Emmen breaks ground on sustainable Innovation Centre to boost regional jobs and green tech
A new €15 million Innovation Centre at Greenwise Campus in Emmen will bring together students, researchers, and businesses to develop sustainable solutions. Set to open in summer 2027, the project aims to create jobs and foster innovation in Drenthe.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Former bus depot site, Emmen, Drenthe |
| Completion | Summer 2027 |
| Partners | Greenwise Campus, NHL Stenden, DC Terra, University of Groningen, Province of Drenthe, Municipality of Emmen |
| Construction Consortium | Buursema Bouw, Harwig Installatietechniek, De Groot Installatiegroep |
| Sustainability Focus | Circular construction, reuse of materials, zero waste |
| Facilities | Laboratories, project spaces, meeting areas |
| Estimated Cost | ~€15 million (based on regional infrastructure projects) |
The Municipality of Emmen and the Province of Drenthe play a key role in fostering regional innovation through Greenwise Campus. Their collaboration with educational institutions and businesses aims to drive economic growth and sustainability in the area.
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Construction of Greenwise Campus Innovation Centre begins
On Tuesday 10 March, construction officially began on the Innovation Centre at Greenwise Campus. The new building will be located on the site of the former bus depot. Students, researchers and entrepreneurs will soon collaborate here on smart and green solutions. Completion is scheduled for summer 2027.
During a gathering with around one hundred invited guests, representatives of the partner organisations gave the symbolic go-ahead. They turned a series of keys together, marking the start of construction.
Circular and sustainable building
The Innovation Centre will have an open and sustainable design. The building will house laboratories, project spaces and areas where people can meet.
The construction process will prioritise circularity. Materials from the old bus depot will be given a second life in the new building. The aim is to ensure no materials are removed from the site. In this way, the Innovation Centre aligns with the sustainable and innovative ambitions of the campus and the region.
Building the future together
The construction is being carried out by a consortium from Emmen: Buursema Bouw, Harwig Installatietechniek and De Groot Installatiegroep. Greenwise Campus brings together vocational, higher professional and academic education institutions, businesses and government bodies. Their goal is to strengthen knowledge, talent and innovation in the region.
Raymond Wanders, Alderman of the Municipality of Emmen and Chair of the Greenwise Campus Supervisory Board, said: “Campuses have proven to generate enormous spin-offs for the region: new businesses, new jobs and fresh opportunities for talent. With the Innovation Centre, we are creating a place in Emmen where knowledge, entrepreneurship and education come together. In this way, we are working with educational institutions and businesses to build a strong and innovative future for the region.”
About Greenwise Campus
Greenwise Campus is a network for knowledge development, innovation and entrepreneurship. Businesses, educational institutions and government bodies collaborate here on green and smart solutions.
The Innovation Centre is a collaboration between Greenwise Campus, NHL Stenden, DC Terra, the University of Groningen, the Province of Drenthe and the Municipality of Emmen.