NIZO and Schipper Bosch join forces for the future-proof development of the Food Innovation Park in Ede
Ede, The Netherlands, 18 June 2026 – Today, Schipper Bosch and NIZO Food Research signed the agreements for the acquisition of the real estate and the further development of the Food Innovation Park in Ede. This marks the beginning of a new phase for the site, which will further in the coming years into an internationally leading ecosystem for food, health and protein transition in the coming years.
This step allows both parties to focus on their core activities. NIZO retains its central role as a leading research institute and key driver of innovation within the Food Innovation Park. Schipper Bosch, as the new owner and developer, will invest in the further growth, quality and attractiveness of the area for companies, researchers and entrepreneurs.
The Food Innovation Park in Ede is dedicated to the future of sustainable proteins, scale‑up capabilities and innovative food solutions. By linking the presence of facilities such as the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) and Europe’s largest flexible food-grade pilot plant to the NIZO Food Research knowledge institute, the park offers unique opportunities to test, scale and accelerate innovations towards market introduction. NoPalm Ingredients – producer of microbial oil as a sustainable alternative to palm oil – is also building its own demo factory on the site. This installation serves as a blueprint for scale-ups that want to make the step from pilot phase to commercial production
In the coming years, Schipper Bosch will make targeted investments in the further development of the Food Innovation Park into the place where food innovations are tested, validated and scaled. This includes investments in the sustainability upgrade of buildings and installations, the creation of shared facilities such as a restaurant and meeting spaces, the development of a connecting ‘Food Innovation Strip’, and the transformation of the site into an attractive, future‑proof innovation ecosystem. These long‑term investments will give the site 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:
With more than 35 years of experience in area and real‑estate development, Schipper Bosch creates places where people enjoy working, doing business and meeting one another. Guided by a long‑term vision, the family‑owned company builds ecosystems with a strong identity and room for growth. Projects such as Cleantech Park Arnhem, De Nieuwe Stad and Zwitsal Buitenstad demonstrate how characterful locations can be transformed into meaningful environments for companies and their surroundings. Schipper Bosch brings this experience to the Food Innovation Park, where it is developing an environment in which research, entrepreneurship and technology reinforce each other.
Bart Schoonderbeek, CEO Schipper Bosch: “The Food Innovation Park has everything it needs to grow into a truly distinctive hub where science, entrepreneurship and technology reinforce one another. We believe in the power of locations with a strong identity and look forward to further developing the park in the coming years. With NIZO as a key user and driver of innovation, we can build on what is already here and create space for the continued growth of the ecosystem.”
During a meeting at the NIZO site, representatives of NIZO and Schipper Bosch signed the purchase and development agreement.
NIZO and Schipper Bosch join forces for the future‑proof development of the Food Innovation Park in Ede – The Netherlands
This signing marks the start of a new phase for the Food Innovation Park. In the coming years, the site will grow into a leading pan‑European location where companies, researchers and entrepreneurs work together on solutions for the food challenges of tomorrow.
“For decades, NIZO has been dedicated to leading research and innovation in the fields of food safety, health and protein innovation” – according to Nikolaas Vles (CEO NIZO) – “With Schipper Bosch as our partner – bringing 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 ánd for the international food transition.“
With these initial investments, which will take place this year, an immediate start is being made on strengthening the position of NIZO and the Food Innovation Park, as well as attracting talent and innovative companies.
