NBSO Texas kicked off 2026 with a strong and highly successful visit to Texas by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States. Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar was joined by Danielle van Mulukom, Minister-Counsel for Economy and Lisette den Breems, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami, underscoring the importance The Netherlands places on its economic and strategic partnership with Texas.
Over the course of the week, the delegation visited Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, engaging with public and private stakeholders across key sectors such as technology, semiconductors, life sciences & health, energy, water & resilience, and sports.
Austin: Innovation, Technology, and Semiconductors
The program started in Austin, where discussions focused on the city’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. At Opportunity Austin, the Ambassador participated in a roundtable on economic development and innovation, gaining insights into Austin’s growth as a global tech hub and exploring opportunities to further strengthen ties between Dutch and Texan companies.
Meetings with Commissioner Dawn Buckingham of the Texas General Land Office and other senior state officials highlighted opportunities for cooperation in climate resilience and coastal protection, where Dutch and Texan experts collaborate on innovative solutions. A visit to the Texas State Capitol provided further context on Texas’ economic priorities and international outlook.
The Austin program concluded with a dinner with NXP Semiconductors, emphasizing the strategic importance of the semiconductor sector and the strong Dutch footprint in Texas’ high-tech ecosystem with NXP and ASML prominently present in Austin. NBSO will further strengthen these ties by organizing a ScaleNL visit to Austin in February, focused on supporting Dutch start-up and scale ups active in this sector.
San Antonio: Investment, Heritage, and Regional Cooperation
In San Antonio, the delegation was welcomed by Mayor Gina Ortiz and her team for discussions on regional economic development, international cooperation, and investment opportunities in Cyber Technology, Bio Med, and Aerospace among other sectors.
In addition to the business engagements, the program showcased San Antonio’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The delegation visited The Alamo, one of the most significant historic landmarks in Texas, and Mission San José, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A boat tour along the iconic San Antonio River Walk showcased the city’s vibrant downtown and urban development.
The visit concluded with a business dinner hosted by the City of San Antonio. Senior city representatives and key local and regional economic stakeholders met with the Ambassador to discuss opportunities for future collaboration between Dutch and Texan organizations, while highlighting the city’s ambitions to attract international companies and strengthen ties with the Netherlands.
Houston: Energy, Life Sciences, and Global Events
The final leg of the visit took place in Houston, where the focus shifted to energy transition, life sciences & health, and sports. At the Texas Medical Center Innovation Factory, discussions centered on innovation in healthcare and the ongoing Bio Bridge collaboration between Texas and the Netherlands.
The delegation also met with the Houston Sports Authority and the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee to discuss preparations for the soccer World Cup this Summer. They explored opportunities connected to the tournament, including international cooperation, economic impact, and legacy opportunities linked to soccer.
On Monday evening, NBSO Texas hosted a festive New Years Reception at The Grove, which welcomed more than 150 guests from the government, business, and the international community. The reception was a major success, providing a lively platform to celebrate Dutch-Texan cooperation and set the tone for a promising year ahead.
Looking ahead
This ambassadorial visit marked a powerful start to 2026 and reaffirmed the strong and growing economic partnership between the Netherlands and Texas. NBSO Texas looks forward to building on the momentum generated during this visit and continuing to support Dutch companies and partnerships across the state. Please feel free to reach out if we can assist you in connecting with these valuable local networks in Texas!
New Years Reception at The Grove
