UG strengthens role as regional innovation engine

The University of Groningen is strengthening its position as a regional innovation engine. In Sprout’s Innovatie300, the UG has been named the organization with the best strategy in the category ‘Non-profit, government and implementing organizations, education and healthcare’.

According to President of the Board Jouke de Vries, the UG is increasingly developing into a ‘fifth-generation university’: internationally oriented while firmly rooted in the region. The University is deliberately opting for collaboration across disciplines and with partners outside the University, such as governments and businesses.

By bringing the medical domain, science and engineering, and social sciences and humanities closer together, new forms of innovation and entrepreneurship are emerging. This is visible on the Zernike Campus and the Healthy Ageing Campus, among other places, where collaboration between researchers, businesses, and societal partners is leading to new start-ups and innovation ecosystems.

The UG is also working closely with regional MBO institutions and universities of applied sciences within the University of the North. In doing so, the University aims to help make the Northern Netherlands stronger and more attractive for businesses, researchers, and talent.

A recent development is the arrival of the AI Factory in Groningen. This facility gives businesses and organizations access to extensive computing power for AI applications. It is expected to enable new breakthroughs, including in the medical sector.