Center for Turf Innovation
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Center for Turf Innovation

Redefining the Future of Turf Systems

Every athlete interacts differently with the surface beneath them. Understanding those interactions is the foundation of research and development at TenCate's Center for Turf Innovation. Through data-driven testing, advanced equipment and a multidisciplinary team, CTI shapes the next generation of turf and outdoor surface systems — designed for athletes, communities and the environment.

The CTI Advantage

The Center for Turf Innovation brings together motion science, biomechanics, advanced measurement technology, rapid prototyping and real-world validation under one roof. That combination makes it possible to study player-surface interaction at a level of detail that directly shapes how turf systems are designed — producing surfaces that are safer, more consistent and built to perform over time.

Excellence, Environment, and Equity

At CTI, everything is guided by three foundational principles:

  • Excellence in Performance: Surfaces engineered through real-world testing and advanced biomechanics to improve player performance, comfort and safety.

  • Environmental Responsibility: Turf systems designed with end-of-life recovery in mind, using long-lasting materials that reduce environmental impact.

  • Equity of Play: Every community deserves safe, high-quality playing fields. TenCate turf systems support inclusive play, extended playing hours and stronger communities.

Athlete performing a high-knee running drill indoors while wearing motion-tracking sensors.
CTI uses advanced measurement technologies to analyze how athletes interact with turf surfaces under real playing conditions — studying acceleration, deceleration, cutting, traction and surface response across individual sports:
  • High-speed cameras and 3D motion capture
  • Wearable sensors for real-time on-field data
  • Force plates for impact and ground reaction forces
  • Pressure mapping sensors for traction and acceleration
These insights directly inform turf system design.

Computer screen showing the players' motion for analysis.
Advanced modeling techniques improve field performance:
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate player–surface interaction for predictive modelling
  • Musculoskeletal modeling to study joint load, muscle stress, and movement efficiency
This science-driven approach ensures that turf systems meet the demands of modern athletes.
Close-up of football boots fitted with motion-tracking sensors on artificial turf.
CTI's expansive indoor facility (16,000+ sq. ft.) features:
  • Advanced biomechanical testing systems
  • Mechanical performance testing
  • On-site turf manufacturing for rapid prototyping
Turf systems can be designed, tested, and refined faster than ever.
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.
FieldLab enables researchers to collect data and feedback from athletes in real training environments. Insights gained on the field inform system design long before they reach the market.
FieldLab enables:
  • On-site testing with teams and athletes
  • Real-world performance validation
  • Direct feedback from coaches and sports scientists
Close-up comparison of an athlete’s footwork on two types of artificial turf surfaces, showing the shoe contacting the ground and infill being displaced.
CTI integrates multiple data streams to fully understand athlete performance on turf:
  • Motion analysis (kinematics)
  • Force and impact measurements (kinetics)
  • Pressure distribution tracking
  • Player feedback through surveys and interviews
This comprehensive approach ensures consistent performance, safety, and player satisfaction.
Athlete walking across an indoor artificial turf testing area while wearing motion sensors.
Player feedback immediately influences the next prototype.
  • Continuous refinement based on athlete feedback
  • Collaborative testing with sports organizations
Next-generation artificial turf solutions are brought to market with confidence that it has been thoroughly tested.
Athletes training and testing turf
CTI partners with elite sports organizations around the globe—from New Zealand to New York— to validate performance in real conditions. FieldLab collaborations allow new turf systems to be tested during live training sessions, ensuring they meet the expectations of athletes at every level—from youth leagues to professional teams.

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CTI in Action

See engineers, sports scientists and athletes work together to test, refine and validate turf systems before they reach the field.