Introduction

The Biotech Talent Unlocked project received a subsidy of 558,000 euros from Interreg VI A on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Interreg is a European subsidy program for spatial and regional development. The Biotech Talent Unlocked project focuses on organizing a sufficient number of appropriately skilled talents for the circular and bio-based economy in the Eems Dollard Region (EDR).

Project objective

With the Biotech Talent Unlocked project, knowledge institutions and companies aim to actively work towards organizing a sufficient and appropriately skilled talent pool for the circular and bio-based economy. Companies on both sides of the border face significant challenges in finding and retaining adequately skilled personnel at the vocational, bachelor’s, and master’s levels in biotechnical and related fields. To prevent these companies from suffering negative consequences in terms of innovation capacity, a decrease in overall economic activity in the EDR region, and the jeopardizing of the transition to a green economy in the northern border region, the BIO Cooperative and its partners join forces to address this cross-border human capital problem.

Project partners

The project partners in this project are BIO Cooperative, Hochschule Emden-Leer, BBENG, Hanzehogeschool Groningen, 3 N Kompetenzzentrum e.V., Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, NHL Stenden Leeuwarden, Noorderpoort College, Friesland College and the Drenthe College.

Green Business Challenge

The transition to a green economy calls for reimagining our reliance on traditional materials and advocating for a sustainable approach to organic resources, innovative biotechnologies, and green business models. To move from non-renewable resources towards biobased, resource-resilient alternatives, we need the best ideas and brightest minds to unite. Therefore, the Green Business Challenge is gearing up for the first-ever Biobased Edition that will take place from the 11th until the 13th of June 2024. Expect an unforgettable 3-day road trip and action-packed impact event with more than 20 students teaming up to tackle real-world business challenges organisations face in the Ems Dollart Region. Are you 🌱 Interested in the green economy & biobased solutions? 💡An innovative, outside-of-the-box thinker? 💪🏼 Ready for a challenge and mean business when it comes to building a better future? And ready to 💚 Work on real business challenges with amazing people? 👀 Showcase your talent to potential employers? 🚀 Go on a road trip in the Ems Dollart Region from 11 until 13 June 2024?! Sign up now & claim your spot! 📥 Send in your application as soon as possible! The Green Business Challenge is part of Biotech Talent Unlocked, funded by Interreg VI A. In the Ems Dollart Region, numerous innovative companies, start-ups and green initiatives are paving the way for a circular and biobased economy. As part of the project, bio companies and universities are joining forces to boost collaboration, pioneer change, expand career opportunities, and develop educational programmes related to sustainability across borders.

More information?

Would you like more information about this project? Please contact Sven Stielstra, business developer at the BIO Cooperative, via s.stielstra@triade.umcg.nl or by phone at 06-38149 283.  

Biotech Talent Unlocked is made possible in part by: