High Tech Industry

The Dutch high-tech sector plays an essential role in addressing major societal challenges, both in Europe and worldwide. TNO’s High Tech Industry unit delivers the groundbreaking technological innovations required to keep this sector at the global forefront. We help companies secure and maintain strong international positions within vital industrial value chains.

Building Dutch control points through High-Tech Megaclusters

In an era where technological advancements dictate the pace of global competitiveness, the Netherlands stands at a critical juncture. To maintain and enhance our economic and technological resilience, it is imperative that we invest strategically through the development of new High-Tech Megaclusters.

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Key enabling technologies

To achieve these leading positions, TNO focuses on a number of key enabling technologies. Our expertise includes optical systems, integrated photonics, quantum technologies, semicon, and space technology. In addition, we are pioneers in the development of thin-film electronics and complex (opto)mechatronics, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is technologically possible.

Responding to market shifts

Market demands are changing rapidly, and we adapt alongside it. While the focus at the turn of the century was primarily on consumer electronics, today the semiconductor industry serves as the main engine behind high-tech innovation. The rapid rise of photonics, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence is now shifting our focus once again, prompting TNO to anticipate these changes and safeguard Dutch competitiveness for the long term.

Innovation through collaboration

Current geopolitical dynamics, the growing need for technological sovereignty, and the reshoring of production offer fresh opportunities to strengthen European competitiveness and prosperity. TNO supports and accelerates the competitive strength of companies by driving innovation and creating new market opportunities. Through various national and international public-private partnerships, we work together to build a thriving sector that is fully prepared for the industrial value chains of tomorrow.

Holst Centre

Holst Centre helps companies secure their place in both existing and emerging global value chains. We pioneer advancements in integrated photonics, sensors, energy storage, MedTech, semiconductors, and wireless systems to spark a new generation of products and ventures.

Quantum technologies

The power of quantum technology holds the potential to revolutionise nearly every aspect of our lives. From unprecedented computing power and communication capabilities to next-generation sensors. Since 2014, TNO has been at the forefront of quantum technology developments, and stands ready to usher in this new technological era.

Semicon metrology

As chips introduce increasingly complex 3D geometries and opaque materials, traditional metrology methods are no longer sufficient. To bridge this gap, TNO develops advanced metrology concepts by pioneering new techniques and seamlessly combining multiple approaches into single, innovative solutions.

Earth observation

Earth observation satellites are vital tools for monitoring our planet's atmosphere, land and water. TNO develops satellite instruments and air-quality and greenhouse-gas downstream models that enable a targeted approach for reducing global emissions.

Satellite communication

Driven by the rise of AI, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things, the growing demand for data is rapidly outstripping the capacity of traditional connections. To solve this, TNO is pioneering optical satellite communication, specifically the optical links between satellites and ground stations, while developing the key technologies required for next-gen communication terminals.

Astronomy

To help humanity better understand our place in the universe, TNO leverages its world-class leadership in ultra-precision opto-mechatronics to develop technologies for astronomy. Through our scientific instrumentation programs, we engineer next-generation solutions including deformable mirrors, laser projection systems, and nanometer-precision telescope support structures.

Smart manufacturing

Addressing critical societal challenges and securing European strategic autonomy requires circular production processes and hyper-efficient and resilient digital supply chains. TNO develops equipment and fabrication engineering technologies that will support the transition to a flexible, sustainable, and digitally connected European production network.

Medical devices

Demographic shifts have led to a rise in age-related conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, creating an urgent need for technical innovations to keep healthcare effective and affordable. To meet this challenge, TNO leverages medical photonics, pioneering light-based technologies that offer powerful new solutions for future healthcare.

Semicon

Driven by the industry's constant pursuit of smaller, more efficient, and more powerful chips, the ultimate challenge lies in manufacturing them as cost-effectively as possible. As partner for designing semiconductor equipment, TNO creates innovative solutions that accelerate our partners' growth and unlock new opportunities for the future of the industry.