June 4, 2021
Innovations are desperately needed to make the energy transition possible. That is why the Energiefonds Overijssel, which we manage, is collaborating with development agency Oost NL to provide even better support to innovative entrepreneurs in the energy sector for their next breakthrough. Through the Versneller Energie Innovaties Overijssel (Overijssel Energy Innovation Accelerator), they challenge entrepreneurs and support them in their innovative energy plans. The collaboration was sealed today with the signing of a Letter of Intent, which was presented to Tijs de Bree, Provincial Executive for Energy, Environment, and the Labor Market of the province of Overijssel. Read all about it in the press release below.
-press release-
Collaboration between Oost NL and Energiefonds Overijssel offers opportunities
Challenging and supporting entrepreneurs with innovative energy plans
The energy transition faces many challenges, but one thing is certain: innovations are desperately needed to make this transition possible. Therefore, Energiefonds Overijssel (EFO) and Oost NL are entering into a partnership to challenge and support entrepreneurs in their innovative energy plans. Entrepreneurs with an innovative energy product or solution in development can obtain financing, expertise, support, and access to a large network through the Versneller Energie Innovaties Overijssel (VEIO), enabling them to bring their products to market faster. Today, the parties sealed the collaboration by signing a Letter of Intent, which was presented to Tijs de Bree, Provincial Executive for Energy, Environment, and the Labor Market of the province of Overijssel.
Accelerator of energy innovations within and outside Overijssel
The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of innovative energy initiatives and enterprises, thereby boosting the energy transition in Overijssel. With the Versneller Energie Innovaties Overijssel, the knowledge and success rates of energy innovations are increased. Together, the parties have over 25 million euros available for this purpose. It offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring their energy products to market more quickly. This applies not only to entrepreneurs in Overijssel: companies outside the province wishing to establish themselves in Overijssel can also make use of this.
Anouk Blüm, Managing Director of Energiefonds Overijssel, says of the collaboration:
“This offers opportunities for energy entrepreneurs in and outside Overijssel. Through this collaboration, they gain more clarity on the bankability of their business in less time, as well as access to a large network of knowledge, expertise, and other investors.”
Wendy de Jong, Managing Director of Oost NL, says:
“Innovation is necessary to realize the energy transition. Together with capital, brainpower, knowledge, and networks, Oost NL and Energiefonds Overijssel stimulate innovative entrepreneurs from Overijssel. By joining forces, we arrive at smart financing solutions and entrepreneurs can achieve breakthroughs more rapidly.”
Objective feedback on technology and market application
In addition to support during a high-risk phase, easier and faster access to financing, and the network of private investors, the VEIO also offers the possibility to test the technical feasibility and market applications of products via the Startteam Energie Innovatie, part of the province’s New Energy Overijssel program. This allows entrepreneurs to refine their products and business cases more quickly, bringing the path to market into view sooner. Tijs de Bree, Provincial Executive for Energy, Environment, and the Labor Market, says: “Within the New Energy Overijssel program, the Innovation cluster is intensively involved in stimulating and facilitating energy innovation. To better support Overijssel entrepreneurs, the Energy Innovation Start Team was established at the end of 2019. From various perspectives and specialisms, the team helps advance good ideas and developments that contribute to accelerating the energy transition.”
The signing marks the official start of the collaboration and the beginning of a campaign to inform entrepreneurs in the Netherlands about the possibilities. The province places great importance on attracting innovative energy entrepreneurs. As of today, entrepreneurs and companies with an innovative energy product or solution in development can visit the websites of Oost NL and Energiefonds Overijssel.
Oost NL: Versneller Energie Innovaties Overijssel | Oost NL.
Energiefonds Overijssel: VEIO Energiefonds Overijssel
