After years of proven success, a new five-year phase for the Thematic Technology Transfer (TTT) programs begins this fall. The TTT GreenTech and TTT DeepTech initiatives build on the previous TTTs Circular Technology and Smart Industry. The new TTT AI Rise also succeeds the previous TTT AI and creates space for growth for companies within the Artificial Intelligence theme. The TTT MedTech initiative also continues.
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Each new program receives €10 million in funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, implemented by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Together, the new TTT programs build on a public-private model that transforms science into growth, jobs, and social impact.
Proven impact, sustainable growth
Since 2019, the TTT programs have amply demonstrated their value: more than 150 startups have been launched, over 40 of which received follow-up funding through TTT funds. Together, they raised over €300 million in additional capital – a more than tenfold leverage on public funds. The proceeds are being reinvested, creating a sustainable flywheel that structurally delivers innovation gains to the Netherlands. The new programs share the ambition to at least match the number of new startups and the associated funding. “TTT makes the Netherlands more future-proof by bringing together entrepreneurship with university-based technological developments,” say the joint lead partners of TTT GreenTech, TTT DeepTech, and TTT AI Rise.
From lab to society
Each program has its own focus, but shares the same mission: to translate excellent Dutch research into concrete applications more quickly.
- TTT GreenTech, led by Wageningen University & Research, focuses on innovations in sustainability, food, water, and energy.
- TTT AI Rise, led by the University of Amsterdam (IXA), strengthens the Netherlands’ position in artificial intelligence with societal value.
- TTT DeepTech, led by Eindhoven University of Technology, stimulates breakthroughs in photonics, quantum, mechatronics, and semiconductor technology – the building blocks of our technological future.
- TTT MedTech remains committed to the development of medical technology that directly contributes to better healthcare and quality of life, continued by the University of Twente.
New phase, greater impact
In this new round, the TTT programs are taking a clear step towards maturity. The programs are now being rolled out more widely and anchored nationally, with more knowledge institutions joining. This creates a more robust network in which science, entrepreneurship, and capital sustainably reinforce each other. The joint TTTs are also joining forces to organize masterclasses, national meetings (such as the TTT Team-Up Day), and collaborate with stakeholders like InvestNL, TechLeap, ROMs, and SURF.nl.
Open for business
For researchers and entrepreneurial teams, this new TTT period provides a concrete starting point for accelerating the adoption of innovations. The lead partners conclude: “The TTTs are now open for business. We invite researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to join us in building the next generation of Dutch scale-ups.”
Is TTT a good fit for your idea, or do you have questions? Contact the Knowledge Transfer Offices of the Dutch universities or visit tech-transfer.nl or ttt-ai.nl.
About TTT
The Thematic Tech Transfers are public-private initiatives that connect knowledge institutions and investors to bring groundbreaking scientific innovations to market faster. The programs combine mentoring, pre-seed financing, and investor networks in a single, integrated approach. This makes it easier to translate scientific knowledge into viable Dutch growth companies.