
Time to look ahead for a safer society
The world feels more uncertain than ever. Climate change, cyberattacks, geopolitical tensions and conflicts directly affect our freedom and security. Our society is under pressure, and military personnel and security professionals do their jobs every day in increasingly complex circumstances. Science and technology can help, protect and empower them, but only if that technology is developed responsibly, intelligently and with people at its heart.
Innovations that strengthen our armed forces and protect society
We don’t just test whether something works; we check whether it works for the people who will use it. Whether it supports reliable decision-making. Whether it reduces risks. Whether it fits the reality of today and the threats of tomorrow.
We do this together with Defence, security services, government and industry. Independently, expertly and with one goal: to build a more resilient and secure Netherlands.
How TNO builds a resilient society
Military personnel deserve the best support. We develop smart sensors, autonomous systems and decision-support tools that enable them to operate more safely and effectively. Technology that thinks ahead, anticipates and reduces risks. That makes the difference in missions where every second counts.
Cyber threats affect everyone. From governments to businesses, from citizens to critical infrastructure. We create solutions that detect attacks earlier, expose deception and safeguard our digital freedom. This keeps the Netherlands resilient, online and offline.
A system is only valuable if people can use it. That’s why we test new technology in realistic conditions, together with military personnel and professionals. What helps them? What hinders them? How do we involve them in the process of change? This ensures innovations are adopted, not just invented.
From drones to disinformation, from quantum to hypersonic technology: TNO looks beyond the present. Through scenarios, analyses and future studies, we help the Netherlands make the decisions today that are needed to stay safe tomorrow.
Security isn’t just about the battlefield. It’s about how we respond to crises, how we protect our infrastructure and how we help people absorb shocks. Together with partners, we build a society that is, and remains, resilient.
Leading innovation towards 2050
This is the time to work on future innovations.

Become a time setter at TNO
At TNO, we work with people who want to move forward. Driven by innovation and the ambition to lead the way, we create solutions that make the Netherlands safer.
Your knowledge and ideas can make a real difference. This is your moment to make an impact. Your ideas can help build a safer Netherlands.

This is our time
To make our world safer, lives healthier and truly combat climate change. Now is the time for innovative solutions for society, government and entrepreneurs.
Discover TNO's groundbreaking innovations for the challenges of our time.
Laat je verder inspireren
Why continuous knowledge development is crucial in munitions safety


Christa Hooijer appointed as Chief Scientist of TNO
Time setter story: Project manager Christian Trampuz


From CBRN laboratory to battlefield: International field trials with gas masks


Time setters Manon and Frank are researchers and air force reservists


