops.
- MozFest - Mozilla’s global gathering for tech and ethics.
- International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) - The International Broadcasting Convention has taken place in Amsterdam for over 30 years, regularly convening at RAI Amsterdam.
These events demonstrate the city’s capacity to host conferences of all formats: from intimate summits to large-scale, multi-venue productions.
How Amsterdam Convention Bureau can support your event
The Amsterdam Convention Bureau can help you organise impactful conferences and meetings that add value for delegates, local businesses and residents alike.
We can help you:
- Find innovative venues - from high-tech campuses to waterfront warehouses
- Connect with local experts - introductions to startups, corporates, and researchers
- Co-develop an impact programme - create a lasting legacy for your event
- Plan for sustainability and engagement - advice on local partnerships and community value
We ensure your event runs smoothly while contributing to Amsterdam’s innovation ecosystem and broader societal goals. Contact our team to find the right location or get tailored support for your next conference.
