Ede food innovation park to position Netherlands as European hub for protein innovation

Helga Witjes, Provincial Executive member for Economy and Innovation in Gelderland, receives the independent research report supporting the new food innovation park in Ede, which aims to position the Netherlands as a European hub for protein innovation. Credit: Shutterstock

A major new food innovation park in Ede is set to transform the Netherlands into a leading European hotspot for protein innovation. The development, located on the NIZO site in the heart of FoodValley, will bring together start-ups, scale-ups, corporates and research institutions to accelerate the transition toward sustainable proteins.

Facilities to support protein scale-up

Central to the project are high-quality, accessible facilities, including Europe’s largest independent food-grade pilot plant and the recently launched Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF). These facilities will enable research into new protein sources and provide the infrastructure to scale laboratory discoveries into safe, commercially viable products.

Protein consumption remains essential to human health, but traditional sources such as meat and dairy carry heavy land, water and energy demands. With rising pressure for sustainable alternatives, interest in plant-based, algae and fermentation-derived proteins is increasing across Europe.

Complementing Wageningen research ecosystem

The Ede park will complement Wageningen University & Research and Wageningen Campus, which already play a central role in food science and innovation. While Wageningen focuses on fundamental research and education, the new park in Ede will concentrate on testing, scaling up and preparing innovations for market entry. Together with the Food Innovation District near Ede railway station, these hubs aim to reinforce the FoodValley Region’s global reputation as a centre for agri-food innovation.

Partners and political backing

The initiative is being driven by NIZO, the Province of Gelderland, the Municipality of Ede, the FoodValley Region and Oost NL. Political and industry leaders, including Helga Witjes (Provincial Executive member for Economy and Innovation), Arnold Versteeg (Alderman for Economy, Municipality of Ede), Maud Hulshof (Chair of the Economic Portfolio Holders’ Consultation, FoodValley Region), Bert Fintelman (politically responsible for Protein Transition, FoodValley Region) and Fons de Zeeuw (International Director, Oost NL), have expressed support.

A European hub for alternative proteins

Bert Fintelman said the new park will “build a place where ideas can flourish faster, where entrepreneurship thrives, and where innovations contribute to a future-proof food system.”

Nikolaas Vles, CEO of NIZO, added: “Our goal is clear: to become Europe’s leading ecosystem for scaling alternative proteins and driving the food transition. By combining world-class facilities with collaboration across start-ups, scale-ups, companies and research institutions, we can accelerate innovations to market and shape the future of food.”

The next phase will focus on property development and the creation of a dedicated facility organisation to expand the ecosystem. A potential spin-off of the pilot plant into an independent entity is also being considered to ensure broad accessibility.