The Hague-based TNO, an independent organisation for applied research, has entered into a strategic partnership with Fortaegis, an Amsterdam-based deep-tech scale-up pioneering a new generation of secure chip technology.

By leveraging TNO’s technological expertise, networks, and infrastructure, this collaboration will help accelerate the development of a new generation of security where protection is built into the chip itself.

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As part of this partnership, TNO is investing in Fortaegis through its holding company, TNO Ventures.

“Chip security is getting more attention because chips are the backbone of nearly all modern technology, from phones and cars to medical devices, military systems, and AI. Further developing this key technology is crucial for the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. By working closely with Fortaegis, we’re taking the next step in advancing a technology that could play a key role in global value chains, says Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO

This aligns with TNO’s goal of supporting promising startups and growing the Dutch high-tech sector through investments and partnerships.

Secure by design: From NATO to global industry

Led by Boudewijn Wijnands, Fortaegis has developed technology suitable for both military and civilian applications.

The company has developed a 5nm Secure Processing Unit (SPU) that promises to transform secure and high-performance data processing, communication, and storage.

With over 15 years of research behind it, the new SPU architecture creates a secure environment by integrating advancements in hardware, firmware, and software.

The unique chip design leverages intrinsic material properties to address critical challenges in security, scalability, and interoperability.

Fortaegis’s security approach relies on the unique physical “fingerprints” of each chip—small variations in their electrical properties.

Because this security is embedded in the chip itself, the system is much more secure and faster than traditional software solutions. Cryptographic keys no longer need to be stored in databases, preventing hackers from gaining access.

Furthermore, it eliminates the need to exchange cryptographic keys to create a secure connection between devices. This also makes the system resistant to quantum computers with their enormous computing power.

The company targets data-critical AI applications across diverse sectors, including critical infrastructure, defence, telecommunications (6G), automotive, financial technologies, and Industry 4.0.

The Dutch company also collaborates with NATO and leading companies in Europe, the UK, the US, and Japan.

TNO supports Fortaegis’ platform

TNO has been supporting the development of Fortaegis’ security platform from an early stage.

Since then, TNO has conducted research into the test methodologies used by Fortaegis, and is currently conducting software research into the security of Fortaegis’ communication protocol.

In addition to the current investment, TNO will enter into a long-term partnership with Fortaegis.

This partnership will focus on applications in areas such as federated learning (a decentralised and privacy-friendly form of machine learning), emerging network technologies, joint research within national and European research projects, and long-term R&D projects.

“TNO has been a trusted partner since our early days. Their strategic investment in Fortaegis reflects our shared commitment to advancing secure, sovereign technology at a time when geopolitics and innovation are increasingly connected. As global competition in AI, quantum, and critical infrastructure grows, this partnership strengthens Europe’s leadership in developing technologies that are not only more powerful — but also fundamentally more trustworthy,” says Boudewijn Wijnands, CEO of Fortaegis.