The Province of Utrecht is making seven million euros available in 2026 for the participation fund of the Regional Development Company (ROM) Utrecht. With this investment, the province aims to ensure that innovative companies in the region continue to have access to capital to grow in the coming years. Through the participation fund, companies can receive loans and investments that help them take the next step in growth.
The money is intended for start-up and growing companies that develop smart solutions for social problems. The ROM was established in 2020 and has since developed a vibrant network of Utrecht companies involved in innovations within three regional ecosystems: Life Sciences & Health (healthy living environment and health), Earth Valley (climate and circularity), and New Digital Society (digital development).
Investing, innovating & learning
The ROM Utrecht is the regional development company that supports innovative companies, start-ups, and scale-ups. It plays a key role in strengthening innovative SMEs. The participation fund ensures that promising innovations, which involve too great a financial risk for regular market financing, can still grow.
Deputy Finance Has Bakker: “Where commercial financiers often drop out with these risky investments, we see a gap to fill. By helping these companies further, we give innovation in the region a push. As the Province of Utrecht, we find it very important that investment in innovation and the economy of tomorrow continues. Together with the shareholders, we explicitly contribute to this fund deposit.”
Deputy Economy André van Schie: “I see many enthusiastic talented entrepreneurs who, thanks to the role of the ROM, can develop products and services that benefit society. The ROM network meetings are truly connecting and also create new opportunities for entrepreneurs. This way, we bring together start-up and growing companies, governments, and knowledge institutions.”
Strong and smart region
The ROM Utrecht has seven shareholders: the national government, Utrecht University, the UMCU, the Province of Utrecht, and the municipalities of Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Hilversum. The deposit of 7 million euros by the Province of Utrecht is part of a joint capital deposit of 26.1 million euros by all shareholders. The deposit is an implementation of an earlier decision by the Provincial Council.
In 2026, the ROM will develop a new Multi-Year Strategy 2027–2030.
For press information:
jiri.glaap@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 63 21 97
