RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
HomeOur ImpactResearch And Development

Research and development

The Science Behind the Surface

Research and development at TenCate are not a separate function – they form the foundation of long-term progress. Each new turf system is shaped by years of testing, refinement and validation. No shortcuts, no assumptions. Innovation only matters when it holds up in the real world.

Centre for Turf Innovation (CTI)

At the heart of this process is the Centre for Turf Innovation in the Netherlands — a 1,500 m² facility where engineers, sports scientists, and product specialists develop and validate next-generation systems.

Combining biomechanics, material science, and structured player testing, CTI applies advanced tools such as high-speed video, motion analysis, and wearable sensors to deeply understand player interaction. With in-house manufacturing for rapid prototyping and iterative testing, CTI achieves a speed and depth of development unmatched in the turf industry.
Learn more about our CTI
Close-up of football boots fitted with motion-tracking sensors on artificial turf.Validation Where It Counts 
Prototypes begin in the lab but are proven on the field. Real environments – from elite training grounds to community pitches – provide evidence on grip, comfort, stability and injury-related metrics. Extended Lisport XL wear tests are combined with player insights to confirm durability, safety and consistency across climates and sports.
Soccer player on a training field being fitted with a monitoring strap by a staff member, with a laptop set up on a table nearby.From Lab to Legacy  
Systems like Pure PT (known as Pivot® in the USA), ONE-DNA™ and Pure EP have each gone through dozens of iterations and independent validation. They show how rigorous research and factual analysis create surfaces that last longer, perform better and support circular use.
Child practicing soccer on an artificial turf field with a coach observing, cones and balls placed around for training.Why It Matters
R&D at CTI is not about chasing ideas, but about shaping the future of turf. Insights from lab and field flow directly into systems that are more durable, more sustainable and more inclusive – reflecting a belief that performance, environment and access belong together.
Colin Young
“We don’t guess. We measure, test, and validate every detail to ensure real-world performance.”
Colin Young - R&D Director, Centre for Turf Innovation