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. This marks a new phase for the site, which will further develop in the coming years into an internationally leading ecosystem for food, health, and protein transition.

With this step, both parties can focus on their core activities. NIZO retains its central role as a leading research institute and a key driver of innovation within the Food Innovation Park. As owner and developer, Schipper Bosch will invest in the further growth, quality, and appeal of the area for companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

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From Food Innovation to Market Introduction
The Food Innovation Park in Ede focuses on the future of sustainable proteins, upscaling, and innovative food solutions. By connecting facilities such as the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) and Europe's largest flexible food-grade pilot plant with the NIZO Food Research knowledge institution, the park offers unique opportunities to test, scale up, and rapidly bring innovations to market. NoPalm Ingredients – a producer of microbial oil as a sustainable alternative to palm oil – is also building its own demo factory on the site. This facility serves as a blueprint for scale-ups looking to transition from the pilot phase to commercial production.

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The Collaboration
‍In the coming years, Schipper Bosch will strategically invest in the further development of the Food Innovation Park into the premier location where food innovations are tested, validated, and scaled up. This includes investments in making buildings and installations more sustainable, realizing shared facilities such as a restaurant and meeting spaces, constructing a connecting 'Food Innovation Strip,' and redeveloping the site into an attractive and future-proof innovation ecosystem. These long-term investments will provide the site with a spatial vision that aligns with the ambitions of the Food Innovation Park: an ecosystem where companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs naturally meet, collaborate, and accelerate.

The collaboration focuses on:

• Spatial vision & sustainable redevelopment — a future-proof plan for buildings, infrastructure, and public space

• Ecosystem growth — space for new companies, facilities, and collaboration

•Strengthening the Foodvalley Region — connecting with Wageningen Campus and the Food Innovation District

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About Schipper Bosch
‍With over 35 years of experience in area and real estate development, Schipper Bosch creates places where people enjoy working, doing business, and meeting each other. Driven by a long-term vision, the family business builds ecosystems with a clear identity and room for growth. Projects such as Cleantech Park Arnhem, De Nieuwe Stad, and Zwitsal Buitenstad demonstrate how distinctive locations evolve into meaningful places for businesses and their communities. Schipper Bosch brings this experience to the Food Innovation Park, where an environment is being built in which research, entrepreneurship, and technology reinforce each other.

Bart Schoonderbeek, Director Schipper Bosch: “The Food Innovation Park has all the potential to grow into a unique place where science, entrepreneurship, and technology reinforce each other. We believe in the power of places with a clear identity and look forward to further developing the park in the coming years. With NIZO as a key user and driver of innovation, we are building on what is already present here and creating space for further growth of the ecosystem.”

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With this signing, a new phase begins for the Food Innovation Park. In the coming years, the site will develop into a leading pan-European hub where companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs collaborate on solutions for tomorrow's food challenges.

“For decades, NIZO has been conducting leading research and innovation in food safety, health, and protein innovation,” says Nikolaas Vles (Director NIZO Food Research) - “With Schipper Bosch as a partner – with their strong experience in developing innovative campuses – we can transform the site into an open, future-proof ecosystem where companies and knowledge institutions can scale up faster. This is an important step for the region and for the international food transition.”

With these initial investments, which will take place this year, a direct start will be made on strengthening the position of NIZO and the Food Innovation Park, as well as attracting talent and innovative companies.

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