Oost NL celebrates 50 years and builds the future of innovation
In 2025, Oost NL celebrated its 50th anniversary: half a century dedicated to economic development, innovation, and sustainable growth in Eastern Netherlands. What began as a way to combat regional unemployment has grown into a powerful network that supports innovation clusters, helps businesses grow, and drives technological advancement.
Date of Publication: 22 December 2025
Read time +/- 2.5 minutes
What Has Been Achieved?
- Oost NL, together with its predecessors (OOM and GOM), brought support, capital, and opportunities to a region struggling with a declining industrial sector.
- Over the years, they have helped countless startups, SMEs, and high-tech companies establish themselves or expand through investments, networks, and guidance.
- Oost NL has contributed to building ecosystems at the intersection of technology, health, the circular economy, manufacturing, and sustainable energy.
- Thanks to this approach, Eastern Netherlands in 2025 is one of the most versatile and forward-looking regions in the country, with strong value chains in food, health, tech, and energy, and a proven ability to bring innovations to market.
What Does This Mean for Twente?
For Twente, Oost NL’s 50th anniversary is more than a milestone — it is a confirmation. Thanks to collaboration with Oost NL, the region has been able to develop top-tier work locations, high-tech companies, research facilities, and talent programs — essential building blocks for our ecosystem.
The anniversary underscores that Twente does not operate in isolation but is part of a strong regional network connecting innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. This strengthens Twente’s position as an attractive location for businesses and talent, and as a region where technology and quality of life go hand in hand.
What’s on the Agenda for the Coming Years?
With 50 years of experience behind it, Oost NL is looking ahead. The focus is on:
- Further strengthening the high-tech industry and SMEs in Eastern Netherlands;
- Sustainable transitions: energy, circular economy, healthcare;
- Attracting and supporting international entrepreneurs;
- Facilitating ecosystems where knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge.
These ambitions align closely with Twente’s plans — from chip tech and medtech to sustainable manufacturing and quantum technology.
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