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East Netherlands: the high-tech hub for innovators

The region's vibrant ecosystem of over 1,200 tech companies and R&D organizations thrives on a multilingual workforce, excellent infrastructure, and a culture of collaboration. This fertile ground for innovation helps businesses establish, grow, and create sustainable value.

East Netherlands has always been a leader in innovation, from pioneering steam engine technology to becoming a powerhouse in high-tech solutions. Today, it’s a thriving region for companies driving cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Photonics, Semiconductors, Robotics, and materials science.

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Our ecosystems

Oost NL boosts innovative ecosystems in East Netherlands. We achieve this by investing, fostering innovation, and building international connections.

A community of innovators

East Netherlands is home to four high-tech campuses, each fostering innovation in specific sectors:

  • Kennispark Twente: One of the top 3 science parks in the Netherlands, focused on Medical Technology, Smart Materials, Robotics, and more.
  • High Tech Factory: Shared facilities for micro- and nanotech entrepreneurs.
  • Polymer Science Park: A hub for advanced materials in Zwolle.
  • Noviotech Campus: Specialized in semiconductors, housing a dedicated business incubator in Nijmegen.

A community of innovators

East Netherlands is home to four high-tech campuses, each fostering innovation in specific sectors:

  • Kennispark Twente: One of the top 3 science parks in the Netherlands, focused on Medical Technology, Smart Materials, Robotics, and more.
  • High Tech Factory: Shared facilities for micro- and nanotech entrepreneurs.
  • Polymer Science Park: A hub for advanced materials in Zwolle.
  • Noviotech Campus: Specialized in semiconductors, housing a dedicated business incubator in Nijmegen.

Support through our robust network

With the investments by Innovation Industries and Oost NL, PHIX has a solid base to further expand the company. 

Albert Hasper - CEO of PHIX Photonics Assembly

 

World-class knowledge and research

East Netherlands boasts top-tier universities, research institutes, and applied science centers:

  • University of Twente: Leading in nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and ICT, with over 1,000 spin-offs.
  • Radboud University: Renowned for groundbreaking research in molecular and life sciences.
  • MESA+: A global leader in nanotechnology research with state-of-the-art facilities.
  • CITC: Innovating in advanced chip packaging.

These institutions connect companies to cutting-edge knowledge, infrastructure, and a talent pool of 100,000 students developing tech and ICT expertise.

World-class knowledge and research

East Netherlands boasts top-tier universities, research institutes, and applied science centers:

  • University of Twente: Leading in nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and ICT, with over 1,000 spin-offs.
  • Radboud University: Renowned for groundbreaking research in molecular and life sciences.
  • MESA+: A global leader in nanotechnology research with state-of-the-art facilities.
  • CITC: Innovating in advanced chip packaging.

These institutions connect companies to cutting-edge knowledge, infrastructure, and a talent pool of 100,000 students developing tech and ICT expertise.

Support for high-tech growth

Entrepreneurs benefit from government-backed funding and incentives:

  • EU projects: Access to public-private collaboration programs.
  • National innovation priorities: Support for high-tech R&D across key sectors.
  • Regional investment: Venture capital and business campus development from Gelderland and Overijssel provinces.

Support for high-tech growth

Entrepreneurs benefit from government-backed funding and incentives:

  • EU projects: Access to public-private collaboration programs.
  • National innovation priorities: Support for high-tech R&D across key sectors.
  • Regional investment: Venture capital and business campus development from Gelderland and Overijssel provinces.

Contact us

Oost NL provides tailored soft-landing services for businesses entering the European market, offering free, confidential advice, introductions, and ongoing support. 

Our team
foto Gerrald Korenromp

Gerrald Korenromp

advisor Tech, Energy

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+31 6 39 63 62 13

gerrald.korenromp@oostnl.nl

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+31 88 667 01 00

Oost NL (East Netherlands Development Agency)

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