About Saskia
Saskia Lensink is a consultant at the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) with a PhD in Linguistics from Leiden University, specializing in language and speech technologies. As the Product Manager of GPT-NL, she leads cross-functional teams in the development of a Dutch Large Language Model, overseeing all aspects from data acquisition and algorithmic modeling to system architecture and stakeholder engagement across sectors such as healthcare and government.
Beyond GPT-NL, she contributes to the HORIZON TrustLLM project, where she leads use case development for sovereign European large language models, with a particular focus on Germanic languages. She also serves as co-lead of the Data & AI Technologies Task Force at the Big Data Value Association (BDVA), supporting the industry in adopting AI and data technologies responsibly and sustainably, while advocating for trusted and secure data practices.
Saskia is a frequent speaker at events, where she shares insights on generative AI. Her work is driven by a commitment to advancing digital sovereignty in Europe and shaping the strategic vision for AI across the continent.
The Talk
GPT-NL: Building a sovereign and fair language model for the Netherlands
GPT-NL is the Netherlands’ flagship initiative to develop a sovereign, lawfully and ethically built LLM for the Netherlands. In this session, Saskia Lensink will present the project’s progress to date, focusing on the challenges in getting enough high-quality data, navigating all rules and regulations, and she will share a sneak-peak of the first round of performance evaluations.
Looking ahead, the presentation will outline the roadmap for continued development, including upcoming trials with public and private sector partners, and how these use cases will inform the next iteration of GPT-NL.