Contract research company NIZO is establishing a food innovation park in Ede, the Netherlands, to facilitate collaborations towards the development of sustainable proteins. With facilities including a food-grade pilot plant and the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory, the park will focus on researching new protein sources like plants, algae, and fermentation. The project is a partnership between NIZO, the Province of Gelderland, the Municipality of Ede, the FoodValley Region, and Oost NL.

Located near Wageningen University & Research, the food innovation park will work on scaling up and preparing alternative protein innovations for the market. The park, along with other research sites in the region, aims to position the FoodValley Region as a leader in the development of sustainable proteins. Future plans include property development, expanding the ecosystem, and possibly spinning off the pilot plant as an independent entity to ensure wide access for companies and knowledge institutions. CEO Nikolaas Vles envisions the park becoming Europe's leading ecosystem for alternative proteins and driving the food transition through collaboration and innovation.