Netherlands Food Valley Awards Three Innovations Tackling Global Food Security and Energy Grid Challenges
Wageningen, Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
The prestigious Regio Foodvalley Innovation Prize 2025 recognized breakthrough solutions addressing critical worldwide issues. AgroCares’ mobile crop scanner can help Kenyan farmers increase grain yields from 2 to 10 tons per hectare by bringing laboratory analysis directly to fields across 60 countries. The World Bank now supports establishing advisor networks in Africa for this technology that previously faced bankruptcy before securing new investment.
Manufacturing Innovation Reduces Healthcare Worker Strain
Movexx International, located in Veenendaal, secured recognition in the Manufacturing Industry category for developing the BedMover, a specialized solution designed to reduce physical strain on healthcare workers in hospitals [1]. This smart electric tug represents a practical approach to addressing the ongoing challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide, where staff shortages and physical demands on workers continue to create operational pressures [1]. The company’s focus on “smart electric tugs” demonstrates how manufacturing innovation can directly impact worker safety and efficiency in critical sectors [1].
Energy Management Platform Addresses Grid Congestion
Unica Energy from Hoevelaken earned the ICT category award for its Tenergy platform, which tackles the pressing issue of electrical grid capacity through intelligent energy management [1]. The platform provides smart control of energy systems, managing peak demand, providing emergency power, and restoring grid imbalances by coordinating various installations including batteries, combined heat and power plants, e-boilers, and solar and wind farms [1]. Currently, the company delivers 600 MW during peak demand periods using combined heat and power plants and e-boilers in greenhouse horticulture and industry [1]. “We deliver during peak demand now 600 MW from the capacity of decentrally placed combined heat and power plants and e-boilers in greenhouse horticulture and industry,” explained Dik Geelen, director of Unica Energy [1].
Strategic Partnership Building and Market Expansion
Unica Energy’s success stems from its deep regional connections and collaborative approach to addressing energy challenges [1]. The company, which encompasses 53 companies and 4,500 employees nationally, leverages its historical strength in building and installation technology to understand client needs [1]. “Our companies are traditionally strong in building and installation technology and have been visiting companies in the region for years. By staying close to them, you understand what’s going on,” Geelen noted [1]. The organization collaborates with local educational institutions to secure talent while focusing on sustainability, health, and safety to attract employees [1].
Regional Innovation Hub Demonstrates Global Impact
The December 16, 2025 awards ceremony highlighted the Netherlands’ Food Valley region as a critical hub for developing solutions that address worldwide challenges [1]. The recognition of innovations spanning agricultural technology, manufacturing efficiency, and energy management demonstrates the region’s diverse technological capabilities and commitment to sustainable development [1]. These solutions represent practical applications of advanced technology that can scale globally, from helping farmers in developing countries increase crop yields to managing complex energy systems in industrialized nations [1].