Innovators Reconnect: Katja Pahnke

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 Katja Pahnke, who worked at TNO on reducing industrial emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Are you still driven by the same passion?

'Absolutely. My passion is making a difference, driving change and taking the lead. At TNO, I learned that innovation happens when you bring together different people, cultures and ways of working, and challenge people to think beyond conventional approaches. That is still what drives me today.'

How does innovation continue to play a role in your life?

'Innovation has always been at the heart of my career. At TNO, I worked in a large international consortium focused on improving melting behaviour and increasing efficiency in glass manufacturing processes. Later, as head of the Products and Materials department, I led the merger of seven former departments in the field of testing, inspection and certification, and oversaw the transition of these activities into an independent organisation. Afterwards, together with Germany's TÜV Rheinland, I established a TNO spin-off. The company specialised in testing complete vehicles and components for the automotive industry. In this industry, innovation can quite literally save lives.'

'Later, I moved into roles at Eindhoven University of Technology, where innovation was equally central. I helped create new collaborations between faculties to support the manufacturing industry in the Brainport region in areas such as robotics, mechatronics and electronics. Innovation is part of TNO'sDNA, and I still see that reflected in Eindhoven's Brainport ecosystem through its partnerships, networks and collaborative culture.'

'As a mother, road safety is incredibly important to me, so I also follow developments in mobility with great interest.'

What did TNO give you that you have taken with you to new organisations?

'In a TNO magazine from 2006, I was described as 'someone who tackles the difficult jobs'. That's still true today. I'm good at it, I enjoy it and I continue to do it. What else I learned at TNO? Working in multidisciplinary teams, looking at challenges from a different perspective, thinking outside the box and bringing together people from different disciplines and domains. I also learned to take responsibility and lead the way in making change happen.'

What makes you proud of TNO?

'TNO stands for passion, impact, enjoyment and collective intelligence. You rarely find so many brilliant minds in one place. By bringing talented people and entrepreneurship together, TNO can achieve remarkable things quickly, with real impact'

'That is exactly what makes me proud: TNO focuses not only on small innovations that improve people's lives, it is committed to driving systemic innovation. It does so by bringing together knowledge, expertise and people from across the world.'

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Which TNO developments and innovations do you still follow closely?

'I keep a close eye on TNO's automotive activities because I worked in that field for many years. As a mother, road safety is incredibly important to me, so I also follow developments in mobility with great interest.'

Which former TNO colleague would you most like to reconnect with?

'I would love to catch up with Saskia Vlaar. We were part of the same executive leadership programme at TNO. Saskia is now a board member of the Dutch AI Coalition, a topic that is hugely relevant to the Netherlands' strategic autonomy. I would love to talk to her about that at the alumni event in November.'

Why is the TNO Alumni Community valuable to you?

'TNO's mission is strengthening the Netherlands' innovation capacity and for that, collaboration is essential. But it's also simply enjoyable to reconnect with interesting people and share a laugh. When you enjoy your work, you put your heart into it, and that can only improve the quality of what you do.'

About Katja

Began career in Germany at Umweltschutz Nord as Head of Microbiological, Physical and Chemical Research.
1999: joined TNO, in areas including glass technology
2007-2012: Managing Director and Chair of TÜV Rheinland TNO Automotive International, TNO spin-off.
Established business cells at TMC Technology Executives: Mechanical, Chemical, Automotive (in partnership with TNO)
2014-2020: Worked at Eindhoven University of Technology, as TNO Liaison Manager and Managing Director of High Tech Systems Center
Managing Director Eindhoven Engine (joint venture TU/e, TNO, Fontys University of Applied Sciences)
Chief Development Officer at Prodrive Technologies
2023 - 2025: Director of the Dutch Design Foundation
Various supervisory and board roles at Archipel Zorggroep, Mantispectra, ARN, Mikrocentrum and the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce

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!