"This is high tech, this is the Netherlands at its best," said Prime Minister Mark Rutte during his visit to Campus Groningen on Wednesday, May 22. The reception took place at the Innovation Center of Royal Avebe on Campus Groningen and was part of the working visit to the province of Groningen that day. The visit focused on the long-term economic agenda that is part of Nij Begun, a comprehensive package of measures for damage repair, strengthening efforts, and providing social and economic prospects for Groningen and North Drenthe. The goal is to make these regions attractive for work, learning, studying, and investment over the next 30 years. The agenda focuses on three major transitions: sustainable energy, health, and agriculture.
Edward van der Meer, Director of Campus Groningen: "The campus ecosystem and our growing regional collaboration are important pillars for the northern economy and thus for broad prosperity. Here on the Campus, we can make a smart start. Organizations like Avebe, Fascinating, and our regional partners are working on societal challenges such as the energy transition, health, and sustainable agriculture as outlined in Nij Begun. It's great to make this more visible at moments like these."
"The campus ecosystem and our growing regional collaboration are important pillars for the northern economy and thus for broad prosperity. Here on the Campus, we can make a smart start"
A Glimpse into Collaboration and Innovation
Prime Minister Mark Rutte was welcomed at Campus Groningen's Innovation Center Avebe by Lisanne Brakenhoff, the campus manager. The program offered insights into innovation and collaboration in the region, with presentations on Campus Groningen's role in innovation and its close partnerships with companies like Avebe.
Rutte was given a tour of the Avebe Innovation Center, where he was briefed by Joyce de Vries-Pieterman, Director of Communication & Public Affairs, and Marc Laus, Director of Market Innovation at Avebe. Various aspects of the future of agriculture were highlighted, including more sustainable and healthier food products based on starch, presented by Jan Sikkema from Fascinating and Paul de Vos from UMCG/Fascinating.
The focus was also on innovation from the user’s perspective, with a presentation by Marcel van der Sluis, owner of CBO CarbExplore. CarbExplore is based in the innovation center’s Innolab Agrifood, which provides space for startups. The visit concluded with a tasting of Groningen innovations, including the plant-based 'eiwitterbal,' allowing Rutte to experience the flavor of local innovation. The eiwitterbal, a healthier alternative to the traditional bitterbal, was developed through a regional collaboration project aimed at creating new, healthier products from sustainably grown crops.
Source article: Campus Groningen
Header photo: Campus Groningen manager Lisanne Brakenhoff welcomes Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the Royal Avebe Innovation Center. Photographer of all photos: Geert Job Sevink.
