2nd Start-up Day 2026
at Food Innovation Park
Join us at the Food Innovation Park & NIZO Food Research for an exclusive and intimate event where innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship come together. Discover our state-of-the-art food technology facilities, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and explore the latest technological developments shaping the future of food.
The Food Innovation Park is evolving rapidly. If you want to stay informed about what is happening on the park, connect with key players in the ecosystem, and learn about the opportunities ahead, this event is the PLACE TO BE!
Through a carefully curated B2B network and targeted matchmaking, we help startups validate their technology, access real-world expertise, and accelerate their journey from development to market scale.
JOIN US AND BECOME PART OF THE INNOVATION TAKING PLACE AT THE FOOD INNOVATION PARK!
Scroll down to discover more!
Latest insights
Discover the latest developments in alternative proteins, scaling, and food innovation at NIZO and the Food Innovation Park. Listen to firsthand experiences from pioneering companies and gain expert perspective on investment, scaling and commercialization.
1-on-1 expert advice
Receive personalized technical guidance from scientists and leading industry experts to help accelerate your innovation journey.
Get connected
Expand your network through carefully curated matchmaking and connect with startups, industry leaders, investors and innovation partners.
Facility tour
Explore Europe's largest flexible food-grade pilot plant or step into our sensory room to taste the future.
Event information
đź“… Thursday 17 September 2026 |12:30-17:30
đź“Ť Food Innovation Park & NIZO | Kernhemseweg 2 | Ede, The Netherlands
Agenda
12:30-13:00 | Arrival & coffee
13:00-14:00 | Plenary session:
Latest developments at Food Innovation Park & NIZO Food Research
Presented by René Floris, CIO NIZO & Strategic Manager Park
Panel discussion: Scaling Up Innovation
Listen to the scale-up stories of NoPalm Ingredients & Vivici Moderated by Nikolaas Vles, CEO NIZO
Collaboration with FoodTechHub Latin America
Presented by Paulo Silveira, CEO FoodTechHub
The role of shared facilities in securing funding and driving innovation
Presented by Nina Walthauer, Senior Leader Regenerative Agriculture, Invest-NL
14:30-16:00 | BREAK OUT SESSIONS:
From lab to factory floor: Practical & scientific insights from NIZO, BFF, RoyalHaskoning & Cibus Nexum experts on successfully scaling products and processes.
Behind the Scenes: Take an exclusive tour of Europe’s largest flexible food-grade pilot plant and discover scale-up opportinities.
Taste the Future: Experience bio-purified cream cheese and discover the innovation behind it.
Shared facilities for Growth: Learn how NIZO and the Food Innovation Park support innovation and scale-up ambitions.
16:00-16:30 | SUPER CONNECTORS SESSION
Join the Superconnector Session and connect with the right people to accelerate your production innovation and speed up time to market.
16:30-17:30 | NETWORKING DRINKS & BITES
"Come for the conversations, stay for the collaborations shaping tomorrow’s food.
This is where startups and innovators meet expertise, scale-up facilities, and partners to move faster and go further.
We look forward to welcoming you and building the future of food together.”
Dr. René Floris
Strategic Manager | Food Innovation Park
Chief Innovation Officer | NIZO food research