In 2024, the Netherlands solidified its position as a leading innovator in Europe, ranking third among EU countries with 7,054 patent applications filed at the European Patent Office (EPO). This achievement underscores the nation’s robust commitment to research and development across various sectors.
A significant contributor to this growth was the introduction of the unitary patent system, which streamlined patent protection across multiple EU countries. This reform led to an increase of nearly 20,000 active patents in the Netherlands, bringing the total to 273,335 in 2024. Key sectors driving this innovation surge include medical technology, with Philips leading the charge by filing 594 Medtech patent applications in 2024. Additionally, advancements in computer technology, especially in artificial intelligence, have been pivotal in shaping the country’s patent landscape.
This report spotlights the top domestic companies of 2024, tracks growth since 2023, and reveals the key domestic universities shaping the nation’s innovation future.
Top Leading Netherlands Companies in 2024
| Rank | Company | Patent Published in 2024 | Patent Published in 2023 | YoY Change(%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips | 4185 | 4586 | -0.08744 | |
| Signify Holding | 1549 | 1712 | -0.09521 | |
| ASML Holding | 1328 | 1266 | 0.048973 | |
| Versuni Holding | 586 | 332 | 0.76506 | |
| NXP | 540 | 581 | -0.070568 | |
| Vmi Group | 193 | 229 | -0.157205 | |
| Nutricia | 188 | 152 | 0.236842 | |
| ITREC Bv | 182 | 140 | 0.3 | |
| DSM | 166 | 204 | -0.186275 | |
| DAF Trucks | 158 | 179 | -0.117318 | |
| Rijk Zwaan | 112 | 83 | 0.349398 | |
| FrieslandCampina | 109 | 82 | 0.329268 | |
| BDR Thermea | 105 | 85 | 0.235294 | |
| Nexperia | 99 | 112 | -0.116071 | |
| AkzoNobel | 139 | 88 | 0.579545 | |
| Douwe Egberts | 79 | 97 | -0.185567 | |
| Merus Nv | 76 | 73 | 0.041096 | |
| Amo Groningen | 73 | 79 | -0.075949 | |
| Purac Biochem | 73 | 86 | -0.151163 | |
| Inalfa Roof Systems Group | 72 | 74 | -0.027027 | |
| Heineken Supply Chain | 70 | 118 | -0.40678 | |
| Intervet International | 69 | 85 | -0.188235 | |
| SHPP Global Technologies | 64 | 94 | -0.319149 | |
| Prodrive Tech Innovation Services | 61 | 83 | -0.26506 | |
| Denkavit | 58 | – | – | |
| Nunhems | 57 | 44 | 0.295455 | |
| Stamicarbon | 55 | 47 | 0.170213 | |
| GEA Food Solutions | 52 | 30 | 0.733333 | |
| Enza Zaden BeheeR | 48 | 23 | 1.086957 | |
| Mirror Controls International | 47 | 49 | -0.040816 | |
| Satelliet Meubelen | 45 | – | – | |
| Duemmen Group | 45 | 41 | 0.097561 | |
| Bluealp Innovations | 44 | – | – | |
| IQIP Holding | 40 | 46 | -0.130435 | |
| Janssen Vaccines & Prevention | 40 | 63 | -0.365079 | |
| Bunge Loders Croklaan Bv | 40 | 23 | 0.73913 | |
| UltiMaker | 39 | 40 | -0.025 | |
| Nearfield Instruments | 38 | 24 | 0.583333 | |
| Dimenco Holding | 37 | 27 | 0.37037 | |
| UMC Utrecht Holding | 36 | 61 | -0.409836 | |
| Bejo Zaden | 35 | – | – | |
| LUMICKS Ca | 35 | 58 | -0.396552 | |
| Avantium Technologies | 34 | 32 | 0.0625 | |
| Besi | 33 | – | – | |
| Tagworks Pharmaceuticals | 32 | – | – | |
| Foodmate | 31 | – | – | |
| Walraven Group | 30 | 37 | -0.189189 | |
| ProQR Therapeutics | 30 | – | – | |
| Sapreme Technologies | 30 | 46 | -0.347826 | |
| Smart Photonics | 29 | 26 | 0.115385 |
In 2024, the Netherlands’ patent activity presents a fascinating mix of stability and transformation. While corporate giants like Philips and Signify continue to dominate, filing 4185 and 1549 patents respectively, their filings reflect a slight decline from 2023, signaling a period of consolidation or strategic refocusing. Philips, despite a decrease in patent filings, remains a leader, solidifying its position as a beacon of innovation in the medical and consumer electronics sectors.
