NCLR was founded in 1989 by shareholders from industry and the University of Twente.

Later Innofonds Twente and an industrial partner, Stork, joined them. The mission of NCLR when founded was the research of advanced laser systems to the level of a feasible application in a commercial/industrial environment and commercial deployment of the knowledge.

The University’s interest was evident: a research facility, funded by government and industry and a perfect addition to existing environment.

In 2002 a management buy out was agreed with the objective to commercialize the excimer technology. The University of Twente would lead the further fundamental research activities on advanced laser systems.