TNO’s goals for 2030
TNO was founded in 1932 to make knowledge applicable in practice. The aim is to contribute to meeting societal challenges and enhancing the earning power of the Netherlands. Over the last 9 decades, we’ve developed countless innovations, each with its own impact. Also for the coming decade, TNO sets ambitious goals to achieve together with partners.
Ambitions for the Netherlands
With these goals for 2030, we’ll contribute to resolving societal issues in the Netherlands and to boosting the country’s earning power.

Speed up the drug development process by 2 years
To improve quality of life, prolong lives, and reduce healthcare costs, medicines need to be available faster and cheaper. This decade, we’ll help speed up the drug development process by 2 years. TNO and its partners are moving this goal closer to reality with microtracer technology and ongoing process innovations. Together we contribute to the life of tomorrow.

50% reduction in lifestyle-related diseases
To live longer in good health, a healthy lifestyle is often the most potent medicine. In 10 years time, we’ll help halve the number of people with lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. TNO and its partners are making this possible with personalised interventions, help with behavioural change and advice on policy. Together we are working to improve the life of tomorrow.

Digital privacy and security for everyone
Privacy and cyber security are the cornerstones of our digital society. In 10 years, we’ll ensure that everyone can exchange data online with complete peace of mind. TNO and its partners are making this possible with smart innovations in data encryption, quantum-safe data sharing and a secure digital infrastructure. We share the same ambitions and are working together to secure the future of the Netherlands.

50% of plastics designed for circularity
To combat resource depletion and climate change, it’s essential to reduce plastic waste. In 10 years, we’ll make it possible for half of all plastics to be recycled after use. TNO and its partners are working on models that will enable new production and recycling technology. Together we are making a positive difference to the future of the Netherlands.

Plastic made from air and waste gases
Climate change means we must switch to fossil-free industry. In this decade, TNO and its partners will produce plastic made from air and industrial waste gases at a Dutch factory. Together we have a positive impact on the future of the Netherlands.

Combating climate change from space
For a sustainable climate and clean air, we need to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using our satellite instruments, we aim to give the world access to reliable, exact and independent monitoring of emissions by 2030. This will help reduce global emissions using a targeted approach.

Quantum technology marks a new era
Quantum technology will spectacularly increase computing power and information security. By 2030, this will allow us to tackle problems that we can’t currently solve due to a lack of computing power, as well as ensure Internet security. As a partner in QuTech, TNO will lay the foundations for an entirely new industry.

Seeing without being seen
Obtaining accurate and up-to-date information is of vital importance to any military action. TNO is making sure the Netherlands continues to be the global leader in the race to see without being seen. Together with the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the business community, we’re developing the world’s most advanced camouflage and sensor solutions. In this way, we’re making sure our country and military are and remain safe.

All drug labs unprofitable
Effectively combating drug criminality is essential for a safe and secure society. Within 10 years, we’ll make sure it’s no longer profitable to set up a synthetic drug lab in the Netherlands. Together with its partners, TNO is working on advanced sensor technology and predictive methods that will make detection so effective that drug labs will become unprofitable. This is how we ensure a safer and more secure Netherlands.

Using any surface for renewable electricity
To generate green energy on a large scale, we’ll have to be smart in using the scarce space available in the Netherlands. We’ll therefore ensure that within 10 years, any suitable surface can be used to generate renewable electricity. With due regard for the landscape and the natural world. With our partners, we are developing innovations such as floating solar farms and power-generating buildings and infrastructure. This is how we help to boost sustainability in the Netherlands.
Get inspired
TNO publishes fully integreated Annual Report 2022
TNO's Annual Report 2022 is published. For the first time, it concerns a fully integrated annual report, in which sustainability is fully incorporated into the general annual report.


Automotive Week 2023
The Automotive Week 2023 is thé hotspot if you want to keep up with the latest European developments in mobility and if you want to expand your network in our mobility sector. Innovative technologies and the right skills become more and more important to make the world of mobility smart, sustainable and safe.
Unique test installation for CO2 capture and conversion to green chemicals
While the world is fully engaged in electrolysis to produce hydrogen by splitting water, TNO is also using this technology to convert CO2. CO2 electrolysis is a promising electrochemical technique for converting this greenhouse gas into high-quality sustainable chemicals.


TNO signs MoU with leading Korean knowledge institutes to accelerate the development of smart cities
Dutch national research institute TNO has joined forces with the three leading Korean knowledge institutes KAIST, KRIHS and The Seoul Institute, to come to a closer cooperation in the field of smart city development between the Netherlands and Korea.


FSO Instruments introduces laser satellite communications to the market
The Dutch technology developers and producers, Demcon and VDL Groep, are combining their laser satellite communication activities in FSO instruments. This is the first laser satellite communication technology company to be founded in the Netherlands and builds onto the groundbreaking technology developed by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) in cooperation with companies, including Demcon and VDL.

