Smart operating systems, AI-driven data analysis, and energy-efficient computing power are indispensable for the technology of tomorrow. Major scientific research facilities such as the Einstein Telescope and ASTRON also face complex challenges in these areas. These challenges present opportunities for companies to further develop their technology, discover new applications, and collaborate on innovative solutions.On Tuesday, December 1, the Interreg project COMET is organizing a free workshop on Advanced Data Processing at ASTRON in Dwingeloo. Discover what technological innovations are needed, contribute your expertise, and explore opportunities for Dutch-German R&amp;D collaboration. During the workshop, you’ll meet companies, researchers, and technology experts and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at ASTRON.<h2>What are the benefits of participating?</h2><ul><li data-list-item-id="e1494786db0160f0a74feb2a2b107eb27">Discover new market opportunities. Gain insight into the technological challenges facing the Einstein Telescope and ASTRON, and find out where your technology or expertise can add value.</li><li data-list-item-id="e7903dcc7b59fcb832883dd20af9408a2">Take your innovation to the next level. Explore new applications and development opportunities for your technology in the fields of data processing, intelligent control, and computing infrastructure.</li><li data-list-item-id="e781f9530e1ad2665de4a6d90087a11bc">Find collaboration partners. Meet companies and research institutions from the Netherlands and Germany and explore opportunities for joint R&amp;D projects.</li><li data-list-item-id="e11e6452e5867051f189b10f55c23b323">Discover funding opportunities. Learn how COMET supports cross-border innovation projects through grants and matchmaking.</li><li data-list-item-id="e6c5a75e22e0c2ad8666c4b4038882568">Take a look at ASTRON. Discover the research facilities and technology behind radio astronomy during a guided tour.</li></ul>

<h2>Three Technological Themes</h2>The workshop will focus on three themes. In interactive sessions, we will discuss the technological challenges, existing expertise, and opportunities for collaboration.

How can machines and systems operate with ever-greater precision, autonomy, and intelligence? Consider advanced control, adaptive control systems, autonomous error correction, and real-time decision-making. This theme is of interest to companies working in robotics, automation, sensor technology, motion control, and smart control systems.

1. Intelligent Machines & Control

How can you use data to better design, predict, and optimize complex systems? Within this theme, we explore applications such as machine learning, predictive models, pattern recognition, calibration, and virtual sensors. Of interest to companies active in AI, digital twins, simulation software, predictive maintenance, and model-based engineering.

2. Data-Driven Engineering

How can you process large amounts of data quickly, reliably, and energy-efficiently? This theme focuses on high-performance computing, GPU and FPGA processing, parallel computing, and edge computing. It also covers smart data compression, efficient data storage, and the selection of relevant data. This is of interest to companies working on powerful computer systems, data processing, software, and energy-efficient IT solutions.

3. Sustainable and Energy-Efficient HPC & Edge Computing

<h2>Who is the workshop intended for?</h2>The workshop is intended for companies, researchers, and research institutions from the Netherlands and Germany that want to further develop their technology, exchange expertise, or seek new R&amp;D partnerships.For companies<ul><li data-list-item-id="e6bc31546201b448d1b796f9d38b83e1f">Robotics, automation, and smart control. Companies that develop machines and systems capable of precise movement, making autonomous decisions, or automatically responding to changes. Examples include robotics, sensor technology, motion control, and intelligent control systems.</li><li data-list-item-id="e6996b3a56182fe268933792278aaf256">AI, simulation, and data-driven development. Companies that use data and smart software to design, predict, or improve machines, products, and processes. Examples include AI, digital twins, predictive maintenance, simulation software, and model-based engineering.</li><li data-list-item-id="e71965eda0aad674470c7098bdd4d61a2">Advanced and energy-efficient computer systems. Companies that process large amounts of data, perform complex calculations, or work on faster and more energy-efficient computer systems. Examples include high-performance computing, data compression, efficient data storage, and edge computing.</li></ul>For researchers and research institutionsThe workshop is also intended for researchers and research groups active in advanced data processing and related fields. It offers the opportunity to connect research knowledge to concrete technological challenges, find industrial expertise, and explore new collaborations with companies.<h2>Program</h2>12:30 – 12:50 | Registration<ul><li data-list-item-id="eb77b99f9d2ff4ab16a2ada45de6f41ff">Welcome and opening remarks by COMET – Joris Brink, TCNN</li><li data-list-item-id="e74ab84f5f8bf2201398a74550d08af7d">Introduction to ASTRON and technological challenges in radio astronomy – Roelien Attema, Director of R&amp;D at ASTRON</li><li data-list-item-id="ed7d3d757ede358fb072010e4315c51f1">Large-scale research facilities and opportunities for industrial applications – ASTRON &amp; TBD</li><li data-list-item-id="edf24ecdec7ecbb66d15d1c6b85d58442">Introduction to the Einstein Telescope: scientific ambitions and technological challenges – TBD</li><li data-list-item-id="e3fcaf1f6d700e7f88bacd69608ff51e7">COMET: Collaboration and Funding for Innovation – Joris Brink, TCNN &amp; Matthias Grosch, NMWP</li><li data-list-item-id="e9f58b0d33185994e6c403b59e4ce0020">Coffee break and networking</li><li data-list-item-id="e77be98a1c7642c87a7a846eb7cbda961">Interactive thematic sessions: Intelligent Machines &amp; Control, Data-driven Engineering, and Sustainable and Energy-efficient HPC &amp; Edge Computing</li><li data-list-item-id="e241eda7c1c0ae361c90676598510f718">National Growth Fund – TBD</li><li data-list-item-id="e97d72a6b05abd2a203c1977801a272ff">Guided tour of ASTRON&nbsp;</li></ul>17:00 | EndWe’ll announce the program’s schedule and speakers soon.<h2>Register</h2>Are you working on smart control systems, data-driven engineering, or advanced computer systems? Discover how your technology can help address the challenges facing the Einstein Telescope and ASTRON—and what new opportunities this presents for your organization.Register for the free COMET workshop on December 1, 2026. Registration opens in November.<h2>About ASTRON and the Einstein Telescope</h2>ASTRON – Netherlands Institute for Radio AstronomyASTRON is the Dutch institute for radio astronomy and develops advanced technology to receive and analyze signals from the universe. To this end, the institute works on, among other things, sensitive measuring instruments, complex data processing, and powerful computer systems. These technological challenges offer interesting opportunities for collaboration with industry.Einstein Telescope and COMETThe Einstein Telescope is a future underground observatory designed to measure gravitational waves with unprecedented precision. To make this possible, groundbreaking technologies are needed, including in the areas of intelligent control, data processing, and computing power.The Interreg project COMET connects companies and research institutions from the Netherlands and Germany to further develop these technologies. COMET supports Dutch-German R&amp;D consortia working on technological challenges relevant to the Einstein Telescope. SMEs can collaborate with a research organization or other SMEs across the border and receive up to €75,000 in funding. COMET focuses on five technology areas, including advanced data processing, and helps companies and researchers find suitable partners, explore technological synergies, and develop joint R&amp;D projects.