Responsible AI & digital autonomy

Smarter processes with transparent, European technology

Illustration of an owl with a glass laptop in its hand

Our Services

Photo of Meike Nauta giving a presentation

A photo of a flip chart with process drawings

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Presentations & workshops

Enthusiastic presentation or interactive workshop on AI or digitilisation, tailored to your wishes and target audience.

AI exploration trajectory

We advise on how your company can work smarter with AI. We see the opportunities and pay attention to data security, privacy and the user.

Custom AI implementation

We create your own algorithm or custom AI system. For example, a custom chatbot, predictive model or smart image recognition.

Digital transition and dependency analysis

Analysis of your IT landscape: we identify improvement opportunities and advise on responsible and European alternatives.

Custom software and automation

Smart software specifically for your processes. We connect your systems and ensure a smart data infrastructure.

Who we are

dr. ir. Meike Nauta

Meike Nauta is a consultant, lecturer, speaker, and developer in the field of data & AI. With her PhD in interpretable AI, she combines in-depth technical knowledge with inspiring enthusiasm and a moral compass. This way, she creates AI solutions that are both innovative and understandable. She has won several awards, including the title KIVI Engineer of the Year 2025.

ir. Rien Heuver

Rien Heuver is an experienced IT specialist with a broad, integral vision of technology. With knowledge of software development, IT architecture and cybersecurity, he designs effective and human-centered solutions that put users first. Previously, he started several innovative tech companies in software development, risk management and sustainability.

Why Glass Owl

1. Technical expertise

Hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of AI, data processing, IT infrastructure and smart software: with our human-centered approach, we design solutions that seamlessly integrate with your processes and current IT landscape. We use modern techniques and safe best practices. In short: we know what we're talking about, and we can build it.

2. Responsible approach

At Glass Owl, people and society are central to the design of useful digital solutions. We are convinced that good AI can be responsible. And we prefer to do this entirely European. With our pragmatic approach, we combine enthusiasm for the possibilities of AI with a critical eye, to guarantee ethically responsible and independent solutions.

3. Transparent method

We are responsible entrepreneurs with moral ambition and transparent methods. No hidden agenda, but clear communication, explicit agreements, and honest advice. Human, enthusiastic, and full of empathy to genuinely help you and all employees move forward. Together, we make an impact. And we like to set a good example, so our own IT is 100% European.

Stay informed with our blogs

Blog 30 Mar 2026

During the recent AI & Algorithms Seminar by the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP), AI was compared to a prosthesis: an extension of ourselves. But how do we ensure that this prosthesis doesn't become an uncontrollable long arm of Big Tech?

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Blog 5 Mar 2026

How digitally sovereign is Glass Owl? We start a blog series in which we explain the choices we maken and how those choices came to be.

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Blog 3 Mar 2026

The Netherlands has lagged in AI due to underinvestment, but its strength lies in responsible AI: now is the time for Europe, led by the Netherlands, to champion ethical and innovative AI solutions.

View all blogs

Some frequently asked questions

What do you mean by "responsible" AI?

Responsible AI refers to the design, development and application of AI systems in an ethical, fair and safe manner. Developers and users must ensure that AI systems align with human values, respect fundamental rights and promote societal well-being. The EU AI Act also embeds responsible AI principles in legislation, such as privacy, non-discrimination and transparency. To implement AI responsibly, employees who work with AI must also have adequate knowledge, known as “AI literacy”. They need to be aware of both the opportunities and risks of AI.

Responsible AI is therefore a broad concept, and we deliberately interpret “responsible” broadly: AI with an eye for people and society. What does this mean in practice? We develop useful AI with a focus on privacy, data security, sustainability, ethics and explainability. Together with you, we determine what the AI should do to support you as good as possible, with the principle that the AI is useful and controllable. Additionally, we enthusiastically involve users in workshops and presentations to increase AI literacy. Our commitment to responsibility is also refelcted in our working methods: we communicate clearly, honestly and transparently.

