The Netherlands are unique in the field of optics and opto-mechatronics, with a leading position in science and industry. Within Dutch Optics Centre TU Delft, TNO and other knowledge institutes providing excellent research facilities team up with a world class manufacturing industry; producing opto-mechanical components for high-precision products like satellites, telescopes, microscopes, inspection instruments.

By joining forces in R&D, developing prototypes and eventually forming product consortia we create a strong Dutch optomechanical ecosystem that benefits both industry and science. This initiative is well aligned with the Dutch government’s ambition for large-scale Public-Private Partnerships. Dutch Optics Centre is a consortium of knowledge institutes and more than 200 High Tech companies from all over the Netherlands.

To promote Dutch Photonics and capabilities within the Netherlands, in Europe and globally, being the Dutch photonics gateway for (foreign) companies; all of this in cooperation with PhotonicsNL, RVO, PhotonDelta and other organisations.

Create knowledge sharing within various talent groups of the photonics ecosystem by organizing knowledge exchange events; provide easy, organized access to knowledge created within the DOC ecosystem.

Support industry by insights in market trends, organize lobby, define future trends and influence policy for the national, EU and global ecosystem in photonics see National Agenda Photonics.

DOC will build the optics/photonics community, in cooperation with relevant other optics/photonics networks and clusters. DOC partner companies have an urge to develop new optic/photonic products, therefore they need partners, technologies and funding to realize that ambition.

Provide Dutch companies with relevant new technologies and stimulate universities to testing/validation of new optical concepts for application in Dutch industry, in line with Nationale Agenda Fotonica application areas.

Create a vibrant eco-system for researchers to strengthen the research foundation.

The DOC ecosystem will enable access and effective use of various high tech instruments as well as supporting facilities (such as work spaces) This will result in lower operating costs as well as providing an environment where partners can meet and inspire and learn from each other resulting in more efficient use of time and effort. Additionally low threshold facility sharing can result in new joint innovation ideas.