From a smarter, more sustainable Limburg to powerful ecosystems for economic growth

In 2025, LIOF celebrated its 50th anniversary. What started as a response to the economic consequences of the mine closures in Limburg has evolved into an organization that has contributed to Limburg’s economic development for decades. In recent years, LIOF has worked towards a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg, focusing on major societal transitions in energy, circularity, healthcare and digitalization.

However, the world is changing rapidly. Europe faces major challenges in competitiveness, innovation capacity and strategic autonomy. This requires accelerated investment in research and development, stronger international cooperation and greater collective strength among regions. In response to this new reality, LIOF has adopted a more integrated approach. Together with established and emerging entrepreneurs, LIOF is building promising ecosystems into sustainably successful sectors. The focus is on areas in which Limburg can distinguish itself internationally, such as agrotech, medtech, defence innovation and advanced chemistry. The Einstein Telescope also plays an important role as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth.

Strong results in a pivotal year

Despite a challenging international economic context, LIOF closed 2025 with strong financial and operational results. The positive annual result of € 14.3 million significantly exceeded expectations. In addition, LIOF achieved the following results in 2025:

• 132 innovation projects, with a total project volume of € 26.2 million, including two new innovation projects related to the Einstein Telescope;
• Completion of the LimburgToekomstbestendig and LimburgToerisme innovation programmes, significantly surpassing the original targets with a combined project volume of € 40 million;
• 39 investments in Limburg-based companies, with a total investment volume of € 24.1 million. Through co-financing and private participation, this generated a total investment impact of €170 million, representing a multiplier effect of 7;
• A return of €19 million on the investment portfolio through successful exits;
• 5 establishment and expansion projects involving international companies;
• 158 international matchmakings between Limburg SMEs and foreign parties.

"2025 was a turning point. The world is changing rapidly, and so is the role of LIOF. We are investing in more companies and with greater impact than ever before. In doing so, we ensure that every public euro delivers maximum return. We help entrepreneurs grow, increase export opportunities and build strong ecosystems together with public and private partners. In this way, we strengthen not only individual companies, but the earning capacity of Limburg as a whole.”
Robbert Koldenhof, Managing Director of LIOF

Innovation strength grows through collaboration and ecosystems

Within its core task of Innovation, LIOF significantly exceeded its targets. These strong results were partly driven by efforts within European programs such as CrossRoads Flanders–Netherlands, STIPP and EDIH/Klik op Morgen. The Einstein Telescope also played an important role in 2025. In addition to two new innovation projects, the focus shifted from R&D towards economic valorization and ecosystem development. Together with international partners, LIOF worked on strengthening the economic positioning of the region, creating increasingly clear prospects for new business activity and high-quality employment in Limburg.

LIOF also strongly focused on ecosystems surrounding defence innovation, the circular economy and digitalization. In doing so, the organization increasingly brings together entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, investors and governments. One example is Alkyl Recycling, the startup that converts used diapers into valuable raw materials. LIOF supported the company through financing, guidance and access to the innovation ecosystem at Brightlands Chemelot Campus. In this way, LIOF strengthens not only an individual company, but also Limburg’s circular ecosystem as a whole.

More venture capital, more co-financing and greater economic impact

Within its Investing activities, LIOF achieved high investment volumes in 2025. The LIOF Participation Fund invested € 19.1 million in 21 companies, exceeding the annual target by 27 percent. In addition, € 5 million in extra funding was made available to Limburg-based companies through fund-in-fund investments. In the coming years, LIOF aims to mobilize more venture capital, attract national and European funding and strengthen cooperation with private investors. In this way the organization wants to prevent promising entrepreneurs from being held back by a lack of financing.

A strong example of LIOF’s long-term role is Cadac Group. LIOF was a shareholder in the Limburg technology company for 27 years, supporting the business financially and strategically as a sparring partner. The successful sale of the company in 2025 demonstrates how long-term support from LIOF can contribute to sustainable growth, international positioning and regional anchoring.

From volume to value in internationalization

Within Internationalization, LIOF further implemented its strategy of shifting “from volume to value”. The focus is no longer on the number of foreign companies attracted to Limburg, but on the extent to which international activities contribute to innovation, economic strengthening and Limburg’s ecosystems.

Through its Investor Relations programme, LIOF held 140 meetings in 2025 with international companies already established in Limburg. In addition, LIOF actively supported Limburg SMEs with export, international cooperation and matchmaking. Through trade missions, international programs and cross-border networks, 158 matchmakings were realized.

A strong example is Smobya, an international startup developing sustainable materials based on bacterial nanocellulose. Smobya chose Limburg as its location because of the region’s strong biotech and materials ecosystem. LIOF supported the company through financing and guidance towards Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo. Smobya demonstrates how international companies strengthen both the innovation capacity and the economic structure of Limburg.

New course: building Limburg’s next growth leap

2025 marked the start of LIOF’s new 2026 – 2030 multi-year plan. In this plan, LIOF explicitly chooses greater impact, more investments and stronger ecosystems. Together with entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, governments and private investors, LIOF aims to realize a major growth leap for Limburg’s economy. By helping companies scale faster, making better use of international markets and increasing the availability of capital, LIOF aims to strengthen the economic earning capacity of both Limburg and the Netherlands. Entrepreneurs remain central to this approach. Through one integrated service desk and one integrated approach, LIOF supports entrepreneurs from the very first innovative idea through to international growth.

Read the full 2025 annual report of LIOF, including interviews, figures and entrepreneur stories, on our website: www.liof.nl/over-liof/publicaties (in Dutch).

Terug naar nieuwsoverzicht

Terug naar eventoverzicht