Netherlands launches world’s first venture studio for greenhouse innovation

NETHERLANDS – The Netherlands has opened the world’s first venture studio focused on greenhouse innovation, marking a major step toward sustainable horticulture.

Located in Bleiswijk, a region known for advanced agricultural research, the new studio seeks to speed up the creation and rollout of technologies that make greenhouse farming more efficient and climate-resilient.

The studio is supported by Wageningen University & Research, Rabobank, and several Dutch agri-tech companies.

It offers startups both funding and access to top-level research facilities. The goal is to turn scientific ideas into market-ready products that cut emissions and improve resource use in greenhouse farming.

“We want to close the gap between research and practice,” said a representative from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture. “Our aim is to ensure the innovations developed in the lab can actually help farmers and growers in the real world.”

Startups joining the studio will focus on projects such as automated greenhouse systems, energy-efficient heating, and crops that can withstand changing weather conditions. The model also encourages teamwork between sectors such as energy, water, and logistics to create complete solutions for modern horticulture.

Driving sustainability in global food systems

The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture said the venture studio forms part of a national plan to strengthen the country’s role as a global leader in sustainable food production.

“Greenhouse farming has long been a core part of our export economy, but we must adapt it to meet new climate and food security demands,” the ministry said.

This new approach blends research mentorship with business investment, offering a practical alternative to traditional grant-based programs. By combining science, capital, and entrepreneurship, the Netherlands aims to build models that can work across different regions.

Experts believe this approach could also inspire similar initiatives in Africa, where greenhouse farming continues to grow. By adapting the model to local needs, developing countries could connect traditional knowledge with new technologies to improve food production and climate resilience.

“We see real potential for collaboration with partners in Africa,” said one of the Dutch partners. “Sharing expertise and co-developing solutions can help countries build stronger, more adaptable food systems.”

The Netherlands’ venture studio is expected to welcome its first group of startups early next year. If successful, it could set a global standard for how nations support sustainable greenhouse innovation through public and private cooperation.

“This is not just about growing more food,” the ministry added. “It’s about doing it in a way that protects our planet and ensures long-term stability for farmers everywhere.”

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.