Page 27 - AWA Vol.41-No.8

HORTICULTURE

HIC launches the first venture studio

for greenhouse horticulture
The HortiScience Innovation Center (HIC) has official-
ly opened the HIC Venture Studio in Bleiswijk. It is the
world’s first venture studio fully dedicated to horticulture.
With this milestone, the sector gains a powerful new en-
gine for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The establishment of the HIC Venture Studio was made
possible with support from regional partners, including
the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH)
and the Municipality of Lansingerland. During the festive
launch, it became clear how science and entrepreneur-
ship converge in the studio to make the greenhouse hor-
ticulture sector future-proof.
Delphy IC is one of the founders and partners in the HIC.
It supports start-ups by, among other things, making our
(greenhouse) facilities available, sharing our knowledge tion systems, circular horticulture, autonomous growing,
of greenhouse horticulture in general and our expertise automation, and future-proof work. These themes guide
in greenhouse horticulture research in particular, and le- the innovations and startups that emerge within the stu-
veraging our position in the “ecosystem” / the extensive dio.
relevant network. Lennart Onvlee of MRDH highlights the importance of
A venture studio is a breeding ground where new start- collaboration: “The HIC Venture Studio strengthens the
ups are systematically built: ideas are developed, tested, innovative capacity of our region. By connecting entre-
and shaped into fully-fledged companies with shared ex- preneurs, knowledge institutions, and companies, we ac-
pertise and resources. This model has proven successful celerate the development and implementation of sustain-
in other sectors as a way to accelerate innovation—start- able solutions for greenhouse horticulture. This initiative
ups emerging from such studios tend to grow faster and creates new opportunities for growth, employment, and
deliver greater returns. international visibility—exactly what our region needs
Loet Rummenie, Director of HIC, explains: “What makes right now.” MRDH supports the project as part of its agen-
this venture studio unique is that entrepreneurs retain da for a strong economic climate.
ownership of their companies and collectively participate Rummenie emphasizes that collaboration is at the core
in each new business. This gives them a direct incentive of the venture studio: “We can only build these startups
to share knowledge, networks, and expertise, while ben- successfully if we combine knowledge and networks.
efiting from shared infrastructure and guidance. In this That is why we are very pleased with our first partners:
way, we ensure that innovations reach practice faster and Catalyze Group, which helps attract non-dilutive funding,
truly create value for the sector.” and EP&C, which supports the development of strong IP
The HIC Venture Studio focuses on the following six in- strategies for the new companies.”
novations themes: the energy transition, resilient cultiva- Circle 25 on enquiry card

Construction of Citronex’ young plant facility in full swing

At Citronex in Poland, construction of a state-of-the-
art cultivation facility is progressing rapidly. Both below
and above ground, significant progress can be seen.
The underground piping work – essential for the ebb
and flood system and the heating network – is proceed-
ing according to schedule. These installations will soon
form the backbone of an efficient and stable growing
climate.
At the same time, installation of the horizontal screen
is underway, and the glazing team has already covered
half of the greenhouse. Outside the structure, there is
plenty of activity as well: the client is working on the
construction of the access road, the foundation for the
boiler house, and a spacious processing hall. Work is The project is entering a dynamic phase in which the
also ongoing on the foundation of the thermal storage outlines of the future high-tech greenhouse are becom-
tank. ing increasingly visible. Circle 26 on enquiry card

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