Supporting research and innovation

On 28 October, the Eat2Move centre of excellence opened its innovation hub for nutrition and exercise. It is designed for companies that are developing products or services for specific target groups such as athletes or healthcare patients.

“New knowledge is important in order to translate real-life sports or healthcare-related issues into innovative solutions. For companies in this sector, the hub offers countless opportunities for support,” says Prof. Frans Kok, chair of the Eat2Move steering group. “Besides helping companies to define and execute projects, it also offers access to the very latest knowledge and facilities of the Eat2Move partners – such as advanced measuring equipment, assessment methods or contact with experts.” The hub is linked to the Human Nutrition department at Wageningen University & Research. The connection to sport, nutrition and health and the open-access approach makes the hub unique in the Netherlands.

Bundling expertise and networks

Eat2Move bundles the expertise and networks of key organisations in the areas of nutrition, (elite) sport and healthcare. Knowledge about optimal nutrition for top athletes can be applied more broadly to promote public health and improve healthcare. The Wageningen Campus is in the heart of an important region for nutrition and health, and Eat2Move bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life practices. The facilities and expertise available at the National Sports Centre Papendal and Gelderse Vallei hospital offer experimental playgrounds for sport and care, respectively. There is direct consultation with the athletes and coaches at the Dutch Olympic Committee/Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF). Michiel Scheffer: “The province of Gelderland is the international experimental playground for innovations in nutrition, sport and health. Whether multinationals, SMEs or start-ups, all companies are welcome to partner with the innovation hub so that we can work together on innovation in Gelderland.”

www.eat2move.nl