Internship | Neurosymbolic AI for knowledge support in greenhouses

This internship focuses on the application of neurosymbolic AI techniques with direct impact in the greenhouse sector. Dutch greenhouses are complex, high-tech systems that require specialized expertise. As experienced professionals retire, preserving and transferring this specialized knowledge becomes increasingly important. To help preserve and share this knowledge, TNO develops solutions such as the Common Greenhouse Ontology (CGO)[1][2] , which standardizes greenhouse knowledge and supports interoperability. However, the increasing complexity of ontologies and knowledge graphs can make them difficult to understand, extend, and fully exploit. You will work with our team on the development of a neurosymbolic AI system that supports the preservation and exploitation of knowledge in the greenhouse sector. The system combines state-of-the-art tools and techniques, including LLMs, ontologies, knowledge graphs, and (knowledge) retrieval augmented generation. You will be part of an environment where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are welcomed, and you have the space to develop your expertise.

[1] Bakker, R., van Drie, R., Bouter, C., van Leeuwen, S., van Rooijen, L., & Top, J. (2021). The Common Greenhouse Ontology: An Ontology Describing Components, Properties, and Measurements inside the Greenhouse. Engineering Proceedings,9(1), 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2021009027

[2] GitLab repository of the CGO: https://gitlab.com/ddings/common-greenhouse-ontology

During this internship, you will work on the developing of a co-learning module, using neurosymbolic AI techniques and research methods to explore and address the main research question: How can we integrate user feedback in a hybrid/neurosymbolic AI system to support users in the greenhouse domain by ensuring factuality and explainability? You will work with a team of TNO scientists and industry partners in the development of the system. During the project, you will be able to define concrete research subquestions to answer the main question, define and execute experiments, and translate your findings into a graduation thesis report and/or academic article. Along the way, you will further develop skills in neurosymbolic AI techniques, collaborative coding, and scientific research, gain knowledge in the greenhouse sector, and have the opportunity to contribute your own ideas within the team.

For this internship, we are looking for a student with a background in AI and/or computer science who has an interest in neurosymbolic AI techniques such as the combination of of ontologies and knowledge graphs with large language models. You have an interest in coding and the motivation to keep improving your coding skills. It helps if you are used to work with tools like Git and GitLab or GitHub, but we are happy to support you in developing areas you want to learn more about. What matters most is that you are curious, proactive, and enjoy working together on the application of AI techniques to the greenhouse domain.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

You can apply for this internship position until the 15th of September, 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.