TNO - Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

Innovation is a must
Innovation is crucial. For businesses and for governments. For economic development throughout the world. TNO makes innovation possible by translating scientific knowledge into practice. Together with our clients, we develop new applications that contribute to the welfare and prosperity of the Netherlands and further afield.

Knowledge in practice
TNO is a knowledge organisation for companies, government bodies and public organisations. The daily work of some 5,500 employees is to develop and apply knowledge. We provide contract research and specialist consultancy as well as grant licences for patents and specialist software. We test and certify products and services, and issue an independent evaluation of quality. And we set up new companies to market innovations. The development and application of innovative knowledge: that’s what we’re all about.

The power of partnership
TNO is versatile. We are active in five core areas:

* Quality of life
* Defence and public safety
* Advanced products, processes and systems
* Natural and built environment
* ICT and services.

Our top quality knowledge comes to the fore in each of these core areas. And in order to make the best use of this knowledge, experts from various disciplines come together in a single project team. Material technologists with product developers. Behavioural scientists with technicians. Constructors with software developers. And we develop knowledge together with companies, too. At times with the support of the TNO Co-financing facility. Together we make innovation possible.

Top international position
TNO holds a prominent position in international science and develops new knowledge together with universities and the technology top institutes. TNO also participates in a large number of projects within the European Union’s R&D programme. Thanks to this development of knowledge, TNO is always able to offer its clients the latest high-quality knowledge. Our expertise is applied in the assignments we carry out for our clients – including many in the innovative SME sector.

Independent and objective
TNO was established by law in 1930 to support companies and governments with innovative, practicable knowledge. As a statutory organisation we have an independent position that allows us to give objective, scientifically founded judgements.

The statutory TNO organisation is supplemented by the holding company TNO Management B.V.. This sets up new companies to market innovations that would otherwise remain unutilised.