Invest-NL, Techleap, and TNO sign collaboration to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the Netherlands

Only four of the top 50 global tech companies are European. In the Netherlands, there is a lack of priority in establishing the right conditions for tech companies to grow internationally. We need to catch up because tech companies play an important role in addressing major challenges such as the circular economy and the energy transition.

The potential of Dutch tech entrepreneurship is not fully utilized. This is evident from the number of new startups in the Netherlands, which declined for the first time last year (from 197 to 128). The Dutch scale-up ratio (the percentage that grows to at least €10 million in funding) increased from 13% to 21.5% in the past five years. As a result, the Netherlands still performs below the European average (23%) and the United States (54%).

Knowledge, Guidance, and Funding

TNO, Techleap, and Invest-NL are starting with the theme Compute; innovations in quantum, semicon, and photonics. The Netherlands already has a strong position in these technologies in terms of talent and research, but the potential to capitalize on this knowledge is still insufficiently utilized. The three organizations will jointly conduct research into the most promising companies, international competitive position, the IP/research pipeline, the entrepreneurial climate for these companies, and where the concrete financing challenges lie. Companies with the most potential will be guided, funded, and supported by opening up our facilities and programs. The organizations will also seek C-suite talent and (international) experts to accelerate their growth. In a later stage, other themes will also be jointly addressed.

Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy Techleap: "Technology and innovative entrepreneurship are increasingly part of the global geopolitical game. This collaboration ensures that we can jointly make decisions 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."

Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO TNO: "Impact is only achieved when innovations are widely applied and implemented on a large scale. Therefore, we are joining forces and helping companies get through the 'valley of death' so that promising innovations scale up from research to broad practical application more often and faster. In addition to our technological expertise, including due diligence, TNO ensures 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 beautiful, innovative companies. But our startups scale less quickly than in other countries. Financing is a crucial factor in helping these companies grow faster. Therefore, we invest substantial tickets in patient risk capital. And we mobilize as much European, private, and institutional capital as possible precisely for our future earning potential. Because the Netherlands deserves and can do better."