Our mission
Reaching as many consumers as possible with tomorrow’s plate
Food Pioneers contributes to a healthy, sustainable future by putting food at the center. We approach food innovation in the broadest sense. Entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, policy makers, and citizens are involved early to drive change that many can stand behind.
Challenges like the protein shift — how do we move toward a more plant-forward diet — efficient short supply chains, and the gap between producers and consumers are tackled through concrete programs that directly support local innovation by entrepreneurs. Researchers and governments are involved from the start, and citizens are treated as actors rather than passive consumers.
Why this is necessary
In Almere and Flevoland, several food-related challenges are front and center: the protein transition, shortening supply chains where possible, strengthening the connection between farmers and citizens, and preventing waste. Sustainable innovation requires knowledge, testing facilities, and funding. The protein shift calls for tasty and accessible applications; valuable by-product streams are not yet fully utilized; and policy or public procurement does not yet sufficiently prioritize health and sustainability. Social inequality in Almere is also relatively high, which leads to more unhealthy lifestyles and their familiar consequences.
How we work
We conduct action-oriented research in our knowledge and action labs. We solve challenges together with supply-chain partners so that innovations make a direct impact on the whole system. We connect entrepreneurs with the right knowledge institutions and act as the link between business, government, research, education, and citizens (the quadruple helix). We do this through, among other things, an entrepreneur helpdesk and vouchers for direct solutions.
Working together on the food transition
We connect entrepreneurs, government, education and citizens
The quadruple helix
Food Pioneers involves all key players in food innovation: food entrepreneurs, researchers and educational institutions, governments, and of course citizens — the so-called quadruple helix.
What we do
Food Pioneers advances food innovation and the transition of the food system in urban areas, across the board. We run projects built on strategic collaboration with governments, researchers, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and citizens (the quadruple helix). Every project delivers tangible impact: a new product, social value, or a fresh insight. We address issues such as the protein shift and the producer–consumer gap through three pillars:
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Research in our Food Labs
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Entrepreneurship in Food Programs
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Education and knowledge sharing at the Food Campus
Almere & Flevoland
Here, one of the world’s most productive arable regions meets the Randstad. Flevoland is our testbed for food: the place where action research, pilots, and product development take root. At this crossroads of city and countryside, everything comes together: thinking and doing, production and consumption. At the same time, this is a fast-growing region. That calls for sufficient, healthy, and affordable food options and strong amenities for all residents. By investing in food innovation and entrepreneurial strength, we enhance the business climate of Almere and the wider region. Read more about our local collaborations on the audience pages.
Mission statement
Food Pioneers is the hands-on, innovative knowledge partner for the food transition in Almere and Flevoland. Through strategic collaboration between government, education, research, entrepreneurs, and residents, we create visible impact in sustainable food chains so we can reach as many consumers as possible with tomorrow’s plate. Discover how we translate this into concrete actions in our agenda.
