Category: Innovation Infrastructure | Published on 27/12/2022
JETRO’s Fact Finding Trip in the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague Area
Guided by InnovationQuarter
Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO), recently participated in a Fact Finding Trip (FFT) that was co-organized by the regional economic development agency InnovationQuarter in the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area. The FFT, which took place in the fourth quarter of 2022, included representatives from Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi Corp., Teijin, Kikkoman, Sekisui Chemical, and IHI. The trip focused on a range of sectors including life sciences and health, food technology, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and aerospace.
The trip included visits to four institutions from the top sectors in the region. These visits worked to introduce the innovative business ecosystem of the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area, with a goal to help the companies to reach new partnerships. Read on to find out how it went.
Leiden Bio Science Park
The Fact Finding Trip began at the Leiden Bio Science Park (LBSP), the largest life sciences and health cluster in the Netherlands with a focus on pharmaceuticals and drug development.
At one of the sustainable office buildings there was a warm opening centered on the long-term relationship between Japan and the Netherlands. The Japanese guests were introduced to the considerate service and strong competitiveness of LBSP, as well as the success stories from the companies that are already settled in this park.
The representatives from Leiden University presented general information about the science faculty, as well as the many spin-offs and field labs of this renowned university. With a strong background in drug research, sustainability, quantum and space, and artificial intelligence, Leiden University continuously cultivates talents and substantially supports companies in this region.
Security Delta (HSD)
The second stop was the Dutch security cluster – at the Security Delta (HSD). Located in the country’s administrative centre The Hague, the HSD Campus consists of a large number of companies, governmental organizations, and knowledge institutions. After strict identity checks, the guests walked through the busy crowd and were warmly received by the staff of HSD.
The presentation on HSD and previous Cybersecurity collaboration activities with Japan made a clear impression on the FFT group about how HSD shares knowledge and collaborates on innovative security solutions, as well as their open attitude to international collaborations.
Later in the same meeting room, InnovationQuarter offered inspiring details about the energy cluster that collaborated with a Japanese biofuel company. The representatives exchanged their contact information on the spot, showing the immediate impact on creating new networks.
YES!Delft
After having an authentic Dutch lunch in the historical De Waag (The Weighing House) in Delft, the group arrived at YES!Delft – the leading European tech startup incubator. While going through this imaginative space and passing by energetic students, the guests marvelled at the young and dynamic atmosphere within the non-profit organization.
As at Leiden Bio Science Park and HSD, the introduction to YES!Delft and the service proposition Innocubes drew a lot of attention. After hearing about their custom ecosystems provided to tech startups and the 360-degree support they provide, a student from the Delft University of Technology gave a tour around the building and recommended some of the innovation projects that the startups are currently working on. The guests were especially impressed by the idea of wireless charging parking lot for e-bikes that a startup is currently working on.
World Horti Center (WHC)
The World Horti Center in Naaldwijk (Westland) was the last stop of the trip. This multi-purpose building is designed as a huge greenhouse and is full of flourishing plants and younger generations who receive an education there.
After the speech on horticulture and food in the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area from InnovationQuarter, the guests were introduced by the company Certhon to their innovative greenhouse and indoor cultivation technology that can produce food in any type of climate.
Afterwards, the guests were led around the exhibition hall and greenhouse. They were presented with some latest technologies and fascinating research in horticulture. During the borrel (light snacks) at the end of the day, the group enjoyed the fresh vegetables provided by WHC.
JETRO’s Ryunosuke Mochizuki stated that the recent Fact Finding Trip was a valuable opportunity for communication and received highly positive feedback from the Japanese participants. The participating companies expressed their interest and willingness to collaborate with InnovationQuarter through JETRO and requested the contact information of the organizations they visited during the trip.
“It is usually difficult to visit and talk to each other in person, so it was very gratifying to be able to visit so many clusters in one day.”
– Ryunosuke Mochizuki, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Amsterdam
Looking to discover new business opportunities in the Greater Rotterdam – The Hague area?
Join us on a Fact-Finding Trip and dive deep into our thriving business ecosystem. During the trip, you’ll meet with service providers such as real estate agents, tax advisors, and recruiters, and visit potential technology partners, subject experts, and facilities. Get a firsthand look at how your company can benefit from being located in the region. InnovationQuarter offers Fact-Finding Trips both virtually and in person, completely free of charge. Learn more and sign up on our page here.
InnovationQuarter is the regional economic development agency for the Province of Zuid-Holland, known as the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area that includes Delft and Leiden, and is a non-profit publicly funded organisation.
Campus@Sea, fotocredits Jurriaan Brobbel