Now that the dust (and the confetti!) has settled, let’s look back at a proud moment. Last week, the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) named Brightlands-Limburg Intelligent Community of the Year 2026.
Or put simply: the smartest region in the world. After Brainport Eindhoven in 2011, we’re only the second Dutch region ever to win the title.
What makes this award special? The jury didn’t just look at technology. It looked at whether a region can combine economic growth with social connection and a strong local culture. Limburg’s story fits that bill: a province that had to reinvent its economy after the mines closed. According to the ICF, the deciding factor was our network of collaboration between businesses, government, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations.
That network doesn’t just exist on paper. It’s you.
The companies, researchers and entrepreneurs on our campus who work together every day, share knowledge and start new initiatives. Recognition like this helps us attract funding, partners and talent to the region. So this award belongs to you too.
