TLDR: TU Delft recently hosted a European Commission delegation and a panel of experts to discuss fostering responsible AI innovation, particularly in deep tech. The event highlighted the university’s ‘Ethics by Design’ approach and its extensive network of over 50 AI labs, including the newly launched AI for Healthcare lab, emphasizing human-centric AI development.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) recently welcomed a delegation from the European Commission for a pivotal discussion on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation and the launch of a new AI for Healthcare lab. The event, held on November 11, 2025, brought together European policymakers, academics, and innovators to explore collaborations, funding mechanisms, common standards, and governance structures essential for developing AI that genuinely improves quality of life and healthcare.
The discussions, which originally took place on June 13, featured prominent speakers including Tim van der Hagen (TU Delft), Roland Strauss (Allied4Future), Henna Virkkunen (European Commission), and Roberto Viola (DG CONNECT). A key takeaway from the event was the urgent need to establish a clear direction for deep tech, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the overarching goals. This clarity is expected to mitigate risks for investors and entrepreneurs while enabling policymakers to effectively align public funding mechanisms.
TU Delft showcased its commitment to responsible AI research and innovation (R&I) through its ‘Ethics by Design’ approach, championed by Stefan Buijsman (TPM). This methodology focuses on developing AI responsibly in close collaboration with end-users and stakeholders. Geert-Jan Houben (TU Delft faculty of EEMCS, AI Initiative) elaborated on the university’s dual focus: fundamental developments ‘IN-AI’ and the application of AI in specific areas ‘WITH-AI’. Alessandro Bozzon (TU Delft faculty of IDE, AI Initiative) further underscored the importance of a human-centric approach for long-term impactful AI development.
A significant highlight was the launch of the European collaboration in the AI for Healthcare lab. Jeroen van den Hoven (TU Delft faculty of TPM) detailed how the Delft Digital Ethics Centre applies the ‘Ethics by Design’ approach within this new lab, aligning with its role as a WHO collaborating Center on AI for health governance. This initiative is crucial as AI, data, and digitalization are increasingly vital for addressing scientific and societal challenges.
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TU Delft’s AI Initiative serves as the central hub for coordinating AI-related activities across its eight faculties, fostering intensive partnerships within the AI ecosystem, including collaboration with Mondai | House of AI. The university currently boasts over 50 AI labs, encompassing ICAI Labs, ELSA Labs, Convergence Labs, Field Labs, and 24 dedicated TU Delft AI Labs. These labs collectively bridge the gap between theoretical AI research and its practical application, driving advancements in education, research, and innovation.
