The East Netherlands Development Agency (Oost NL) supports you as an entrepreneur (interested) in our region. Whether you’re considering locating to the East of the Netherlands or have existing operations here, Oost NL assists you at every stage with free and confidential services. We are committed to help you to grow your business.

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Discover why East Netherlands is the perfect base for your business. In the video, our colleague explains how we support international companies with a smooth and successful start.
Want to know how we can help you? Click on the button below and answer a few short questions &mdash; we&rsquo;ll guide you to the right support and contact person.

Setting up your business in East Netherlands

Nefit Bosch's story

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Success story 

Food

Tech

Energy

Health

The key industries of our region

&ldquo;By connecting companies, knowledge institutions, and regions, we create better access to talent, facilities, and financing. This gives our chip sector the means to grow faster and structurally strengthen the Dutch economy. The ChipNL Competence Center demonstrates how powerful our national ecosystem is,&rdquo; says Vincent Karremans, Minister of Economic Affairs.
&ldquo;Our goal is to strengthen the Dutch chip sector on an international level while supporting companies of all sizes in their development. The ChipNL Competence Centre is a place where expertise, entrepreneurship, and innovation come together,&rdquo; says Elly Zwartkruis, Managing Director ChipNL Competence Centre.
The ChipNL Competence Centre focuses on technological domains where the Netherlands is leading or has great opportunities, such as:
<ul>
<li>Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment (lithography, etching, metrology)</li>
<li>Chip Design for a wide range of applications (including automotive and medical technology)</li>
<li>Heterogeneous integration &amp; packaging for powerful, compact systems (AI, 5G, etc.)</li>
<li>Photonics and quantum technology, such as chips that use light for data processing or advanced sensor technology.</li>
</ul>
Specifically, the ChipNL Competence Centre focuses on:
<ul>
<li>facilitating access to European pilot lines for testing and validating chip solutions;</li>
<li>developing and utilizing an innovative design platform;</li>
<li>talent programs to strengthen the necessary skills in the sector;</li>
<li>guidance on financing and utilizing networks and partnerships;</li>
<li>increasing the international visibility of Dutch companies and opening doors to new markets.</li>
</ul>
Oost NL is a partner of the ChipNL Competence Centre. Other partners include: Brainport Development, ChipTech Twente, High Tech NL, imec the Netherlands, JePPIX, TNO, Eindhoven University of Technology.
Funding comes from the European Union and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
With the ChipNL Competence Centre, the Netherlands is taking an important step towards a strong and internationally competitive semiconductor sector, which makes an essential contribution to the resilience and innovative strength of the European chip industry.
<div class="banner purple">
<div class="text">Want to learn more about the ChipNL Competence Centre?</div>
<a href="https://cccnl.nl/" data-internal-link="eyJpZCI6bnVsbCwic291cmNlQ29udGVudFR5cGVVaWQiOiJhcGk6OnBvc3QucG9zdCIsInNvdXJjZUNvbnRlbnRUeXBlSWQiOjI0OCwic291cmNlRmllbGROYW1lIjoibGluayIsInRhcmdldENvbnRlbnRUeXBlVWlkIjoiIiwidGFyZ2V0Q29udGVudFR5cGVJZCI6bnVsbCwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jY2NubC5ubC8iLCJ0ZXh0IjoiJUVGJUJCJUJGQmV6b2VrJTIwZGUlMjB3ZWJzaXRlIiwidHlwZSI6ImV4dGVybmFsIiwiZG9tYWluIjoiIiwidXJsQWRkaXRpb24iOiIiLCJleHRlcm5hbEFwaUxhYmVsIjoiIiwiZXh0ZXJuYWxBcGlWYWx1ZSI6IiJ9">Visit the website</a></div>
&nbsp;

The ChipNL Competence Centre is officially launched, a powerful driver for the Dutch semiconductor sector. Companies gain direct access to top European infrastructures such as pilot lines and the EU Chips Design Platform and receive an overview of available facilities and initiatives in our country. This makes it easier for start-ups and smaller companies to invest in semiconductor technology.

