The recent accession of Demcon, a leading player in technological innovation based at Campus Groningen, to the Innovation Cluster Drachten (ICD) marks a significant milestone for the technology community in the Northern Netherlands. On March 25, 2024, the cluster celebrated this strategic collaboration, representing a shared vision of progress through the fusion of technology and humanity.

Lars de Groot, Managing Director of Demcon Industrial Systems Groningen, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: "The complexity of the challenges we face as a society requires in-depth cooperation between diverse companies. This is one of the main reasons why Demcon is excited to join the ICD."

Future vision

The day's program attracted significant interest with about 40 guests, including prominent representatives from the University of Groningen and Campus Groningen. The ceremony included contributions from local mayors, ICD members, and a welcome speech by Binne Visser, chairman of the ICD. The highlight of the event was the signing of the cooperation agreement, affirming the future vision for innovation and collaboration in the North.

Mayor Rijpstra of the municipality of Smallingerland emphasized the importance of the collaboration by saying: "Today, we mark an important milestone, with the accession of Demcon Groningen to the ICD. This cluster symbolizes the powerful interplay of businesses, educational institutions, and governments, with the collective goal of strengthening the position of the Northern Netherlands within the high-tech systems and materials sector."

Mayor Schuiling of the municipality of Groningen adds: "I am pleased that Demcon Groningen is now part of the Innovation Cluster Drachten. This step not only strengthens the innovation cluster but also illustrates the boundless thinking that is essential for regional growth and cooperation."

Demcon and ICD invite the community to participate in this new phase of innovation and collaboration, aimed at achieving sustainable progress and technological development in the North.

Source text: Demcon
Image: Mayor Rijpstra of the municipality of Smallingerland (left) and Lars de Groot (Demcon). Source: Demcon.