Innovation initiatives support entrepreneurs in the Netherlands

Various regional programs in the Netherlands are fostering innovation across sectors such as agriculture, energy, and healthcare.

In Groenlo, Nedap is hosting an Agro Innovation Event organized by De Innovatie Coöperatie. The event focuses on practical applications of smart technology in dairy farming and new business concepts. Featured participants include Nedap’s Arnold Harbers and dairy farmer Rudie Lammers, who discuss the collaborative development of technology for agricultural use. Additionally, Smartdrip is transitioning from experimental testing to commercial application of underground drip irrigation technology on grassland in Beek. Other technologies showcased include bioreactors for manure conversion and AI-vision technology for animal welfare monitoring by Cavalett.

In Noord-Holland, 19 entrepreneurs have joined the GO!-NH acceleration program. This initiative, which has operated for eight years, supports innovations in the energy transition, circular economy, water, food, and healthcare. Participants receive coaching and masterclasses to help scale their businesses. Notable projects include ORO wolkorrel, which produces plant fertilizer from sheep wool; Eco-Dispo, which develops seaweed-based alternatives to plastic food coatings; and RainCapture, which creates flexible water bags for rainwater harvesting.