Netherlands: Minister visits algae cultivation at Wageningen UR
See below for a video of the visit:
"Researchers here are open to entrepreneurs, that I find remarkable,” said Minister Henk Kamp after an extended visit that lasted throughout Monday. Students, scientists and various entrepreneurs who somehow collaborate with Wageningen UR gave the Minister a look behind the scenes, expanding on a central theme: the university cannot perform optimally without input from industry and the private sector.
Source: WUR
Protein-enriched bread
The minister began his visit with a lunch at the Restaurant of the Future, making the relationship between 'Wageningen' and food immediately clear. He was offered protein-enriched bread that was developed by company Carezzo in collaboration with Wageningen UR. The bread is particularly suitable for the elderly who, in spite of reduced appetite, still receive the right nutrients this way.
Number 1 in Agri & Food
The intimate relationship with the business community often provides funding, but money was not discussed during the visit. "That comes later," said CEO Aalt Dijkhuizen. The CEO emphasized that Wageningen is number 1 in Agri & Food in the world. Even the various representatives of companies and scientists didn’t bring up the subject of financing, as the Agri department is fairly sure to receive ample funding. Yet Gerard Albers, Senior Director R & D of the globally operating breeding company Hendrix Genetics, had difficulty with the insistent monitoring and intervention by the Ministry. It was the only critical point of the afternoon, and Kamp promised to look into it.
Visit at AlgaePARC
The day ended with a visit to the AlgeaParc where microalgae are grown in various ways to be of use in the bio based economy. The algae can be used as raw materials for food, animal feed, chemical building blocks or biofuels. Despite the nasty weather, the minister took his time and learned among other things that in addition to cows, you can also milk algae.