Greenhouse design is an important engine of the Dutch economy. In recent years, glass covered greenhouses have become an important export product with their technical installations. Dutch suppliers annually export 2.5 billion of greenhouse technology across countries around the world. TNO supports and advises suppliers of greenhouse technology through the application of innovative technologies.
1) Greenhouse structural design: we support greenhouse construction companies with the design of economic and efficient greenhouse constructions. The knowledge that TNO builds up is transferred to the companies in the form of design tools such as CASTA / Greenhouse construction. In addition, TNO helps individual companies with product developments.
2) System Integration and Optimization Model (SIOM). TNO has developed SIOM together with Hortivation. This is a decision support tool for greenhouse construction companies. They can use SIOM in the conversation with the investor or grower to list the various technologies so that a well-considered investment decision can be made.
3) Digitisation. Greenhouses generate more and more data streams. The supplying companies want to use this data in order to be able to supply services such as "Growing as a service" as well as selling greenhouse technology. TNO helps companies to collect and enrich the data.
TNO cooperates intensively with the Hortivation foundation, which aims to develop and disseminate collective knowledge among the suppliers. Hortivation collects the development wishes at the companies, creates a roadmap together with TNO and initiates new development projects. In addition, Hortivation issues licenses for the jointly developed design tools and calculation models.
In order to remain in constant contact with the companies in the sector, TNO is a participant at Demokwekerij Westland in the World Horti Center. This is a well-known location in the middle of Westland area, where growers and suppliers meet and discuss about innovations. There is also an exhibition space for demonstrating technologies that have already been proven in practice.
TNO has a wealth of innovative techniques that entrepreneurs can benefit from. They can choose from various forms of cooperation to call on TNO. This may involve jointly solving R&D issues, but also orientation advice about possible improvements in business operations. Entrepreneurs in greenhouse horticulture who want to know more about this can contact Egon Janssen.
