Make it in the Foodvalley Region
The Foodvalley region: the place for food and agri startups and scaleups who want to feed the world and make it more sustainable
FoodValley Region
In the heart of the Netherlands lies the Foodvalley region. The destination for entrepreneurs driving the food transition. Here, everything you need to bring your sustainable food or agri innovation to life converges in one place: world-class knowledge institutes, cutting-edge testing facilities, and a powerful network of fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
As a leading ecosystem, the Foodvalley region offers startups and scaleups with bold, innovative solutions an exceptional breadth of opportunity and support. From access to state-of-the-art workspaces and funding schemes to accelerator programmes, strategic matchmaking, and guidance on international growth — the region has it all. In partnership with partners like Wageningen University & Research, StartLife, Foodvalley NL, Nizo and the World Food Center, the Foodvalley region is where groundbreaking innovations in food and agri take shape.
Join us in building the future of our food system - right here, in the Foodvalley region. This is where your impact grows.
RotFest 2026 - Fermentation market
06 September 2026
Proeftuin Ede
Prior to Rotfest's Chef & Pro event, the Fermentation Market will take place with more than 20 fermentation producers.
RotFest 2026 - Summit
07 September 2026
Proeftuin Ede
At the RotFest Summit 2026, we'll dive into the world behind taste: how do you introduce fermentation to a wider audience? How do you make distinct flavours attractive?
2nd Start-up Day 2026 at Food Innovation Campus
17 September 2026
Food Innovation Campus/NIZO Food Research in Ede
An exclusive event for food startups, investors and innovators to help you accelerate development and take advantage of new funding opportunities.
NIZO Plant Protein Functionality Conference 13-16 oktober
13 October 2026
Papendal, Arnhem
The conference brings together the latest scientific and technological advances in protein functionality, with a strong focus on plant‑based and fermentation‑derived proteins
In the spotlight
NIZO and Schipper Bosch join forces for the future-proof development of Food Innovation Park in Ede
Schipper Bosch and NIZO Food Research today signed agreements for the acquisition of the real estate and further development of the Food Innovation Park in Ede.
Make it in the Valley brings startups and investors together
Are you building a food or agri startup or scale-up? Don't miss this inspiring afternoon in the heart of Foodvalley.
Are you the most innovative entrepreneur in Regio Foodvalley?
Are you working on a smart product, service or process? Then now is the time to show what your company has to offer.
Introducing the 14th StartLife Accelerate Cohort: 15 AgriFoodTech Startups Ready to Shape the Future of Food
StartLife welcomes 15 innovative AgriFoodTech startups to the 14th edition of StartLife Accelerate, Europe’s longest running flagship accelerator program for early-stage startups in AgriFoodTech.
€1.3 million budget for innovation and scaling up in agrifood
On February 1, 2025, in cooperation with Regio Deal Foodvalley, Foodvalley will extend the SME Innovation Voucher Program until June 2029. With a remaining budget of approximately €1.3 million, the program will continue to support SMEs in the agri-food sector in accelerating innovation and scaling up, by providing access to shared pilot and demonstration facilities.
Time Travelling Milkman raises new funding with NIZO and Duynie
Time Travelling Milkman, NIZO food research B.V. and Duynie Group receive European ERDF support for an ambitious project to take plant-based, circular ingredients from sunflower seeds to the next level.
SAIA Agrobotics raises €10 million in Series A
SAIA Agrobotics raises €10 million for breakthrough in autonomous greenhouse technology.