1.7 million euros for innovation, business park and connection between education and the labor market
A city broker helps companies find suitable locations in the Delft Innovation District or elsewhere in the region. An immersive experience lab where port employees can practice safely loading and unloading hazardous materials in a simulated VR environment. These are two examples of seven projects to which the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH) awarded grants this month. The investment totals €1.7 million.
The goal is to create jobs and strengthen the region’s appeal. This requires economic and technological innovation. The 21 municipalities, as the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region, are collaborating intensively with knowledge institutions and businesses. This will create a sustainable, prosperous, and attractive region for residents and businesses.
Saskia Bruines, chair of the MRDH Economic Business Climate Executive Committee: “We can only strengthen the regional economy through intensive collaboration. Together, we can increase job opportunities, provide entrepreneurs with more space, and make optimal use of scarce physical space. That’s why we’re joining forces with 21 municipalities and making this investment as a Metropolitan Region. This will support a vibrant economy for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, and enjoys recreation here.”
Project contributions
Improving the connection between education and the labor market
Regional Innovation Hub for Immersive Technology in Rotterdam (450,195 euros)
This innovation hub in Katoenhuis, in Rotterdam’s Merwe-Vierhavens area (M4H), forms the heart of the regional Immersive Tech ecosystem. It serves as a central meeting place for educational institutions, businesses, knowledge partners, and government agencies active in the field of Immersive Tech. With this, the MRDH is taking an important step towards a better qualified and educated workforce in the region and improving the connection between education and the labor market.
Innovation and SMEs
Innovation hub Visafslag Scheveningen in The Hague (90,000 euros)
In the port of Scheveningen (formerly the Visafslag), a 2,000 m² development space will become available in early 2026 for educational institutions and businesses in the blue economy. With this contribution, the involved parties will begin exploring the possibilities of creating a practical space, a living lab, for water-related applications.
Quantum Ecosystem South Holland (225,000 euros)
The quantum ecosystem in South Holland, with Quantum Delft as an international hotspot, will continue in 2026-2028. After a successful initial phase, hubs in Leiden and Delft have intensified their collaboration and two quantum communication networks have been established. The new phase focuses on supporting startups, connecting with end users, attracting talent, and strengthening connections with national initiatives like Quantum NL.
Delft Innovation District (398,955 euros)
The Delft Innovation District combines the TU Delft Campus, Schieoevers, and Delftechpark into a dynamic area with knowledge institutions, field labs, startups, and scale-ups. Delft serves as an incubator for companies contributing to transitions in energy, mobility, digitalization, and sustainability. With the Delft Innovation District project – more broadly connected to the region – Delft is working on three pillars: connecting growing companies with locations in the metropolitan region through the deployment of a city broker; redeveloping business parks into future-proof work locations for innovative manufacturing; and strengthening communities through networking activities and a digital platform.
Space for work
The MRDH is investing in three projects that contribute to a smarter and more sustainable use of existing industrial estates.
Better Utilization of Industrial Estates in East Barendrecht (200,000 euros)
The municipality of Barendrecht is working to create a future-proof business park in Barendrecht-Oost. The project focuses on improved spatial utilization, sustainability, and stronger connections with the surrounding area, including the development of the Stationstuinen and Nieuw-Reijerwaard areas. The MRDH grant will enable the development of a program and action plan to strengthen the site within the Dutch Fresh Port cluster.
Space for Direction – Vlaardingen (186,074 euros)
In Vlaardingen, the municipality is using leasehold as a means to better utilize industrial estates and improve spatial quality. A three-year pilot program at three industrial estates in Vlaardingen is investigating how leasehold conditions, data, and enforcement contribute to improved spatial utilization. The MRDH supports this initiative because it contributes to more efficient use of industrial estates and a more attractive business climate.
Exploration of the Working Landscape – Nissewaard (155,634 euros)
In Nissewaard, the municipality is exploring how it can provide space for businesses seeking to grow or establish themselves in the region. This project addresses the growing demand for commercial space on the Left Bank of the Meuse.
Photo: SenseGlove production in Katoenhuis – credit Boudewijn Bollmann.
More information: https://mrdh.nl/power-partnership-0