Danone puts Science Park Utrecht on the map

With the arrival of the Danone Innovation Centre, Utrecht will be home to one of the largest research life sciences institutes in the Netherlands. The Science Park Utrecht, through collaboration with researchers of the University Utrecht and the Utrecht Medical Centre, is building a knowledge cluster of magnitude, with more than 450 employees and a big pulling strength for the development of the whole Utrecht Science Park.

On may 18^th 2009 Danone announced that its Dutch-based R&D activities will be integrated in a new innovation centre in Utrecht. Danone is an expert researcher on the effects of nutrition on health. In collaboration with researchers at the Science Park, its knowledge will be used to develop new and innovative products.

Utrecht wins ‘gold’

Danone's arrival fits perfectly into policies set by the municipality and province of Utrecht to give an impulse to the region's knowledge economy. Since 2008 both governments have worked together to advise Danone about potential locations in the Science Park. Utrecht won the grand prize after a competitive battle with cities in France and Germany. Utrecht's concentration of knowledge proved the deciding factor. The presence of the best university in the Netherlands, the highest level of education in the country and a top scientific ranking in the field of life sciences further contributed to Utrecht’s success. Other important location factors in Danone’s decision were the quality of the living environment, the city's central location within the Netherlands and the cultural and historic assets that Utrecht offers.

‘Figurehead’ innovation

Mr. J. Ekkers, Vice Governer of the province of Utrecht and Chair of the Steering Committee Science Park Utrecht reacts enthusiastically to Danone’s decision for Utrecht: ‘The Science Park Utrecht is cementing its reputation as a leader of innovation in the field of food and life sciences. The cooperation between city and province really took off as partners of the Science Park, with significant results.’

‘Welcome to the smartest city of the Netherlands.’

Municipal councilor of Economic affairs, Floris de Gelder: ‘I welcome Danone to the smartest city in the Netherlands. When Danone’s world-class Research Centre opens in 2012, hundreds of new people will be working and potentially living in Utrecht. On behalf of the University and the province I would like to invite them to come enjoy all the beauty that the city has to offer.’