TNO, Techleap, Invest-NL unite to boost Dutch innovation

TNO, Techleap, and Invest-NL are joining forces to bring tech-related innovations to the market faster, help startups scale up, and become more competitive. The three organizations announced this agreement today at the Paris tech event Hello Tomorrow. Accelerating technological innovation and scaling up tech startups is crucial to secure the competitiveness and future earning power of the Netherlands and Europe.

To this extent, the three state companies advocate that the Netherlands lacks the conditions for tech companies to grow internationally. According to their statement, the potential of Dutch tech entrepreneurship is not being fully exploited. The number of new startups fell for the first time in years in 2o24, from 197 to 128. Although the Dutch scaleup ratio- the share of startups raising at least €10 million in funding- rose from 13% to 21.5% over the past five years, it still underperforms the European (23%) and the United States average (54%).

Knowledge, guidance and funding

The alliance will focus first on computing, monitoring innovation in quantum, semiconductor, and photonics technology. Despite having an edge in these sectors, there is room to further exploit this potential. The three organizations will jointly conduct research into the most promising companies, international competitiveness, what the intellectual property and research pipeline looks like, what the business climate is like for these companies, and where the concrete funding challenges are. Companies with the most potential are mentored, funded, and supported by opening up our facilities and programs. The organizations will also look for C-suite talent and (international) experts to accelerate their growth. At a later stage, other themes will also be taken up jointly.

Constantijn van Oranje, special envoy Techleap: “Technology and innovative entrepreneurship are increasingly part of the global geopolitical game. This collaboration allows us to make joint choices in supporting tech entrepreneurs in strategic sectors that make a difference for the Netherlands. We bring together expertise and capacity to grow Dutch tech companies into international successes to be proud of, contributing to a stronger position of the Netherlands.”

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Getting companies through the valley of death

Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO TNO: “Impact is only achieved when innovations are widely applied and implemented on a large scale. That is why we join forces and help companies get through the 'valley of death' so that promising innovations scale up more often and faster from research to broad practical application. Besides our technological expertise, including due diligence, from TNO, we ensure the availability of facilities such as labs and cleanrooms and IP guidance. We also ensure that startups can use a strong international network of research institutions and companies.”

Rinke Zonneveld, CEO Invest-NL: “The Netherlands has wonderful, innovative companies. But our startups do not scale as fast as in other countries. Financing is a crucial factor making these companies grow faster. That is why we invest hefty tickets to patient venture capital. We mobilize as much European, private, and institutional capital as possible to achieve our future earning potential. Because the Netherlands deserves and can do better.”

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