Internship | Development and Evaluation of Volumetric Video Compression

Are you ready to design the future of media? Imagine a role where your work shapes the next generation of media experiences. At TNO, we offer you the opportunity to push the boundaries of media and technology, all while working in a highly collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Why this role matters?
At TNO’s Networks and Media team, we are not just building solutions for today—we are pioneering the technologies that will shape how people interact with media tomorrow. You will develop innovative media applications that impact industries like entertainment, education, and even health. You’ll be part of an interdisciplinary team of experts where everyone brings their unique talents and perspectives to the table.

What will be your role?
We are actively looking for students to contribute to evaluating, analysing and improving our current development and innovation work. You will be at the forefront of developing next-gen AI based volumetric video compression systems.

Some examples of assignments could involve:

• Work on processing and coding solutions for state of the art formats that push the boundaries of novel view synthesis and 3D video representations, like Gaussian Splattings or NeRF.
• Work on AI media processing technologies such as Super Sampling, Image Restoration, Point Cloud Upscaling.
• Work on upcoming volumetric video related MPEG standards such as Gaussian Splat Coding (GSC) and AI Point Cloud Compression (AI-PCC)

The expected duration of an internship project is 6-9 months including the possibility of writing your thesis and/or taking part in writing papers and standard contributions. For this project, you are expected to work from the TNO location New Babylon near the Hague Central Station at least 4 days a week.

What’s in it for you?

• Cutting-edge projects: Work on exciting applications such as novel view synthesis with Gaussian Splats, VR streaming, 3D graphics processing and volumetric video compression.
• Hands-on experimentation: You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art MediaLab, where you can prototype and test immersive media technologies and work with the latest VR/AR headsets (Oculus, HoloLens, Apple Vision Pro).
• Diverse and inclusive culture: We believe that innovation thrives when a diverse set of voices is heard. No matter your background or experience, we welcome you to bring your authentic self to TNO.
• Work-life balance: Flexibility in how and where you work, with options for remote or hybrid setups.

What do you bring?

Top students are invited to apply. We are looking for students with a technical background and relevant programming experience. Experience with media technology or virtual reality is a bonus. We expect a pro-active attitude, enthusiasm, curiosity and an eagerness to learn and explore. Further you should be familiar with one or more of the following technologies:

• Python and strongly typed programming languages like C++.
• PyTorch and OpenCV.
• 3D graphics development and familiarity with graphics processing platforms such as CUDA.

Bonus points for:

• Hands-on experience with FFMpeg.
• Knowledge of video codec architectures and standards (H.264, HEVC, VVC, PCC).

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.