ChipNL Competence Centre officially launched

As the electrification of industry, transportation, and households accelerates, power grids across Europe are coming under increasing strain. Major investments and new technologies are needed to meet rising electricity demand. &ldquo;Arnhem is the ideal location for us to expand our R&amp;D activities in Europe and help address this challenge,&rdquo; said Taehee Woo, CEO of Hyosung Heavy Industries Europe. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re close to grid operators, research institutes, and industrial partners. This is the perfect place to collaborate on technologies that will make the electricity system more sustainable, reliable, and affordable.&rdquo;
<h2>Technology for the Power Grid of the Future</h2>
Hyosung is a global leader in high-voltage and grid technology. From the renovated and historic KEMA building&mdash;for decades a hub of excellence in energy research&mdash;the company will develop innovative solutions that are essential for a future-ready electricity grid.
The new R&amp;D Center focuses on three key areas: 
<ul>
<li>Environmentally friendly alternatives to SF₆-based high-voltage switchgear, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions in the energy sector.</li>
<li>HVDC technology (High Voltage Direct Current) for efficient long-distance power transmission and better integration of wind and solar energy.</li>
<li>Digital grid solutions that enhance the stability, flexibility, and resilience of Europe&rsquo;s power infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
These innovations align with Europe&rsquo;s goals for decarbonization, electrification, and grid modernization. With strong ecosystems for renewable generation and smart energy storage, the Eastern Netherlands is well positioned to play a leading role in this transition.
<h2>Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem and Global Appeal</h2>
Hyosung&rsquo;s decision to establish its European R&amp;D operations in Arnhem was made possible in 2023 through the efforts of Oost NL, City Developer-S, KEMA, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), and local partners. They played a key role in attracting the company to the Netherlands and connecting Hyosung to the region&rsquo;s thriving energy innovation ecosystem.
The new R&amp;D Center provides a significant boost to the innovation landscape in the Eastern Netherlands, where dozens of companies, startups, research institutions, and public partners collaborate within the National Expertise Center for Grid Congestion and Connectr to accelerate the energy transition. It also enhances the region&rsquo;s international visibility as a hotspot for energy innovation.
With the recent multi-million-euro investment from City Developer-S and the Gelderland Perspective Fund, the Electricity Campus is being further expanded. This will create additional space for highly skilled professionals and for testing and demonstration facilities where companies are developing the power grid of tomorrow.
&ldquo;The arrival of Hyosung demonstrates that the Eastern Netherlands is an attractive location for international companies contributing to the energy transition,&rdquo; said Bernold Kemperink of Oost NL. &ldquo;Together, we&rsquo;re creating solutions that strengthen our economy while contributing to a cleaner and more reliable energy supply across Europe.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Hyosung strengthens the profile of our campus,&rdquo; added Thijs van Dieren of Electricity Campus. &ldquo;We aim to create space for companies that actively contribute to the power grid of the future &ndash; a place where they can learn from each other, share knowledge, and collaborate on new solutions. Hyosung has found its natural home in Northwest Europe.&rdquo; <img src="https://media.oostnl.nl/Hyosung_Electricity_Campus_2_d68bbf519f.jpeg" alt="Hyosung Electricity Campus 2.jpeg"> 
<h2>A New Impulse for Innovation and Collaboration</h2>
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Hyosung, European grid operators, market players, and policymakers. During the &ldquo;Future-Ready Grids&rdquo; panel discussion, experts explored how technology can help create a cleaner and more affordable electricity grid. In the following days, Hyosung experts will lead technical sessions on HVDC, digital substations, and next-generation switchgear technologies.
&nbsp;

More information

South Korean technology company Hyosung Heavy Industries today officially opened its new Europe R&D Center at the Electricity Campus (the former KEMA site in Arnhem). With this strategic investment, the company strengthens its role in developing technologies that will power Europe’s electricity grid of the future.

South Korea’s Hyosung Opens European R&D Center 

South Korea’s Hyosung Opens European R&D Center at the Electricity Campus in Arnhem: “Building the Power Grid of the Future”

