ROM InWest Celebrates Five Years of Boosting Innovation in North Holland
Haarlem, Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
Marking its fifth anniversary in October 2026, ROM InWest has successfully evolved from a regional newcomer into a vital investor, driving North Holland’s transition toward a sustainable economy.
Bridging High-Risk Capital and Innovation
Under the leadership of Janet Nieboer, ROM InWest has spent the last five years establishing itself as a vital connector and investor in the North Holland innovation ecosystem [1]. Historically, regional stakeholders believed the province did not require a Regional Development Agency (ROM) [2]. However, ROM InWest has successfully filled this gap by combining active business development with targeted capital provision, stepping in to support impact-driven entrepreneurs in areas where private financiers perceive high risks [1].
Pioneering Regional Support Programs
As part of its integration into the province, ROM InWest took over existing regional activation programs, including PIM (Provincie Noord-Holland), which was previously managed directly by the province [2]. The agency’s business developers focus on guiding early-stage startups from a promising initial idea toward a scalable business model and a viable market solution [1]. This hands-on approach ensures that critical technological innovations do not get stuck in the development phase but successfully reach the commercial market [1].
Transforming Agriculture and Construction
The tangible impact of this investment strategy is evident in the growth of local enterprises like Agurotech, an Amsterdam-based precision agriculture company [1]. With the help of ROM InWest’s innovation support and capital, Agurotech scaled its specialized sensors and software, which now serve hundreds of customers across more than 20 countries [1]. This demonstrates the agency’s capacity to elevate local startups into international players [1].
Addressing Societal Challenges
In the construction sector, ROM InWest has backed Drystack, a technology firm that developed a mortarless brick-stacking system [1]. This technological solution directly addresses critical regional challenges, including raw material usage, carbon dioxide emissions, construction speed, and ongoing labor shortages [1]. By funding such projects, the development agency aligns financial investment with long-term ecological and economic sustainability goals [1].
Strengthening Strategic Autonomy and Ecosystems
ROM InWest also acts as a strategic intermediary, connecting knowledge institutions, governments, financiers, and launching customers [1]. A key example is the “De Slapende Reus” initiative, a collaboration with the Amsterdam Economic Board and other regional partners to organize and enhance the visibility of the Life Sciences & Health and biotech ecosystem [1]. To support the scale-up of these biotech companies, ROM InWest has identified a regional funding gap that requires a proposed fund of approximately €100 million [1].
Securing Future Resilience
In response to shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes, the agency has prioritized dual-use technologies that serve both civil and security purposes [1]. Through the SecFund, ROM InWest facilitated its first investment into the North Holland company P-X Systems, while also helping establish MINDBase Amsterdam to connect innovative commercial businesses with the Ministry of Defense [1]. This initiative aligns with the national “Rapport-Wennink,” which emphasizes the necessity of strong value chains, future earning capacity, and strategic autonomy [1].