The cross-border project Biotech Talent Unlocked has officially been extended until the end of 2026. This extension continues the collaboration between knowledge institutions, companies, and regional partners to ensure a sufficient supply of appropriately trained talent for the circular and bio-based economy in the Ems Dollart Region (EDR).
“We’re incredibly pleased with the project’s extension,” says Daan van Oldeniel, Business Developer at BIO Cooperative. “It gives us the opportunity to forge new partnerships, deepen existing ones, and better support regional talent through targeted training and development programs.”
Cross-Border Solutions
The project, which received funding on December 8, 2022, through Interreg VI A – a European program for spatial and regional development – aims to address the growing shortage of qualified professionals in biotechnology and related sectors. Companies on both sides of the border are increasingly struggling to find and retain well-trained professionals at vocational, applied sciences, and university levels.
To prevent negative impacts on the region’s innovation capacity and economic growth, BIO Cooperative and a broad consortium of partners are working on cross-border solutions. Together, they are building a sustainable, future-proof human capital network that supports the green transition.
Project partners include: BIO Cooperative, Hochschule Emden-Leer, BBENG, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, 3N Kompetenzzentrum e.V., University of Groningen, and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
Tangible Results
The collaboration has already led to stronger ties between education and industry through company visits, meet & greets, and networking events. Content partnerships have emerged between knowledge institutions, resulting in aligned curricula and existing educational modules adapted for cross-border participation. New joint teaching units have also been developed, better matching the needs of businesses and contributing to sustainable, impactful learning pathways in the region.
For example, the Green Business Challenge (Biotech edition) was organized, several new modules were launched, and numerous interactions took place between students, educators, and businesses. A new edition of the Green Business Challenge is already scheduled for November 2025.
With this extension, the project partners will continue their cross-border approach and make a lasting contribution to an innovative and green economy in the north.
Project partners:
