The Hague University of Applied Sciences, with GameLab participating in the HAIQ consortium, has secured funding for research that brings together games, human creativity and artificial intelligence. The joint project has been awarded €7.4 million, excluding €50,000 in in-kind co-funding. This funding is for the consortium as a whole.
HAIQ stands for Human- and Artificial-Intelligence advancing Quantum Technology. Led by Dr E.P.L. (Evert) van Nieuwenburg of Leiden University, the project receives funding through NWO’s NWA-ORC 2025 round. The awards were announced on 9 November 2026.
Illustration from the NWO announcement: a rowing team in action, representing collaboration. Source: NWO / iStock.
Playing with a complex challenge
Quantum technology offers opportunities to perform certain calculations more efficiently than classical systems. At the same time, quantum systems are fragile: disturbances must be identified and addressed to keep them stable. Finding solutions is a challenge for which both advanced AI and human inventiveness can be valuable.
HAIQ explores how quantum games can bring these worlds together. Through play, people explore complex problems and contribute creative insights. AI helps put those insights to use in refining quantum systems. Game design thus becomes part of a scientific research question.
A place for GameLab
For GameLab, taking part is an exciting step at the intersection of games, technology and societal challenges. How do you make a complicated system playable? What choices do you give players, and how can the way they play contribute to research? These design questions make the connection between game development and quantum technology particularly interesting.
HAIQ’s ambition extends beyond technical progress. By involving people through games, the consortium also aims to give society a greater sense of ownership over our quantum future. Taking part in the development of technology starts with opportunities to contribute ideas and experiment.
A broad consortium
Within HAIQ, THUAS works with universities, universities of applied sciences, game studios, quantum technology companies and societal organisations. Alongside Leiden University, partners include the Dutch Games Association, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Game Tailors, Obsessive Science Games, The Barn Games, Waag, SURF, Delft University of Technology and Eindhoven University of Technology.
This combination brings knowledge of games and players together with expertise in AI and quantum technology. We look forward to contributing to this collaboration through GameLab.
Read the official NWO announcement, including the full consortium list (in Dutch).