In 2026, we are calling for both research and implementation proposals to further develop, improve and implement the approach of Digital Twins as a Service.
Geonovum is offering several smaller testbeds in 2026. A summary of the practicalities of the 2026 testbed can be found on this page, as well as recordings of information sessions and minutes of Q&A's.
The technical results of the previous testbeds are available at Github.
Testbeds nLDT 2026
As part of the further development of the network of local digital twins (nLDT), we are organising three testbeds this year:
- Dynamic data (sensors)
Focus on unlocking and using dynamic data (such as sensors) within digital twins, with trajectories on both server and client side. The call to tender was published on April 1st.
- Recipes / processes
Development of processes in which building blocks work together, including management, implementation and mutual interactions (e.g. via an 'app store' for processes).
- AI and architectural patterns
Research of patterns to control digital twins generically, for example via language models.Testbed part 1: Sensor data
Sensor data is becoming increasingly important in the Dutch public sector. Smart cities initiatives, citizen science projects as well as nationwide sensor networks for specific tasks (e.g. environmental monitoring) have been increasing the amount of sensor data available. Being able to make sense of this data and combining data from diverse sources in applications such as digital twins is increasing the need to standardize sensor data.
Testbed nLDT Part 1: Dynamic data (sensors)
The testbed comprises two implementation topics:
1. Hosting a SensorThingsAPI server
A central SensorThings API server is set up in which all sensor data is collected and made available for analysis. For this purpose, a data model is developed based on the OMS standard that can support all used sensors. The server is set up, documented, and publicly demonstrated with relevant queries. The results, including lessons learned and any software, are shared openly.
2. Connect sensors to SensorthingsAPI server
Existing sensors are connected to a single central OGC SensorThings API server to promote interoperability within the public sector. Participants adapt their sensors or an intermediary solution to provide observations via this standard, validate the operation, and document their approach and lessons learned.
Download the full invitation to tender
Who can participate?
The tender is open to private and public parties, and to combinations of parties (consortia). In the case of a consortium, there is one party who acts as the contact point and contractor on behalf of the consortium for the tender with Geonovum.
On Wednesday, April 1st the testbed tender document will be published on our website. Questions about the tender can only be asked by sending an e-mail to info@geonovum.nl, addressed to Frank Terpstra, coordinator of the testbed. These questions and our answers will also be published on the Geonovum website.
Timeline
1 April Call to tender open to send in proposals
13 April Information call (online), register here
14 April Question submission deadline
1 May Tender submission deadline
4-8 May Selection of parties
8 May Announcement of winners
11 May Kick off meeting at Geonovum Amersfoort
May Open testbed session 1/2 day
June Open testbed session 1/2 day
July Open testbed session 1/2 day
July End of testbed Sensor data
How to apply?
Your tender must be submitted by sending an e-mail to info@geonovum.nl, addressed to Friso Penninga, director of Geonovum (deadline for submitting is Friday, May 1st, 2026).
The tender is to be written in English and must at least contain:
- The implementation topic or topics you are applying for;
- Motivation for the implementation topic or – topics you are applying for;
- Plan of approach for each addressed implementation topic (maximum of four pages per implementation topic);
- References (including e.g. publications, projects, blogs, code on GitHub) and curriculum vitae for performers of the research, showing enough relevant knowledge and experience;
- An indication of the in-kind investment;
- Statement of agreement with the publication of the research results and deliverables under a CC/by license.
Download the full invitation to tender
About Digital Twin as a Service
Digital Twin as a Service is an activity under Zicht op Nederland of the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning. In Digital Twin as a Service, we are working on an architecture that allows you to build a digital twin in a modular and scalable way. We work out the standards and agreements required for this in testbeds. We do this together with companies, knowledge institutions and government organisations.
Why 'as a service?'
A digital twin is a powerful tool for visualizing, analyzing and assessing issues about our living environment. With Digital Twin as a Service, we are working on a modular system for building digital twins. This makes it easier to use a digital twin throughout the policy cycle, for different issues, and across different departments and organisations.
The concept explained in one minute
In this animation we explain the concept (watch original animation at https://youtu.be/fIGH3GIDGW8?si=iiifZ6MAnYQ84WRx)
External video URL