It's a deal! New Avebe Innovation Centre to be built in Groningen, at the Zernike complex

Potato Starch Cooperative Avebe, Groningen University and the project developer Triade have reached agreement about a new innovation centre to be built at the Zernike complex in Groningen.

This will be a complete innovation centre with a laboratory, pilot factory, office and a client innovation centre.

Agreements have also been reached on cooperation in the area of research and education.

Earlier this year the cooperative Avebe announced it wished to explore the option of moving the existing laboratory facilities in Veendam and Foxhol to Groningen. Today the three parties signed up to further cooperation.

Ed Kraaijenzank, Finance Director of Avebe:

“By joining knowledge within Avebe and seeking cooperation with an important party such as the University of Groningen, we are able to make big strides when it comes to innovation.”

“Due to the commitment from the Provincial Executive and the local authority we can do it in our own region! ”

“The new innovation centre will also provide the opportunity of showing our knowledge to our purchasers; it is a wonderful calling card for Avebe and for the region – it’s something to be proud of.”

Jan de Jeu, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Groningen University:

“At the Zernike Campus, centre of the agrofood knowledge infrastructure in the north of the Netherlands, Avebe is able to innovate together with scientists from Groningen University and other businesses in the sector.”

“More intensive cooperation with Avebe will lead to more research. Avebe’s wish to have direct contact with students and doctoral candidates from various faculties makes it more attractive to study here.”

Besides room for offices and research, the new complex that will be built will also have a room for start-ups. This offers students and innovators the opportunity to develop their own initiatives.

The new site will provide room for 100 Avebe employees in R&D and Marketing.

The actual move is planned for the end of 2017.