Innovation for development

Creating Impact

Important global challenges are the growing world population, approaching 9 billion people, and increased prosperity and related living standard. This will results in a global scarcity of food, energy and resources. People with lowest incomes will be the first impacted by these issues. It’s our responsibility to develop new solutions which lead to poverty alleviation and create wealth and income generation. Business that has social and financial impact. This improves the stability and safety throughout the world.

Inclusive business

Successful innovation at low-income groups in developing countries is not a straight forward business. Innovation is required to develop successful business propositions in these low-income markets. On the one hand technical innovation for sustainable solutions in energy, ICT, nutritious food, etc. and on the other hand, innovation in business models and scaling strategies. TNO is the innovation partner here. With technical knowhow as well as experience on business modelling and transition management we launch inclusive businesses. These inclusive businesses are market driven, social and financial sustainable for all partners.

Public private partnerships

Inclusive businesses are always developed in close collaboration with the private sector, civil society organizations, public partners, knowledge institutes and end-users. We have a good network in Africa and Asia. Currently, at least 20 projects are running ranging across the following topics:

• Access to nutritious food: alternative protein sources and post-harvest technologies
• Clean drinking water: purification
• Health: mother and child care
• Sustainable energy: decentralized electrification with solar and biogas
• Mobile services: communication solutions
• Sustainable production: clean and safe industrial production
• Resilience: disaster risk reduction and building strong communities