TNO Drives Sustainable Innovation in Utrecht for Societal Benefit
Utrecht, Tuesday, 7 January 2025.
TNO is focusing on sustainable innovations in Utrecht to bridge technology and societal needs, aiming to enhance welfare and prosperity.
Breakthrough in Vehicle Safety Technology
TNO has marked a significant advancement in sustainable transportation through a recent collaboration with Goodyear, announced on January 7, 2025. The partnership has developed an enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system that can effectively operate in adverse weather conditions [3]. This innovation represents a major step forward in vehicle safety, with the system capable of mitigating impacts at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour by engaging brakes earlier than conventional systems [3].
Research and Development Focus
As the Netherlands’ largest independent research organization with 5,000 professionals [3], TNO is actively pursuing multiple sustainable innovation tracks. The organization’s Built Environment unit, comprising 480 professionals across nine research groups, is specifically focusing on developing solutions for climate adaptation and sustainable mobility [5]. Their work encompasses critical areas such as predictive infrastructure maintenance and urban planning, all aimed at creating more resilient and liveable cities [5].
Sustainable Process Innovation
TNO’s commitment to sustainability extends to process technology, where they’re working toward achieving a circular and carbon-neutral industry by 2050 [6]. A notable achievement in this direction is the Clean Ammonia Roadmap report launched in 2024, which explores the potential of clean ammonia as an energy and hydrogen carrier [6]. This initiative demonstrates TNO’s practical approach to addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.
Supporting Business Innovation
Through the TNO Fast Track platform, the organization is actively supporting start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs across the Netherlands [7]. This initiative provides businesses with rapid access to TNO’s extensive knowledge base, facilities, and network connections [7]. The organization has also established various international collaborations and fieldlabs, including the Fieldlab Smart Connected Supplier Network (SCSN) and the Bouw en Techniek Innovatiecentrum (BTIC), further strengthening their commitment to fostering innovation across multiple sectors [7].