The Road to Innovation in “Food Valley” with Sebastiaan Berendse and Suraj Jamge

Wageningen University and Research (WUR) is one of the key players in what has become known as the Silicon Valley of Food and Agriculture, or “Food Valley.” For seven years in a row, WUR has ranked number one for agricultural sciences, and it currently also holds the top spot in environmental science and food technology. Furthermore, it is the only institution in the world that combines fundamental research and education with applied research in the agricultural, food processing, and environmental sectors! Today’s guests are Sebastiaan and Suraj, the Director of Value Creation at WUR and a Knowledge Transfer Officer at WUR respectively. During this fascinating conversation, they explain (among other things) the origin story of WUR, the wide-ranging focal areas of their department, and some of the ways in which they create meaningful impact outside the walls of the institution. In This Episode:[00:52] An overview of the roles held by today’s guests, Sebastiaan and Suraj, at Wageningen University and Research (WUR), and their diverse backgrounds. [04:25] Sebastiaan’s journey to the field of technology transfer. [06:44] What led Suraj to the technology transfer field.  [10:58] Areas in which WUR holds the number one spot in world rankings. [12:22] How the location for Wageningen University was decided upon 105 years ago, and the reason for the founding of the research arm.[14:22] What makes WUR unique.[14:46] The number of staff and students that make up WUR. [16:42] Focal areas of the Department of Value Creation at WUR. [26:03] Some of WUR’s yearly output metrics. [31:12] How the Department of Value Creation supports startups that originate at WUR. [37:34] Examples of the funding streams that are available to students and researchers at WUR. [42:35] Exploring some of WUR’s strategic partnerships and alliances.[46:58] Impact that the Food Waste Free United initiative has had in the Netherlands to date.[48:51] WUR’s program for enhancing the scalability of startups. [51:35] One of WUR’s successful spinoffs. [54:50] Reasons behind WUR’s unusual decision to provide free licenses to potential partners of their patented CRISPR technology portfolio.[1:02:57] A challenge that WUR’s Department of Value Creation is currently facing, and how they plan to deal with it. [1:05:01] WUR’s approach to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. [1:11:16] Sebastiaan and Suraj share their wishes for the future. Find Sebastiaan and Suraj:Email

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