Time to reconnect: Barend Vermeulen
TNO Alumni remain connected by a shared ambition to make a difference through technological and societal progress. In this series, we catch up with former TNO colleagues who have taken their drive and expertise to new organisations. It is time to reconnect with Barend Vermeulen, who worked at TNO as an engineer, project manager and business developer on subjects such as solar energy.
What did your time at TNO bring you?
'Alongside technical development, TNO also offered plenty of opportunity for personal growth. I was able to discover who I really am, what drives me and where my strengths lie. I still draw on that every day. I also collaborated extensively with international partners while at TNO. I continue to benefit from that network and experience.'
Which object reminds you of that time?
'This little hammer. I was given it when I left TNO, to crack tough nuts, in other words, to make decisions. A researcher comes up with two questions for every answer. I was one of only a few engineers among many researchers. That combination was precisely what made the work so interesting: you need one another to move forward. The hammer is still on my desk today!'
'At TNO I was able to discover who I really am, what drives me and where my strengths lie. I still draw on that every day.'
What are you proud of?
'The work we did at TNO in Shared Innovation programmes, together with universities and industry. I worked on solar energy with partners in Asia and the United States. We built many valuable relationships and made real progress in a field that is highly relevant to society.'
Innovation for life: how does innovation still play a part in your life?
'To me, innovation is about two things: making discoveries and successfully applying them in industry. At TNO, I contributed to some great inventions. At Demcon, I am closer to the market, at a later stage of the innovation process. I have been doing that for seven years now, with a great deal of energy and passion. They are two links in the same chain, and they need one another.'
What could people at TNO rightly be a bit prouder of?
'A moment worth being proud of is when you hand something over to a party that can take it to the next level. I sometimes compare it to seeing your child move out: it is not easy, but it is a sign that you have done a good job. Entrepreneurship is not always about doing everything yourself; above all, it is about bringing the right people together to make progress.'
Why would you like to reconnect with former colleagues?
'Together you can go further. That is what I find so interesting about former TNO colleagues: they are intrinsically motivated by innovation. How can we work together to solve a societal challenge?'
About Barend
- Current role: Managing Director at Demcon high-tech systems in Eindhoven
- 2008–2019: TNO, from research scientist to R&D project manager and senior business developer for solar energy
- 2007–2008: Philips Research
- Education: MSc in Integrated Product Design (Medical Design) from Delft University of Technology; Successful Strategy Execution Programme at Vlerick Business School
17 Nov | TNO Alumni Community Launch Event
Gain insight into TNO’s future, reconnect with former colleagues, expand your network, and celebrate the launch of the TNO Alumni Community. Time to recconect & innovate!
