APG, a Netherlands-based asset management firm managing the pension assets of around 4.5 million Dutch citizens for its clients, has announced that it is going to work alongside other companies and knowledge institutions on practical applications of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and technology which contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

The projects will be conducted on the Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen, the press release said. The aim is to evolve into the European breeding ground for blockchain applications.

APG has assembled a special team for the execution and supervision, led by Joep Beukers, Director of Innovation at APG. This team will ensure that smart applications will be developed on the campus for a range of sectors, in line with the chosen spearheads. For blockchain, this will include applications for the financial sector, logistics, the property sector and the medical field.

“Blockchain’s inherent promise, artificial intelligence and the effects of climate change will all exercise significant influence on the future of APG, the commercial world and society”, Gerard van Olphen, APG CEO said. “By investing substantially now in such technical innovations, entering into partnerships with companies, start-ups and knowledge institutions, APG is contributing to the strength, synergy and speed needed for the Netherlands soon to be a leading player.”

APG further said that former minister and “Fintech Ambassador”, Willem Vermeend will take on chairmanship of the project’s advisory and program board. Earlier this week, the firm announced that it is collaborating with Maastricht University and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research to explore blockchain and artificial intelligence, CoinDesk reported.

Netherlands has been making efforts towards embracing the blockchain revolution. Last week, it was reported that a special campus will be soon opened where banks and financial companies will come together to explore the blockchain technology.