DPI is a leading international research platform that brings industry and science together to drive pre-competitive, fundamental research in polymers. For over 25 years, we’ve created the space for breakthrough research and innovations that translate into industrial impact, today and tomorrow.
A different way of doing research
We don’t follow the classic research funding route. DPI operates on the basis of shared ownership and shared direction. Our industrial and academic partners co-steer the research agenda, ensuring industrial relevance and impact, scientific excellence and long-term commitment.
We focus on fundamental, pre-competitive research, while DPI facilitates the process: from project definition and funding to project administration and management. This allows researchers and innovators to focus on creating impact, rather than handling paperwork.
Built on collaboration
DPI is not a project marketplace. It is a community. Our work is grounded in trust, knowledge-sharing and long-term partnerships. We create research programmes that bring together leading polymer science groups, industrial frontrunners and policy advocates that want to shape the future.
Whether it’s new materials, sustainable solutions, energy-transition-ready polymers or plastic recycling, we connect your ambitions with the right minds, methods and momentum.
Why partners choose DPI
For industrial frontrunners
- Accelerate innovation
Gain access to pre-competitive fundamental research that drives next-generation material solutions. - Collaborate with top academic experts
Work alongside leading research groups from around the world to tackle strategic polymer challenges. - Steer research priorities
Influence the research agenda to ensure that projects are aligned with industry needs. - Eliminate administrative hassle
DPI handles project coordination and management, so you can focus on research and development. - Access cutting-edge knowledge
Stay ahead with insights from scientific excellence in polymer research.
For leading research groups
- Connect with industry frontrunners
work on real-world challenges that benefit from fundamental research insights - Secure research funding
Collaborate on pre-competitive projects funded by DPI’s industrial partners. - Maintain academic freedom
Conduct scientifically rigorous research while maintaining intellectual independence. - Build long-term collaborations
Engage with a network of industrial and academic partners, creating a community of scientific excellence. - Enhance societal relevance
Address global polymer challenges while maintaining academic impact.
All industrial partners along the polymer value chain can reap the benefits of the collaborative and pre-competitive platform that DPI offers, especially on the understanding of fundamental and mechanistic aspects of the challenges that this value chain faces.
Dr. Rolf van Benthem, Chief scientist materials science & engineering at Shell
25+ years of shaping polymer innovation
1995
The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs launches the concept of Leading Technology Institutes (LTIs) to boost key industrial sectors.
1997
DPI is founded as the Dutch Polymer Institute: an independent, virtual institute to connect science and industry in pre-competitive polymer research.
2000
DPI introduces Technology Areas and a ticket-based funding model, allowing industrial partners to co-steer research themes and priorities.
2007
The DPI Value Centre is established to support SME innovation and the valorisation of polymer research results.
2014
Public funding ends. DPI transitions to a new model, focusing on long-term strategic partnerships and collaborative funding.
2017
DPI celebrates 20 years of collaborative, industry-driven innovation in polymer science.
2019
DPI co-founds the Circular Plastics Initiative (CPI) with ISPT to accelerate large-scale recycling and circularity in plastics.
2021
CPI publishes its Roadmap for a circular plastics economy in the Netherlands.
2024
DPI introduces a new way of working, centred around four Priority Programmes. These programmes combine focus with flexibility and offer a stronger platform for industry-driven, fundamental research.
Let’s shape the next generation of polymer knowledge together
Whether you’re driving industrial innovation, advancing academic research, or shaping policy—DPI offers a collaborative platform for fundamental breakthroughs.