On the other hand, nimble innovators are making bold strides. Companies like Versuni Holding, with a 76.5% increase in filings, and NXP Semiconductors, despite a dip, have maintained a strong presence, showcasing their pivotal role in next-generation technologies. Interestingly, several emerging players, such as Vmi Group and FrieslandCampina, have posted impressive gains, pointing to a dynamic shift towards a broader and more diverse innovation ecosystem in the Netherlands.
Behind every breakthrough in the Netherlands, there’s an inventor making it happen. Check out our Top 50 Inventors in the Netherlands and discover the minds reshaping industries, both domestically and globally.
Among the top companies, a standout trend is the growing involvement of start-ups, which are increasingly making their mark. These up-and-coming innovators are contributing to the steady growth of the Netherlands’ patent landscape, ensuring that the country remains a leader in global technology development. The following table highlights these start-ups within the top patent filers, reflecting their rising influence in the nation’s innovation narrative.
| Start-up | Founded Year | Patent Count in 2024 |
| Nexperia | 2017 | 99 |
| SHPP Global Technologies | 2019 | 64 |
| Bluealp Innovations | 2015 | 44 |
| IQIP Holding | 2015 | 40 |
| Nearfield Instruments | 2016 | 38 |
| Sapreme Technologies | 2016 | 30 |
| Ampleon | 2015 | 23 |
| Furanix Technologies | 2017 | 22 |
| ScioSense | 2019 | 22 |
| NewAmsterdam Pharma | 2019 | 21 |
| Mosa Meat | 2016 | 19 |
| eLstar Dynamics Patents Bv | 2019 | 19 |
| Lava Therapeutics | 2016 | 19 |
The innovation story in the Netherlands doesn’t end with corporations and start-ups. Academia, too, is playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s patent landscape. As we turn our attention to the next section, we’ll explore the key domestic universities and research institutions that are driving cutting-edge innovations. Their active involvement in patent filings underscores the growing collaboration between academia and industry, fueling the Netherlands’ dynamic IP ecosystem.
Which Universities Are Driving Innovation in Netherlands Through Patents in 2024?
| University | Patents |
| Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research | 412 |
| Delft University of Technology | 266 |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | 136 |
| University Of Twente | 124 |
| University Of Groningen | 64 |
| Wageningen University | 42 |
| Utrecht University | 39 |
| Maastricht University | 35 |
| Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences | 29 |
| Leiden University | 27 |
| University of Amsterdam | 19 |
| Ghent University | 16 |
In 2024, Dutch universities have solidified their position as key players in the country’s innovation landscape. Leading the way, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) filed 412 patents, a testament to its ongoing contributions to applied research across industries. Delft University of Technology followed closely with 266 patents, reflecting its prowess in engineering and technology innovation. Other institutions like Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Twente also made significant contributions, with 136 and 124 patents respectively, demonstrating the strength of the Netherlands’ academic sector in fostering breakthroughs in technology and science.
The Netherlands continues to be a beacon of innovation, with both established industry leaders and emerging start-ups driving substantial advancements across a range of sectors. Universities play an equally crucial role while fostering collaboration between academia and industry. As patent filings in 2024 reflect a diverse and thriving innovation ecosystem, the Netherlands is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge in global technology development.