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.
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.
Modular factories of Enschede-based Zeton travel the world.
We consciously choose the collaborations with the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and the many good manufacturing companies in the region. because the culture is the same and because we speak the same language.
Johan ter Harmsel - director of Zeton
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.
