Driving Responsible AI Innovation Across the Netherlands
As one of the proud sponsors of the AI4ALL and Women in AI Benelux Gala, AI Coalition for the Netherlands (AIC4NL) brings not only support but a bold vision: an AI future that is ethical, inclusive, and built collaboratively.
We spoke with Saskia Vlaar, Board Member at AIC4NL, to explore how the coalition is advancing responsible AI on a national scale, why diversity is central to that mission, and how real-world projects are making AI work for society, not just systems.
AI with purpose
As a public-private network that unites businesses, knowledge institutions, and government agencies, AIC4NL exists to guarantee that AI strengthens not just the economy, but public value. “Our focus is on ensuring that AI is not only a technological opportunity, but also a societal one,” explains Saskia Vlaar.
Through nationwide hubs and flagship initiatives like InnovationLabs, Learning Communities, ELSA labs and System Breakthrough projects, AIC4NL helps bring AI solutions from concept to community in the Netherlands and Europe. Their collaborative structure ensures regional efforts feed into national goals and that every layer of society has a seat at the AI table.
Diversity not as a goal, but as a standard
As a Gala sponsor, AIC4NL isn’t just celebrating the presence of women in AI, they’re actively working to make inclusion a structural feature of the field. AIC4NL believes that AI can only thrive if it reflects the diversity of the society it aims to serve.
“By sponsoring this event, we hope to contribute to a broader movement that creates visibility for female talent in AI and opens up space for more perspectives in shaping the future of technology,” Saskia notes. “Representation is not a side note, it’s a key ingredient for innovation with impact.”
Supporting AI4ALL means amplifying visibility, unlocking access to networks and funding, and encouraging diverse leadership in both technical and policy arenas. For AIC4NL, the message is clear: diversity isn’t an afterthought. It’s essential infrastructure.
Visibility matters - supporting female voices in AI
For the coalition, showcasing female role models in AI is about more than recognition; it’s about redefining what leadership in tech looks like.
“When we highlight strong female role models in AI, we make it easier for others to imagine themselves in this field, and be recognized for their skills when they do,” Saskia says.
This isn’t just a value-driven decision. AIC4NL’s approach is strategic: inclusive AI development leads to smarter design, broader usability, and safer outcomes. When you diversify the minds behind the models, the models themselves improve.
In her own words, “AI is not neutral. The people who design, develop and apply AI systems influence how those systems behave, and for whom they work. That’s why we need diversity, not just in background, but in perspective, discipline and lived experience.”
AI in action: making a difference across sectors
What does responsible AI look like in the real world? AIC4NL backs projects that demonstrate how AI can solve tangible problems while honoring ethical commitments. Here are just a few:
Sustainable food systems: OneThird, an innovative agri-tech startup supported by the coalition, developed AI that scans fresh produce to predict shelf life, helping retailers across Europe and North America reduce food waste by up to 25%. This innovation boosts both efficiency and sustainability in the food supply chain.
Privacy-respecting healthcare: At Amsterdam UMC, researcher Iacer Calixto received an AiNed Fellowship Grant to lead CaRe-NLP, a project that uses AI and language technology to make unstructured patient records understandable and usable, while respecting privacy and legal constraints. The aim? Safer, faster treatment decisions rooted in data that patients can trust.
Ethical defence innovation: Through the ELSA Lab Defence, AIC4NL is helping the Dutch Ministry of Defence implement AI with human oversight, legal compliance, and public accountability. It’s a model for how high-stakes AI can remain rooted in democratic values.
Each project speaks to AIC4NL’s commitment: AI should be more than innovative, it should be intentional.
Looking forward: a collective effort
As AI continues to evolve, AIC4NL is focused on building bridges: between sectors, between regions, and between values and technology. They’re betting on a future where AI strengthens society, not just systems.
We’re thrilled to have AIC4NL as a sponsor of the 2025 Gala. Their unwavering commitment to inclusion, responsibility, and real-world impact makes them a cornerstone of the European AI landscape.
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