![\"Pratt](\"https:\/\/www.innovationquarter.nl\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/pratt-whitney-opens-european-technology-and-innovation-center-in-houten-the-netherlands-1024x675-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA first-of-its-kind innovation hub in Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs an independent innovation center dedicated to cutting edge technology research, ETIC is a first-of-a-kind facility for Pratt & Whitney in Europe, complementing our existing engineering centers in North America, Poland, and across the globe,\u201d said Michael Thacker, senior vice president, Engineering and Technology, Pratt & Whitney. \u201cWe see significant potential to grow our activities in the Netherlands, given its strong engineering talent pool and long history of aerospace technology innovation, as well as the exceptional opportunities for collaboration between industry, academia and government agencies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Driving sustainable aviation through collaboration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tjerk Opmeer, deputy director-general for business and innovation, Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, added: \u201cI am pleased to see the realization of initiatives like Pratt & Whitney\u2019s European Technology and Innovation Center in the Netherlands. This center has the possibility to enhance our shared vision for accelerating sustainable aviation through innovation and international collaboration. We are committed to support these transformative efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strengthening the Dutch aerospace innovation ecosystem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Dutch \u2018triple helix\u2019 approach to collaboration between industry, academia and government contributes to Pratt & Whitney\u2019s ambition for advancing R&D in aerospace. Pratt & Whitney\u2019s new center is co-located with a fellow subsidiary of RTX \u2013 Collins Aerospace and its existing European Innovation Hub in Houten. The expansion therefore adds to RTX\u2019s presence in the country and longstanding engagement with the Dutch aerospace industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It follows recent initiatives including RTX\u2019s two memoranda of understanding with the Netherlands Aerospace Group and the signing of a master research agreement with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which have established a framework for collaboration on technology research across a wide range of topics. Pratt & Whitney has also secured a dedicated office space at TU Delft\u2019s Aerospace Innovation Hub, further enhancing opportunities to collaborate in the province of South Holland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pratt & Whitney and TU Delft: shaping the future of aviation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are thrilled to take this next step in our collaboration with Pratt & Whitney. Working directly with their new team in Houten will strengthen our partnership, and their dedicated office space at the Aerospace Innovation Hub@TUD on the TU Delft Campus will give them seamless access to our innovation ecosystem,\u201d said Professor Henri Werij, Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft. \u201cClose collaboration with leading aerospace companies is crucial for developing technologies required to enable a sustainable future of aviation \u2013 and to shape the talent that will drive our industry forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of RTX\u2019s 21,000 staff across 65 locations in Europe, some 300 are based in the Netherlands, primarily at three Collins Aerospace sites including Houten. Pratt & Whitney currently employs more than 7,000 staff in Europe, with more to come at its new facility in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invest in Holland and regional partners support ETIC project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The establishment of Pratt & Whitney\u2019s ETIC in Houten marks a significant milestone for cross-regional collaboration within the Invest in Holland network. Throughout the project, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and InnovationQuarter in South Holland jointly provided essential support and information to Pratt & Whitney. The project culminated in Pratt & Whitney\u2019s co-location with sister company Collins Aerospace in the neighboring Utrecht region, thereby involving partner agency ROM Utrecht Region as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n