Invest-NL visit to Limburg highlights need for investment capital and government support for innovation

The visit provided valuable insights into the many innovations and leading entrepreneurship in Limburg. The four Brightlands campuses in Limburg form a powerful innovation ecosystem where researchers and knowledge institutions work together with start-ups, scale-ups and established companies on innovations in the fields of circular economy, health, digitisation and sustainable energy. Invest-NL sees this region as a strong base for innovations with global impact. However, the discussions revealed that there are also blind spots in the financing landscape for scale-ups. Recognising this is very important, as it is precisely entrepreneurs in this phase of growth who create jobs, and their acceleration is crucial for the region.

Opportunities for collaboration and growth

During the visit, Invest-NL expressed its ambition to invest more quickly and diversely, particularly in the region. This offers opportunities for both regional development agency LIOF and Invest-NL to jointly help entrepreneurs with the necessary financing, enabling them to scale up more quickly and fully exploit their potential. In addition, the importance of increased collaboration between the Brightlands campuses was mentioned, with successful cross-pollination between themes such as digitisation and healthcare, and high-tech materials and Medtech. This collaboration strengthens the ecosystem and offers new opportunities for innovative developments in Limburg.

In recent years, Limburg has seen entrepreneurs invest in important transitions, such as the energy sector and the circular economy, for example through Healix (specialised in mechanical recycling of polymers and one of the companies visited by the delegation). However, these entrepreneurs are facing the consequences of changing global prices and geopolitical influences, which are putting pressure on their business operations. These entrepreneurs deserve more than just financing. They also need additional government support to navigate these turbulent times so that they can continue to play their crucial role in the transitions of tomorrow.

Building a future-proof ecosystem

Thanks to the support of the Province of Limburg and the implementation by LIOF and the Brightlands campuses, a powerful ecosystem has now been built in Limburg that provides a solid foundation for growth for innovative entrepreneurs. There is still work to be done to address the structural challenges surrounding regulation and investment.

The visit by Invest-NL emphasised the need for a joint approach, whereby innovation requires not only venture capital, but also a long-term vision on legislation and regulations. Investments and policy measures at national level are essential to give innovative companies the space to grow. This requires joint efforts by government, investors and entrepreneurs, with new funds and temporary legislation playing a role in helping companies through the current economic downturn.

Innovation is not just about technological progress, but about an integrated approach in which investment, regulation and cooperation go hand in hand. This synergy enables Limburg to continue to play a pioneering role in the transitions of tomorrow and secure the region's future earning capacity. LIOF and Brightlands remain committed to supporting Limburg entrepreneurs with advice, networking and financing. The region now has the opportunity to strengthen both entrepreneurs and the broader sector, thereby laying a solid foundation for future innovations.

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