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. This Testbed is active till.
- 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).
Call to tender is open till August 14, 2026
- AI and architectural patterns
Research of patterns to control digital twins generically, for example via language models.
Testbed nLDT Phase 2: Processes
What sets a Digital Twin of the Physical Living Environment apart from a regular GIS or BI environment are the processes – such as calculations and analyses – and the use of agentic AI. Think of simulating, predicting and determining KPIs, enabling policy makers to make well-informed decisions. Throughout this process, the human always remains ultimately responsible.
Open, proven, and standards-based processes – accessible via APIs – make it possible to incorporate calculations and analyses into automated workflows.
The goal of this testbed is to encourage the adoption of uniform, interoperable standards for digital twins, based on the nLDT architecture (data, processes and visualization). The focus is on interoperable processes.
A distinction is made between: Adoption topics (based on proven and mature API specifications) and Research topics (aimed at identifying and removing obstacles to interoperability).
More information and a detailed explanation about the five implementation topics of Testbed Phase 2 can be found in the tender document hereafter.
- Adoption topic #1: Implement and validate OGC API Processes service
- Adoption topic #2: Complete and validate an existing OGC API Processes service
- Adoption topic #3: Implement and validate OGC API Processes client
- Research topic #4: App-Store / Recipes
- Research topic #5: Implement export & import of Web 3D Context Document
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 Tuesday, July 7th the testbed tender document is published on our website. Questions about the tender can only be asked by sending an e-mail to info@geonovum.nl, addressed to Bart de Lathouwer, coordinator of the testbed. These questions and our answers will also be published on the Geonovum website.
Timeline
7 July Call to tender open to send in proposals
16 July Information call (online) Register here
14 August Tender submission deadline
17-18 August Selection of parties
19-20 August Announcement of winners
20 August Kick off meeting at Geonovum in Amersfoort
24 September Open testbed session 1/2 day (Plugfest no 2)
27 October Open testbed session 1/2 day (Plugfest no 3)
3 November End of testbed and final presentation
23 November Final presentation of all participants (public & online)
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, August 14, 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
Recording of information session
On Thursday, July 16 at 9:30 am we organise a public information session on this Testbed, summarizing the tender document. You can subscribe to the public information session here: Register for July 16
The recording of this meeting will be posted here afterwards.
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