Dutch SMEs Invited to Innovate with KIEM GoFood Funding
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
KIEM GoFood initiative offers financial backing for Dutch SMEs partnering with universities for agrifood innovations. Proposals open until 30 September 2025, with three projects still fundable.
The Role of KIEM GoFood in Dutch Innovation
The KIEM GoFood initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation by offering financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Dutch agrifood sector. By encouraging collaboration with universities of applied sciences, the program facilitates practical research to produce market-driven solutions. This year, funding is still available for six new projects, with a deadline for proposal submissions set for 30 September 2025 [1].
Opportunities in Agrifood Innovation
The initiative underscores the necessity of innovation in tackling industry challenges such as sustainability and competitiveness. By integrating academic research with SME operations, KIEM GoFood aims to convert innovative ideas into viable products or processes. This collaboration ensures that the agrifood sector remains competitive in an evolving global market [1].
Case Study: Vertical Farming in Regio Foodvalley
An illustrative example of the program’s potential is the exploration of vertical farming in Regio Foodvalley, conducted by a consortium including Milligreens and the Christelijke Hogeschool Ede. This research, co-funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, is examining the use of underutilized agricultural buildings for vertical farming. The study highlights both the opportunities and challenges in this emerging field, particularly noting the high costs associated with implementation due to relatively low food prices in the Netherlands [2].
Challenges Facing Vertical Farming
Despite its promise, vertical farming faces substantial obstacles, such as regulatory requirements for the demolition of unused livestock buildings, which reduces available infrastructure for new projects. Moreover, current market demand for vertical farming products remains insufficient, further complicating the business model [2]. However, the research conducted under the KIEM GoFood program provides critical insights into overcoming these challenges, potentially paving the way for more sustainable farming practices in the future [2].