What do you mean by "digital autonomy"?

Digital autonomy focuses on an organisation’s ability to maintain control over its own data and systems (sovereignty) and to be free to make its own technological choices. American Big Tech is moving in the opposite direction: they push organisations into what’s known as ‘vendor lock-in’, where your data, systems, infrastructure and services become so deeply tied to a single tech provider that leaving becomes nearly impossible. Lock-in comes with various risks, such as sudden price increases that you cannot avoid, geopolitical dependencies, changing terms and incompatibility with other systems.

At Glazen Uil (Glass Owl), we therefore focus on European solutions that intelligently support your business and integrate well within your current IT landscape, without lock-in effects. This way, you can take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitisation and AI while reducing risks. This makes your organisation smarter, more resilient, more agile and more aligned with European public values. Sensitive company data remains secure without leaking to Big Tech, costs remain manageable, and you keep control.

Why are you called "Glazen Uil (Glass Owl)"?

We often receive positive reactions to the name “Glass Owl” (Glazen Uil in Dutch). Naturally, the next question is always, “Where does that name come from?” Here’s the reasoning: The owl has been a symbol of wisdom and intelligence for centuries. For us, the owl represents our knowledge, experience, and the artificial intelligence we develop. The word “Glass” (Glazen in Dutch) emphasises our transparent approach. Whether it’s our digital solutions, clear communication, or responsible choices: we believe in transparency. This means plain language, independent systems and explainable AI as much as possible. Hence, “Glazen Uil (Glass Owl)” stands for smart technology you can understand and build upon.

What makes your approach unique compared to other consulting firms?

In a market where AI consulting often revolves around buzzwords, we prioritise in-depth expertise and positive impact. For us, good consulting goes beyond advice: it means inspiring people, brainstorming together, sharing knowledge and developing digital solutions when needed.

What distinguishes us is our combination of deep technical expertise and a human-centered, value-driven approach. Our team consists of motivated professionals with PhDs or master’s degrees who not only understand the theory but also bring years of hands-on experience in building AI and IT systems. Over those years, we’ve seen the consulting industry frequently default to recommending standard American Big Tech solutions, often with little regard for privacy or ethics.

We show that there’s another way: with transparent, innovative and European solutions tailored to your needs and workflow. People often tell us that our enthusiasm is inspiring: not just because we’re passionate about what we do, but also because we value your ambitions as highly as our own. With our proactive and personal approach, we keep things lighthearted while taking pragmatic steps forward. Together, we create a positive impact: working smarter while helping you retain your autonomy, standards and values.

Do I really need AI, or is it just hype?

We love critical questions like this! In fact, we ask you the same thing when we meet: “Is AI truly the solution here, or is there a smarter way without it?” Because yes, AI is hot and can do incredible things, but sometimes a complex AI system isn’t necessary at all. I mean, you wouldn’t take a fighter jet to go the supermarket, would you?

We’re aware of the hype but don’t follow it blindly. We step out of the bubble and first look at your goal, then choose the tool that fits. For example, one company asked for complex AI, but a simple data integration turned out to be a cheaper and equally effective solution! Or sometimes, a simpler, transparent algorithm is even better than black-box AI: cheaper, faster, controllable and adaptable.

If we conclude together that your goal does require advanced AI, of course we’re eager to get to work! Even then, we’ll first help you choose from the many AI models available. Together, we’ll weigh the right trade-offs between factors like speed, transparency, costs, sustainability, interoperability and accuracy.

This way, you’ll always know afterwards that you’ve chosen the best fit for you, not just the latest trend.

Responsible AI & digital autonomy

Our Services

Who we are

Why Glass Owl

1. Technical expertise

2. Responsible approach

3. Transparent method

Stay informed with our blogs

AI as prothesis or as long arm?

Our European choices

Netherlands on the AI world stage

Some frequently asked questions

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