17 hours Ago By Vishal Singh
Netherlands-based TNO, Techleap, and Invest-NL have announced a strategic alliance to accelerate tech-related innovations, support startup growth, and enhance competitiveness. The announcement was made at the Hello Tomorrow tech event in Paris.The collaboration aims to strengthen the Netherlands and Europe’s position in the global tech industry, where only four of the top 50 companies are European.
Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO, says, “Impact is only achieved when innovations are widely applied and implemented on a large scale. That is why we are joining forces and helping companies get through the ‘valley of death’ so that promising innovations can be scaled up more often and more quickly from research to broad practical application.”“In addition to our technological expertise, including due diligence, we at TNO ensure the availability of facilities such as labs and cleanrooms and IP guidance.
We also ensure that startups can make use of a strong international network of research institutions and companies.”Challenges in Dutch tech growth and startup scalingIn the Netherlands, efforts to create favourable conditions for international tech growth have been insufficient. The alliance seeks to address this gap, recognising the role of tech companies in addressing challenges such as the circular economy and the energy transition.
The number of new startups in the Netherlands declined last year for the first time, dropping from 197 to 128. The Dutch scale-up ratio, which measures the percentage of startups securing at least €10M in financing, increased from 13 per cent to 21.5 per cent over five years.
Despite this growth, the Netherlands remains below the European average of 23 per cent and significantly behind the US at 54 per cent.Rinke Zonneveld, CEO of Invest-NL, says, “The Netherlands has wonderful, innovative companies. But our startups scale less quickly than in other countries.
Financing is a crucial factor in making these companies grow faster. That is why we invest large tickets in patient risk capital. And we mobilise as much European, private and institutional capital as possible for our future earning capacity.
Because the Netherlands deserves and can do better.”What to expect from the new alliance?TNO, Techleap, and Invest-NL are launching their collaboration with a focus on Compute, including quantum, semiconductor, and photonics innovations. The Netherlands has a strong position in these fields in terms of talent and research, but the potential for commercialisation remains underutilised.
The three organisations are researching promising companies, their international competitiveness, intellectual property pipelines, business climate, and financing challenges. Companies with high potential receive guidance, financing, and access to facilities and programs. Efforts are also underway to attract C-suite talent and international experts.
Other themes will be addressed in future initiatives.Constantijn van Oranje, special envoy Techleap, says, “Technology and innovative entrepreneurship are increasingly part of the global geopolitical game. This collaboration ensures that we can make joint choices in supporting tech entrepreneurs in strategic sectors that make a difference for the Netherlands.
”“We bring together expertise and capacity to help Dutch tech companies grow into international successes to be proud of, which also contribute to a stronger position for the Netherlands.”TNO expands spin-off portfolio and supports tech growthTNO, the largest independent research and technology organisation in the Netherlands, continues to drive innovation through research, consortia, and ecosystems. Its work contributes to economic growth, scientific decision-making, and advancements in sustainability, health, and digitalisation.
In 2024, TNO founded four new spin-offs, bringing the total to 45 since the launch of its Tech Transfer programme in 2017. The portfolio is valued at €664M, supporting 712 jobs. TNO spin-offs secured €200M in financing this year.
As part of an alliance to support tech growth, TNO provides technological expertise, due diligence, lab facilities, IP guidance, and access to an international research and business network.Techleap supports Dutch tech growth and scale-upsTechleap, a non-profit organisation partly funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, supports the growth of Dutch tech startups and scaleups. By working with the government and other stakeholders, Techleap promotes better conditions for scaling technology companies through knowledge sharing, financing, talent development, and market access.
Over the years, Techleap has supported more than 350 scale-ups. Through its Rise and Pole Position programmes, 129 tech companies have raised €950M. The Techleap community includes over 26,000 employees.
As part of an alliance to boost tech innovation, Techleap contributes expertise in scaling companies, connections with founders and corporates, and insights to identify high-potential businesses.Invest-NL supports sustainable and innovative growthInvest-NL, the national financing and development institution, provides funding for companies and innovations that contribute to a sustainable and innovative Netherlands but face limited access to financing.It collaborates with entrepreneurs, investors, and public and private sector specialists, focusing on sustainability, circular economy, healthcare, and deep tech.
Since 2020, Invest-NL has committed over €1B of its €3B in available resources, investing in both funds and portfolio companies. It mobilises private capital and develops financial solutions to address market challenges.As part of an alliance to boost tech growth, Invest-NL brings expertise, capital, and partnerships in investment and market development, working with private, public, and institutional financiers.
.
