Welcome to the Natlab (former Philips Physics Laboratory), a historic location with a rich history in Eindhoven. In 1923, the Natlab opened its doors on this site, almost 10 years before Philips made its appearance. The Natlab quickly grew into an important center for research and development, where independent researchers developed new patents under the leadership of the first director, Gilles Holst. Holst created an academic environment and invited internationally renowned scientists, including Albert Einstein, who visited Eindhoven in 1923.
The Natlab was not only focused on fundamental research, but also on practical experiments. This is where the first shortwave radio broadcasts took place, specifically intended for the Dutch East Indies. Queen Wilhelmina and Princess Juliana spoke to the Dutch colony in the Dutch East Indies here in 1927, which is why one of the rooms here is still known as the Queen’s Chamber. During and after the Second World War, the Natlab laid the foundation for pioneering inventions by Philips, including the video LP (VLP), the predecessor of the CD.
In 1963, the Natlab moved to the south of Eindhoven, where a complete campus was built. The researchers enjoyed unprecedented freedom here, which resulted in the development of revolutionary products such as the CD (in collaboration with Sony) and the CD-ROM. The Natlab enjoyed worldwide recognition, a reputation that lives on to this day.
In 2003, Philips decided to open the campus to other companies, and so the High Tech Campus Eindhoven was born. Today, the site houses 260 companies and employs 12,500 people. In 2021, it was acquired by Oaktree Capital, with ambitious plans for further growth and development.
Would you like to know more about the NatLab and the history of Philips? Then book our Philips Heritage tour.
