Research body TNO invests in Dutch military-grade chips to boost cybersecurity

Dutch research organization TNO has joined forces with deep tech start-up Forteagis to accelerate the development of a next-generation security chip designed to be uncrackable, De Telegraaf reports. The chip, which integrates protection directly into its hardware, is expected to hit the market in 2028 and will initially target military and strategic applications.

The partnership, announced Thursday, includes a financial investment by TNO through its private holding company, TNO Ventures. While the exact amount was not disclosed, Forteagis CEO Boudewijn Wijnands described it as “significantly larger” than the company's previous funding round in 2023.

The collaboration aims to speed up the rollout of a chip-and-software solution that eliminates the need to store or transmit encryption keys. According to Forteagis, this built-in protection makes systems “intrinsically more secure.” The company says its proprietary technology is faster than those currently offered by competitors.

In addition to military use, the chip is being developed as a dual-use product that could reportedly safeguard critical infrastructure, including energy grids. Because of its strategic nature, the chip will be subject to strict export controls once it reaches the market.

Forteagis currently employs 53 people but plans to expand its workforce to over 100 within the next year as development accelerates.