East Netherlands: a global hub for Agri-Food innovation
In and around Food Valley, companies such as FrieslandCampina, Flora Food Group and Unilever have established R&D activities alongside research organisations such as Wageningen Food & Biobased Research and NIZO. This strong ecosystem extends across East Netherlands, with companies such as Abbott in medical nutrition, Euroma in ingredients and flavour solutions, and Ag Leader in agricultural technology.
Together, these strengths create an environment where new food solutions can be developed, tested and scaled – from alternative proteins and healthy nutrition to smart farming, food technology and sustainable production.
Oost NL helps international companies connect with the right partners, expertise, facilities and locations.
Why East Netherlands?
East Netherlands brings together agrifood science, technology, entrepreneurship and industry. Companies can tap into expertise and facilities across the food value chain and turn research and new ideas into market-ready solutions.
World-class knowledge and research
At the heart of the ecosystem is Wageningen University & Research (WUR), internationally recognised for its expertise in agriculture, food and life sciences. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research works directly with companies on sustainable food processing, proteins, ingredients and biobased solutions.
NIZO adds specialised expertise in food processing, health, food safety and ingredients. And at the intersection of food and technology, the University of Twente brings expertise in robotics, AI, sensors and digital technologies for smart farming and next-generation food production.
This combination of R&D, industry, facilities and market access makes East Netherlands a place where food innovations can be developed, tested, scaled and brought to market.
Part of the Foodvalley ecosystem
Foodvalley is one of the key strengths of East Netherlands’ sustainable food ecosystem. Around Wageningen University & Research, companies, researchers and public partners work together on food innovation, from alternative proteins and future feed to circular and climate-smart production.
Oost NL helps international companies connect with this ecosystem and find the right partners, locations and growth opportunities in the region.
Part of the Foodvalley ecosystem
Foodvalley is one of the key strengths of East Netherlands’ sustainable food ecosystem. Around Wageningen University & Research, companies, researchers and public partners work together on food innovation, from alternative proteins and future feed to circular and climate-smart production.
Oost NL helps international companies connect with this ecosystem and find the right partners, locations and growth opportunities in the region.
Our ecosystems
Oost NL boosts innovative ecosystems in East Netherlands. We achieve this by investing, fostering innovation, and building international connections.
Japanese company Fuji Oil Group finds its way to Food Valley
We are located in an environment that is completely focused on food. For us as a newcomer to the Netherlands, that is fantastic. We meet one expert after another here.
Liz Kamei, managing director of Fuji Europe Africa
Oost NL helps you move forward
Whether you are looking to establish your business, find innovation partners or explore investment opportunities, Oost NL helps you move forward. We support companies that want to grow in East Netherlands and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Find the right location
We help international companies explore suitable locations in East Netherlands and connect with regional partners, municipalities and business networks.
Connect with the ecosystem
We introduce companies to relevant knowledge institutions, innovation hubs, industry partners and public organisations.
Access funding and growth support
Oost NL supports innovative companies with knowledge of financing opportunities, investment instruments and growth programmes.
Build strategic partnerships
We help companies identify collaboration opportunities across the food value chain, from research and development to production and market entry.
