Keiron

Following years of research, TNO at Holst Centre has brought the printing of microelectronics to a higher level. Laser-based printing technology is a contactless, digital and laser-controlled technique for depositing both solid and liquid materials on any desired surface, including bio-materials, conductive adhesives, electronics, metals, and more. Laser printing enables complex functionalities to be added to chips, and the production processes within microelectronics is much faster and more precise. All in all, this is a technology that provides great opportunities for the mass production of flexible electronics.

Together with HighTechXL, TNO at Holst Centre was able to turn this technology into a solid business case and a promising venture: Keiron. This deep-tech start-up provides a new direct-write manufacturing machine for high-volume micro-manufacturing for microfluids and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The global market for laser printed electronics is estimated to be worth some ten billion euros by 2025.

LionVolt

With a combined investment of 4.5 million euros by the Province of Noord-Brabant and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, TNO at Holst Centre has taken a significant next step in the development of its revolutionary 3D solid-state lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are created using the patented spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (sALD) technique. They are intrinsically safe and lightweight, recharge quickly and have a long service life. Large car manufacturers are watching closely as these batteries represent the ideal solution for electric vehicles in the long term. The subsidies will be used to build a demonstration line to show that this promising technology is suitable for large-scale battery production. The Dutch government acknowledges the importance to retain this technology for The Netherlands in order to maintain its strong competitive position in Europe. To further accelerate the development of this technology in the fast-growing battery market, TNO at Holst Centre has created the spin-off company, LionVolt BV, to further develop and commercialise 3D solid-state batteries.