Innovation for development

global challenges

The tremendous increase of the world population to 9 billion in 2040 in combination with a growing level of wealth and consumption will cause scarcity of natural resources. We do need 70% more food and we need more energy and biomass to produce all the required goods. The two billion people living below poverty level will be affected first by scarcities. Infrastructure is now stretched beyond limits and innovation is needed to facilitate sustainable development.

Inclusive innovation

With the innovative power of 3,200 experts TNO develops new products and services matching the needs of low-income groups. With technical know-how we develop new products and services with a sustainable business model in the field of health, food, construction materials, circular economy and ICT. In close collaboration with private and public partners, we launch these products in the local market and realize integrated system innovations. TNO offers technical assistance, transition management of value chains and business modelling.

partnerships

We work with an extensive network of partners from private sector, NGO’s, governments and social impact investors in Europe, (Eastern) Africa and Asia. If you are interested to join forces; please contact us!

Reaching impact on SDG’s

Our innovations boost local entrepreneurship, employability and access to affordable basic services for most vulnerable people. It utilizes the unspent local production capacities, increases the perspective of local people and creates business propositions for local and European companies in underserved consumer markets.

In each project we frame our impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These global goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. We map outputs, outcomes and where possible the realized or envisioned impact. 

SDG 2. No hunger

SDG 3. Good Health

SDG 4. Quality education

• Can’t Wait to Learn: educational games on a tablet for conflict-affected children

SDG 5. Gender Equality

• Ritu: fully biodegradable sanitary napkins in Bangladesh
• Flying Food: nutritious crickets for delicious food security

SDG 6. Clean water and Sanitation

• Ritu: fully biodegradable sanitary napkins in Bangladesh
• Cooling with the Sun

SDG 8. Good jobs and decent work

• JOBS: Youth Employment in South Africa

SDG 9. Innovation and infrastructure

• Cool Bricks: climate smart construction materials for housing in Malawi
• Ritu: fully biodegradable sanitary napkins in Bangladesh

SDG 13. Climate Action

• Cool Bricks: climate smart construction materials for housing in Malawi
• Flying Food: nutritious crickets for delicious food security
• Ritu: fully biodegradable sanitary napkins in Bangladesh
• Nutrifoods: climate smart crops for nutritious bakery products