Philips Advances MRI Technology with Dutch National Growth Fund Support
Netherlands, Friday, 21 February 2025.
Philips, supported by an EUR 101.7 million grant, leads MRI innovation in the Netherlands through the Polaris project, enhancing radio frequency technology for improved healthcare outcomes.
A Milestone in Healthcare Technology
This healthtech advancement represents a significant leap in medical imaging capabilities. The Polaris project, which commenced in January 2025, focuses on strengthening the development and production of radio frequency (RF) technology for MRI scanners in the Netherlands [1]. With substantial backing of €101.7 million from the Dutch National Growth Fund, this initiative brings together a powerful consortium of industry leaders and academic institutions [1].
Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem
The project demonstrates the strength of Dutch technological expertise, with Philips playing a crucial role alongside other industry leaders. Under the sponsorship of the Dutch Ministry of Defense and leadership of Thales Netherlands, the consortium includes prominent companies like NXP and collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the University of Twente, TU Delft, and TU Eindhoven [1]. This eight-year contract marks a significant milestone in public-private partnership for RF technology development [1].
Strategic Impact on Healthcare
This initiative aligns with Philips’ broader commitment to advancing healthcare technology, as evidenced by their recent collaborations in AI-driven cardiac MRI research [2]. According to Dr. Ioannis Panagiotelis, General Manager MR at Philips, ‘The Netherlands is a leader in RF technology with a strong ecosystem of partners developing and applying the technology in their products’ [1]. The focus on low-volume, high-value manufacturing ensures a sustainable framework for future innovations [1].
Future Prospects and Implementation
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant, as it coincides with Philips’ recent technological achievements and market performance, including their reported revenue of EUR 18.0 billion in 2024 [2]. The project’s emphasis on radio frequency technology development promises to enhance the capability and efficiency of MRI scanners, ultimately improving patient care and diagnostic accuracy [1].