East-Netherlands Development Agency

Oost NL plays an important role in executing the economic policies of the Dutch government

East Netherlands Development Agency (Oost NL) is an agency that focuses its activities and projects on strengthening and stimulating the economy of the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel in the Netherlands. We work with companies in the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel and are commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the respective Provinces.

Oost NL plays an important role in executing the economic policies of the Dutch government and the Provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel and its various city governments. To achieve this, it is necessary to encourage a close cooperation between companies, regional institutes, knowledge institutes, and intermediaries. Oost NL acts as a bridge between the aforementioned organisations. We focus on sectors Life Sciences and Health., Agri-Food, Cleantech & Energy and High Tech.

We focus on internationalization, innovation and investments within the aforementioned four main sectors.

Foreign Investment offers companies from outside the Netherlands, as well as from other regions of the country, a ‘soft landing’ in East Netherlands. Through us, international companies gain access to our regional networks as well as assistance with trade promotion. We support SMEs from East Netherlands to internationalize through matchmaking using our worldwide network of partners.

Business development & Innovation supports the regional business environment by helping SMEs to bring innovations to market. This is done via a customized approach through access to funding (including European wide funds), networking and one-on-one contacts. The results: fundable business cases (usually focused on market introductions), innovation projects and programs, open innovation centers and the establishment of campuses.

Capital supports starting and growth-phase SMEs. We do this partly with risk capital from various innovation funds, and partly through our knowledge, networks and personal contacts. Through the revolving funds we provide for direct as well as indirect investment and take care of the fund management. In addition, we stimulate and support public and private investors. The result: SME sustainable growth through financing Oost NL is a close partner to many SMEs in the field of Life Sciences & Health within the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. Within this domain Personalised Health is one of our spearheads: further development of the individual specificity of medical diagnostics, treatment and supervision. In the East-Netherlands this spearhead is nourished by areas of knowledge such as: genetics, infection & immunology, oncology, cognitive sciences, reproductive medicine, preventive health strategies, food and cognition, microfluidics, nutrition, medical robotics, early diagnostics