• #sport
  • February 19, 2026

MOVE (Mobilizing Optimal Vitality & Exercise) is the innovative knowledge and exercise lab of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and ROC Aventus. With MOVE, Apeldoorn receives a strong knowledge boost in the field of sport, exercise and health with a focus on data and technology. The municipality of Apeldoorn is making €300,000 available for the start of MOVE.

MOVE will start in 2026 from the Center for Safety and Digitization at Wapenrustlaan and focuses on smarter, better and responsible movement of residents. From youth to elderly, from recreational athletes to top athletes. By using sensor technology, data analysis and AI, new applications are developed for injury prevention, talent development, rehabilitation and a healthy lifestyle.

The collaboration strengthens Apeldoorns position as a knowledge city and fits seamlessly with the ambitions from the coalition agreement, Apeldoorn 2040 and the Sport and Exercise Agreement. The initiative connects education, healthcare, sports clubs, social organizations and businesses in one innovative ecosystem.

Alderman Nick Derks (education and sport) is enthusiastic about the arrival of MOVE:

“With MOVE we bring top knowledge to Apeldoorn and take a big step towards a healthier city. This collaboration between vocational, higher professional and scientific education is unique in the Netherlands. By smartly connecting sport, technology and education, we create opportunities for our residents, strengthen our clubs and further build Apeldoorn as a vital knowledge city. This is exactly the kind of collaboration with which we realize our ambitions.”

The start-up phase of MOVE covers two years (2026–2027). During this period, work is done on an operational sports innovation center, practice-oriented research projects and a voucher scheme to support local initiatives from clubs, schools and healthcare organizations. In addition, it will be investigated whether regional scaling is possible via the Regio Deal Stedendriehoek, including a mobile sports and exercise lab.

With MOVE, Apeldoorn invests not only in innovation, but especially in broad prosperity: a healthier population, strong clubs, future-proof education and new economic opportunities in sport and technology.