TNO, one of Europe’s largest independent companies for developing innovative technology and providing technical consultancy, has opened its first Middle East branch office located at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in Doha, Qatar. The opening of the office step is a key step in enabling the company to fulfill its ambition to become an accelerator for technology development and innovation serving industry and society in Qatar and the Middle East.

The deputy Prime Minster of the Netherlands, Minister Maxime Verhagen, and TNO’s CEO, Jan Mengelers presided over the opening ceremony, during which TNO gave a flavor of its innovative enterprise by presenting high-tech innovations for the energy and mobility industry.

Mengelers said, "We recognize QSTP as the best place for TNO to establish an office. Its slogan, 'Where research goes to work', is a good match with TNO’s mission, to develop knowledge for practical application. To advise companies on using today’s technology and developing new technologies for the future, close interaction with our customers is crucial. An office in the Middle East will help us to expand our long-term relations with companies and universities."

Qatar Science & Technology Park is a home for technology-based companies from around the world and an incubator of start-up enterprises. The opening of the TNO office is an excellent example of how QSTP supports technology development. Executive Chairman of QSTP, Dr. Tidu Maini, stated, "TNO is one of the largest independent European companies that develops innovative technology and we are thrilled to have them in the QSTP family. Their expertise along with our assisting support will yield promising results especially in the oil and gas sector and particularly in Qatar."