Innovation for development

TNO's Innovation for Development (I4D) program innovates in low- and middle income countries with the aim to improve the lives of 2 billion people living below poverty level (World Bank, 2021). In close collaboration with partners we develop and launch ground-breaking technologies and scale them up with a solid business model. Our inclusive innovations lead to entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable access to affordable services for most vulnerable groups. This is business with impact!

Innovation for sustainable development

Creating prosperity and security for all is of utmost importance. We must respond to high population growth, unemployment of youth, migration flows, climate change, scarcities of food and resources and the consequences of the COVID pandemic. The 2 billion people living below poverty level ($ 3,20 a day) in low- and middle income countries will be affected first. Infrastructure is now stretched beyond limits and innovation is needed to facilitate sustainable development.

To tackle these issues TNO develops technical and social innovations. We work with an extensive network of partners from private sector, government, knowledge institutes, NGO’s and social impact investors in Africa, Asia and Europe. TNO acts as knowledge partner and provides know-how on technology, business models and transition management. If you are interested to join forces; please contact us!

Contributing to sustainable development goals

Although we contribute to 13 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our main impact is at the following SDGs:

  • SDG 3 – Good health and well being
  • SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth
  • SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production

Currently, our inclusive innovations improve the lives of 300.000 people with low incomes. Steering on the market demand and pressing issues we focus on 6 propositions for low- and middle income countries.

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How TNO is improving the health of a million mothers and children

Informatietype:
Insight
29 July 2025
At TNO, our mission is to improve the health of at least one million mothers and children. The focus here is on the first 1,000 days after birth – a time that determines health and well-being for the rest of the newborn’s life.

Testing medicines outside the body: intestinal–liver–kidney model accelerates drug development

Informatietype:
Insight
29 July 2025

TNO at Lowlands festival: science beyond the lab

Informatietype:
News
22 July 2025

3D pharma printing: Personalised medicine begins here

Informatietype:
News
8 July 2025

Microbial safety and hygiene

Informatietype:
Article