The Healthcare Innovation Hub has many enthusiastic partners. But who are these partners and what do they contribute? Rob van der Maarel is a business developer at TNO. In this interview he tells more about what TNO and the Healthcare Innovation Hub can offer each other.

TNO is an organization that focuses on the application of (new) knowledge. The organization stimulates and creates innovations, both technological and social innovations, that promote the well-being and prosperity of society. TNO does this, among other things, in the field of health.

How does TNO's mission fit in with the Healthcare Innovation Hub?

“TNO's motivation is to tackle social problems. In healthcare, there is a major issue due to the aging population and a shortage of healthcare personnel, namely: more care must be provided with fewer people. Both TNO and the Healthcare Innovation Hub are working on this issue. I think that the organizations fit together well.”

What can TNO and the Healthcare Innovation Hub offer each other?

“TNO is good at developing solutions for complex innovation issues. What new developments are coming, what is their significance and what is needed to implement new solutions in a smart way? TNO can help the Healthcare Innovation Hub with these questions. One of the reasons that TNO has become a partner is because the Healthcare Innovation Hub is an interesting partnership of parties and offers a physical environment. This way we can work together on new solutions and test them. For example, by testing innovations.”

What is your vision for the Healthcare Innovation Hub?

“Creating innovations is a matter of collaboration. My vision is a combined energy among various parties that tackle issues together. The launch of the hub was already hopeful. It was a well-attended meeting with a lot of positive energy. TNO is happy to be part of that.”