Kelly Ackermans

Kelly Ackermans is Tech Transfer Officer at TNO, where she is responsible for launching spin-off companies based on TNO technologies. She guides promising innovations to market, manages investor relations, and represents TNO as a shareholder in several ventures.

TNO Ventures currently manages a portfolio of over 40 companies, which together have raised close to €500 million in external capital. Kelly plays a key role in shaping this portfolio and supporting ventures through their early growth phases.

She chose this field out of a strong belief that technology should not remain in the lab, but be applied at scale to solve real-world challenges and drive meaningful societal change. With a background in chemistry (MSc) and a track record in competitive sports, she brings perseverance, purpose, and a clear ambition to turn technology into companies that matter.