CEO CoolMicro

About this position

We are launching a breakthrough deep tech venture based on TNO-developed technology in high-performance microfluidic thermal management. This innovation addresses one of the most urgent bottlenecks in high-performance computing: a highly efficient and scalable solution by leveraging phase change at micro-scale, it removes heat far more efficiently than conventional solutions. It unlocks the performance and scalability needed for AI and high-performance computing.

What will be your role?

We are looking to complete the founding team of a high-potential TNO spin-off at the intersection of chip cooling, thermal management, semiconductors, and datacenter infrastructure.

As a technical CEO and Co-founder, you will help build this venture from the ground up, strategically, technically, and entrepreneurially. A commercial co-founder is already in place, bringing strong sales expertise and leading go-to-market, business development, and commercial team building.

For this role, we are specifically looking for someone who can form the technical backbone of the company: someone who understands TNO’s technology, defines the technical roadmap, understands supply chain, has experience in operations, and together with the commercial co-founder builds the team and grows the company from venture to scale-up.

This role offers a unique opportunity to build a company based on validated technology with clear market demand and strong industry interest.

Your responsibilities

• Strategy & company building. Define the company strategy, target markets, and path from venture building to first commercial traction together with your co-founder. Create structure, focus, and momentum in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical roadmap & product development. Lead the technical direction of the company. Define the most promising product steps and translate TNO’s technology into product-market fit, while balancing certification, scalability, manufacturability, and time-to-market.
• Building the technical team. Build and lead the future technical team, attracting talent in thermal engineering, product development, manufacturing, and operations.
• Fundraising, pitching, & stakeholder management. Act as the face of the venture towards investors, partners, and customers. Clearly communicate complex deep-tech concepts and build a compelling investment story.
• Collaboration with TNO. Work closely with TNO, leveraging its knowledge, IP, and capabilities while building an independent company.

What we expect from you

We are not looking for a traditional corporate manager, but for an entrepreneur who can connect technology, market, and team.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a technology-driven environment
• Background as a founder, entrepreneur, or senior leader in deep tech, hardware, semiconductors, or thermal management
• Strong technical foundation (e.g. chip cooling, microfluidics, micro electronics)
• Experience in datacenter infrastructure , AI/HPC, or related ecosystems
• Proven ability to build teams and define technical and business roadmaps
• Strong communication and pitching skills towards investors and partners
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, ownership-driven approach
• Energized by building from scratch in a high-ambition environment
• Fluent in English, with a good command of Dutch

What you'll get in return

A unique opportunity to build and lead a high-potential deep-tech spin-off from the start. As CEO / Co-founder, you will have the freedom and responsibility to define the company’s strategy, build the team, and drive growth.

You will work closely with TNO and gain access to leading technology, IP, and a strong network of experts, partners, and investors. This is a chance to create real impact in AI, semiconductors, and datacenter infrastructure.

The role is structured as a typical early-stage venture leadership position, with significant ownership and long-term value creation potential.

You will operate in an entrepreneurial, innovation-driven environment with significant autonomy, where the founding teams’ vision, leadership, and decisions directly shape the direction and success of the venture.

TNO as an employer

The selection process

Are you a technical entrepreneur or CEO who can turn deep tech into a scalable business? Do you want to build a venture from the ground up, together with a commercial co-founder? We would love to get in touch.

Please apply before the 3th of August, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.