The Hague University of Applied Sciences is building a new educational cleanroom for scientific research, in their Delft location. This cleanroom is specifically designed for the semiconductor sector, where work is carried out on microchips. This sector is of global importance and is growing rapidly, creating a strong demand for skilled technicians in the Netherlands. Working in a cleanroom is an essential skill in this field.
To address this need, the Beethoven Zuid-Holland programme is investing €2.5 million in the construction, setup, and use of a brand-new cleanroom. The facility will be available to all educational institutions and companies in South Holland, allowing as many microchip technicians as possible to gain hands-on experience in a real cleanroom environment. The Hague University of Applied Sciences will host the facility in their Betafactory, while technical service provider Kuijpers is responsible for its design and construction. Building work begins this month, with an official opening scheduled for spring 2026.
A development site for everyone
A cleanroom is a controlled space where work is carried out in a dust-free environment. To work effectively there, not only technical knowledge is needed, but also careful attention to hygiene and safety protocols. In an operational company, it is almost impossible to provide education in such a space without disrupting the production process.
The new educational cleanroom will focus on two main activities: the manufacture of microchips and the assembly of devices containing microchips. It is designed for students of all levels, who will be able to gain practical experience with advanced technologies. Employees from semiconductor companies will also be able to use the facility to maintain and update their professional skills.
Committed partners
Kuijpers is responsible for the design and construction of the new educational cleanroom. “It is special to see that by creating cleanrooms in education, new generations of professionals get the opportunity to learn and develop in a practical environment,” says Paul Joosten, Director at Kuijpers. “In this way, we help education move forward and support the growth of technical talent.”
Project leader Victor Claerbout is proud of the collaboration with Kuijpers, which he describes as a highly experienced partner in building such facilities. “Together we are going to build a unique educational facility where the entire semiconductor ecosystem of South Holland will come together and collaborate,” says Claerbout.
For the Beethoven Zuid-Holland regional plan, the construction of the educational cleanroom fits within a broader strategy. “An important part of our regional plan is the creation of semiconductor laboratory facilities for education, and a cleanroom is one of those,” explains programme manager Joost van der Veen. With this facility, Beethoven Zuid-Holland is investing not only in smart technology but, above all, in the future of the young technicians the Netherlands needs.
In addition to the role of Kuijpers, Joost van der Veen also praises The Hague University of Applied Sciences for its contribution to establishing the cleanroom. “Together with all these partners, we are taking a major step towards our ambition to quickly train more technical talent.”
Photo: The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Caption: The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Delft campus
About Beethoven Zuid-Holland
The Beethoven Zuid-Holland programme promotes cooperation between vocational (mbo), university of applied sciences (hbo), and academic (wo) educational institutions, industry, and governments. By 2030, the programme and its partners in South Holland aim to train 2,000 additional technicians, strengthening the future of the province’s semiconductor industry.
Text: Beethoven Zuid-Holland
Translation: The Hague Online
Images: THUAS (featured photo) and iStock photo (below)
