University of Groningen involved in successful applications in the third round of the National Growth Fund

The University of Groningen is well represented in proposals submitted in the third round of the National Growth Fund , for which national funding is available. In the third round, a total of four billion euros has been awarded to eighteen project proposals that will make a significant contribution to the economic growth and prosperity of the Netherlands. The UG is involved in nine of those eighteen proposals.

The UG is collaborating with a wide range of partners on various groundbreaking projects that form the basis for the economy and society of the future. The UG is involved in nine proposals: Biobased-Circular, Circular Integrated High-Efficiency Solar Panels, Valorisation Delta Plan, DUTCH, a healthy holomicrobiome, Investing in the talent of the future, M2i: Growing with Green Steel, Materials Independence Circular Battery Technology, and Re-Ge-NL.

Biobased-Circular

This project focuses on replacing fossil resources with plant-based alternatives. The aim is to make the Netherlands a European leader in the development, production, and processing of carbohydrate-based building blocks and plastic products. Collaborations are being established within complete value cycles, together with SMEs (including compounding, processing, and applications), the agricultural sector, the chemical industry, and logistics and recycling companies.

The National Growth Fund will invest up to €383 million in the project. This amount consists of a conditional award of €102 million and a reservation of €236 million. Read more about the project here

Circular Integrated High-Efficiency Solar Panels

This project focuses on the development and industrialization of new solar PV technologies and ensures the development of the next generation of fully circular solar panels. Within the project, the UG will collaborate with the entire chain, from suppliers of raw materials to construction and automotive companies that will use integrated solar panels on a large scale. This initiative contributes to the energy transition and the energy independence of the Netherlands and the EU.

The National Growth Fund will invest up to €412 million in the project. This amount consists of a definitive award of €135 million and a conditional award of €277 million.

Valorisation Delta Plan (The Pact towards Impact)

The Netherlands is among the top 3 European countries when it comes to creating knowledge, which is a valuable asset. However, it is proving difficult to translate this knowledge into concrete societal and economic benefits. This project aims to bridge the gap between science and society by accelerating the valorisation of scientific knowledge and innovations.

The National Growth Fund will invest up to €417 million in the project. This amount is a reservation. Read more about the project here

DUTCH (Digital United Training Centers)

In this project, the UG will collaborate with other educational institutions, hospitals, and EdTech and MedTech companies to transform the education and reskilling of healthcare professionals using digital learning resources and physical and virtual simulation. Healthcare professionals will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise and employability. Thus, DUTCH contributes to retaining employees in the healthcare sector.

The National Growth Fund will invest up to €132 million in the project. This amount consists of a definitive award of €48 million and a conditional award of €84 million. Read more about the project here

A Healthy Holomicrobiome

Recent technologies have made it possible to measure, map, understand, and predict the composition, functioning, and effects of microbiomes. The consortium will investigate how microbiomes throughout our food system form one large network: a 'holomicrobiome'. This project brings together innovation in agriculture and livestock farming, food production and healthcare, and soil and water management in the Netherlands.

The National Growth Fund will invest up to €200 million in the project. This amount is a reservation. Read more about the project here

Investing in the talent of the future

There is a significant shortage of talent in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in the labor market. The proposal "Investing in the talent of the future!" aims to expose all children and young people in primary and secondary education to the opportunities of (natural) science, technology, engineering, and ICT (information and communication technology). This way, every student gets a chance to develop their talents and fully participate in our society, which is becoming increasingly technological and digital in all aspects.

The National Growth Fund will invest a maximum of € 352 million in the project. This amount is a reservation. Read more about the project here

M2i: Growing with Green Steel

The goal of Growing with Green Steel is to accelerate the transformation to a sustainable steel sector and build a strong international competitive position by implementing circular chains and reducing emissions. The project focuses on innovations within manufacturing companies that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and other harmful emissions in the sector, as well as the reuse of raw materials.

The National Growth Fund will invest €124 million in the project.

Materials Independence Circular Battery Technology

Battery technology plays a crucial role in the energy transition as a storage system for green energy. This project aims to establish a strong position for the Dutch manufacturing industry in the global battery chain, with sustainability and circularity at its core. The project contributes to achieving climate goals and realizing sustainable economic success in the Netherlands.

The National Growth Fund will invest up to €296 million in the project. Of this amount, €118 million has been conditionally awarded, and €178 million is reserved. Read more about the project here

Re-Ge-NL

This project focuses on the transition from the existing agricultural system to a regenerative agricultural system. Regenerative agriculture is an approach that combines food production with the restoration of nature to prevent soil depletion. This proposal not only offers a potential solution to broader environmental issues in agriculture but also creates economic opportunities for the entire agri-food complex, including Dutch farming businesses.

Professor Gjalt de Jong is involved with part of the project, for which €15 million has been made available. He welcomes the investment: 'Today's agriculture is reaching its limits. With this grant, we can shape regenerative agriculture in the northern Netherlands.' Chairman of the Board of the University Jouke de Vries agrees: 'The transition of agriculture is an important issue. The system is getting stuck in parts. That is why I am very pleased that Professor De Jong is receiving this recognition through the National Growth Fund.'

The National Growth Fund will invest up to €129 million in the project. This amount has been conditionally awarded. Read more about the project here.

Contribution UG

The University of Groningen is delighted to contribute to these important projects and will leverage its knowledge and expertise to develop innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainable growth of the Netherlands.