Nextage Founders Visit the Netherlands to Deepen European Partnerships
By: Brooke Owen
October 22, 2025
Nextage founders Iain Miller and Bob Vernot traveled to the Netherlands earlier this month to strengthen our connections in the heart of European aerospace innovation. Over the course of several days we engaged with key partners, toured world-class aerospace research facilities, and explored new opportunities for collaboration across this growing aerospace ecosystem.
Driving Collaboration in Delft with Netherlands Aerospace Delta and InnovationQuarter
Our visit began in Delft, where Iain and Bob met with Niels Krol of the Netherlands Aerospace Delta and the team at InnovationQuarter, the regional economic development agency. These strategic discussions centered on future-focused initiatives that align with our mission to accelerate aerospace innovation in Europe.
By engaging directly with regional stakeholders, we are building a foundation for long-term partnerships in one of Europe’s most dynamic aerospace clusters.
Attending the Grand Opening of CometLab at Netherlands Space Campus
Our next stop was in Noordwijk, where we had the privilege of attending the grand opening of CometLab at the Netherlands Space Campus, an on-campus community aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and collaborations.
CometLab is a cutting-edge digital manufacturing lab and collaborative platform designed to transform the space industry. By providing tools for rapid prototyping, testing, and development, CometLab aims to reduce time-to-orbit and foster cross-sector innovation. As we explore new frontiers in space manufacturing, facilities like CometLab will play a key role in supporting agile and scalable production workflows.
Touring Cosine: Pioneers in Remote Sensing and Space Optics
The following morning, we headed out to Sassenheim where we visited Cosine, an industry leader in remote sensing and advanced optical instrumentation for space missions. Cosine’s state-of-the-art technology is used in both commercial and scientific applications, including missions supported by the European Space Agency.
The visit offered valuable insights into cutting-edge technology developments, and reinforced our shared commitment to driving precision and performance.
Exploring Aerospace Research with TNO in Delft
Back in Delft, we met with TNO, a powerhouse in aerospace R&D, working at the intersection of science, government, and industry to deliver practical solutions that advance applied science and aerospace technologies.
Our discussion focused on the alignment between TNO’s initiatives and Nextage’s mission to transform how aerospace and space hardware is developed and deployed.
Touring TU Delft’s Aerospace Innovation Hotspots
We wrapped up our trip with a deep dive into academic aerospace research at TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Hosted by Dr. Stephano Speretta and Laura ten Bloemendal, we toured the faculty’s world-class labs and R&D facilities, home to some of Europe’s most advanced aerospace innovation projects.
Our final meetings included a productive conversation with Jos van den Boom of the Aerospace Innovation Hub, followed by visits to several resident space tech startups working on breakthrough solutions in aerospace.
The Netherlands’ Growing Role in Global Aerospace Collaboration
The Netherlands continues to emerge as a leading hub for aerospace technology development in Europe, driven by strong government support, collaborative ecosystems, and a culture of responsible innovation. For Nextage this trip was more than a visit, it was a reaffirmation of our long-term commitment to growing within the global aerospace community.
From groundbreaking manufacturing platforms like CometLab to visionary institutions like TU Delft, we’re excited to partner with organizations that are shaping the aerospace industry across national boundaries.
What’s Next for Nextage in Europe?
This trip is just the beginning. We’re actively working to expand our footprint across Europe and to co-develop solutions that address some of aerospace’s most pressing challenges.
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay tuned as we continue to grow our network and bring bold ideas to life: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextage-llc
Questions or collaboration inquiries? Contact us at <support@nextage-llc.com>