In their announcement Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., states that; &ldquo;Science and innovation have always been at the heart of Yakult&rsquo;s mission. Establishing our first global R&amp;D center outside Japan in Wageningen offers a rare and valuable opportunity to collaborate directly with world-class scientists and companies in the fields of food, nutrition, and life sciences. From here, we will develop new product concepts, address diverse consumer needs, and build future growth through innovation.&rdquo;
<blockquote>
Establishing our first global R&amp;D center outside Japan in Wageningen offers a rare and valuable opportunity to collaborate directly with world-class scientists and companies in the fields of food, nutrition, and life sciences.
</blockquote>
&nbsp;
<h2>Addition to ecosystem</h2>
Yakult&rsquo;s new center will focus on microbiology, nutrition, and health sciences, and will actively engage with academic and industry partners in the Wageningen ecosystem. Being part of Wageningen Campus means direct access to leading knowledge institutes such as Wageningen University &amp; Research, as well as shared research facilities and collaborations with other research institutes and established multinationals.
Anne Mensink, Manager Wageningen Campus &amp; Shared Research Facilities, welcomed Yakult to the community: &ldquo;Collaborative projects with researchers and students are already underway. Yakult&rsquo;s presence further strengthens the knowledge base and innovation power of our campus, and we look forward to their active participation in various research programs.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Earlier this spring, I visited Yakult in Japan, and I was especially impressed by their decades of experience and expertise in healthy dairy drinks for digestion. Fantastic news that they are coming to Gelderland. For nearly 20 years, we have been working on putting Foodvalley on the map. Alongside major national food companies such as FrieslandCampina, we now also see globally operating companies recognizing the added value of establishing themselves in Wageningen. Yakult is opening an R&amp;D department here, and other companies can also benefit from their innovations. In just a few years, we may see these innovations on supermarket shelves,&rdquo; said Helga Witjes, Provincial executive of the province of Gelderland.
Edo de Ronde, Director NFIA Japan, states: &ldquo;Yakult&rsquo;s investment in Wageningen demonstrates the Netherlands&rsquo; unique position as a global hub for food and life sciences research. We are delighted to have supported Yakult in this strategic decision and look forward to seeing the impact of their innovation center for years to come.&rdquo;
Angelique van Helvoort, senior FDI advisor Food &amp; Health at Oost NL, emphasized the regional significance: &ldquo;If we want to build a future with healthy and sustainable food, global leaders like Yakult play a key role. We are proud that Yakult has chosen Wageningen for its first global R&amp;D center. Their expertise in probiotics and functional foods adds tremendous value to the existing ecosystem and underlines the international appeal of East Netherlands as a hub for food and health innovation.&rdquo;
<h2>A brand-new home at Plus Ultra III</h2>
The Yakult European R&amp;D Center will be located in Plus Ultra III, one of the newest landmark buildings on Wageningen Campus. This state-of-the-art facility, which will be completed this autumn, offers flexible laboratories and offices designed for collaboration and cross-fertilization between science and industry. Plus Ultra III will house a mix of innovative startups, scale-ups, and international R&amp;D departments, making it an inspiring environment for Yakult&rsquo;s scientists and collaborators. The building will also function as a lively meeting place, with shared spaces and facilities that stimulate interaction between companies and researchers.
Jasper Schipper, Commercial Manager at Kadans Science Partner, added: &ldquo;We are delighted to welcome Yakult to Plus Ultra III. The building is created to foster innovation and collaboration, and Yakult&rsquo;s choice for Wageningen Campus perfectly reflects that ambition. We look forward to supporting them in connecting with other tenants and partners within our international Kadans community.&rdquo;
<h2>A strategic step for global innovation</h2>
Yakult has established this new European R&amp;D Center as part of a broader strategy to evolve into a truly global enterprise. The investment highlights the importance of being close to cutting-edge science, a vibrant talent pool, and an international food innovation cluster.
The Yakult European R&amp;D Center B.V. was officially founded on September 19, 2025, and will serve as Yakult&rsquo;s global hub for food innovation and collaboration.
<a href="https://www.yakult.co.jp/english/news/file.php?type=release&amp;id=175884048577.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-internal-link="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">Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.'s news release</a>

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., known worldwide for its pioneering probiotic products, has chosen Wageningen as the location for its first global R&D Innovation Center. With annual sales in 40 countries and regions, Yakult is strengthening its international research footprint by establishing “Yakult European R&D Center B.V.” at Wageningen Campus, in Gelderland, the Netherlands.

Yakult establishes first global R&D Innovation Center at Wageningen Campus

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Would you like to learn more about how we can support you in accelerating the market launch of your innovations? Oost NL offers funding, networks, and expertise.

Futuremakers

Expand your business in East Netherlands

What can Oost NL do for me?

Where can I establish in East Netherlands?

What can Oost NL do for me?

Where can I establish in East Netherlands?

Why East Netherlands?

How to set up a business in the Netherlands?

Quality of life

Why East Netherlands?

How to set up a business in the Netherlands?

Quality of life

Setting up your business in East Netherlands

Success story

The key industries of our region

Food

Tech

Food

Tech

Energy

Health

Energy

Health

Latest news

ChipNL Competence Centre officially launched

South Korea’s Hyosung Opens European R&D Center at the Electricity Campus in Arnhem: “Building the Power Grid of the Future”

Yakult establishes first global R&D Innovation Center at Wageningen Campus

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