Despite a turbulent economic climate, LIOF achieved solid results in 2024. As the regional development agency for Limburg, LIOF made progress in all its core tasks – innovation, investment, and internationalisation – and reinforced its role as a driving force for both societal and economic impact. The year 2025 also marks a special milestone: LIOF celebrates its 50th anniversary. A perfect moment to look back – and ahead.
LIOF’s mission: Building a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg
The world and economy are changing at a rapid pace. Trends such as the energy transition, healthcare innovation, resource scarcity, digitalisation, and geopolitical shifts are also impacting Limburg’s business community. We are moving toward a new economy in which societal impact and economic returns go hand in hand. Entrepreneurs must innovate and become more sustainable to remain competitive. LIOF supports them with advice, networks, and funding, and focuses its strategy on four key transitions: energy, circularity, health, and digitalisation. We actively engage with sectors that hold promise – such as AI, green technology, and dual-use innovation. In this way, we connect economic strengthening with societal challenges and work with regional and international partners toward a future-proof Limburg economy.
2024 annual results: Strong performance in a shifting economy
Despite a challenging context, LIOF closed 2024 with a positive financial result of € 5.2 million – well above expectations. We also met or exceeded our goals across all core areas. In 2024, LIOF achieved:
- 250 innovation projects, with a total project value of € 38.8 million, including six projects related to the Big Science project of Einstein Telescope
- 28 new investments in Limburg-based companies totaling € 14.8 million and a return of € 10.5 million on our investment portfolio. Our investments also attracted € 76.7 million in follow-on investments – a multiplier of 5
- Co-creating 629 new jobs through (foreign) investment projects and 161 international matchmaking efforts between Limburg SMEs and foreign partners.
Robbert Koldenhof, Managing Director of LIOF: “With our 2024 results, LIOF demonstrates that we are fully embracing our role as Limburg’s venture investor. We invest in companies building tomorrows economy – delivering both meaningful societal impact and solid financial returns for Limburg Ltd."
New growth market: dual-use technology in cooperation with Defence
A strategic new development is LIOF’s focus on dual-use technologies: innovations with both civilian and military applications. In collaboration with the Dutch ministries of Defence and of Economic Affairs, and Brightlands Chemelot Campus, LIOF signed a declaration of intent for long-term cooperation. One example is the Limburg-based startup Mine Kafon, which develops drones to detect landmines and has accelerated its development with support from LIOF.
Smart energy on business parks: a response to grid congestion
The energy transition presents entrepreneurs with pressing challenges. LIOF is working with partners to make Limburg business parks more sustainable, for example with smart energy hubs – local networks for the generation, storage, and distribution of renewable energy. In 2024, potential sites were identified in every municipality. With additional national funding, LIOF is fast-tracking this approach – a crucial step in tackling grid congestion. These hubs aim to deliver innovative energy solutions so that companies have sufficient power capacity for their growth and climate plans.
International programs open new markets for Limburg SMEs
Limburg’s border location offers a unique position for international collaboration. In 2024, LIOF developed two euregional programmes for SMEs looking to innovate with partners from the Belgian or German border region: CrossRoads Flanders-Netherlands and STIPP (SME Transition Innovation Partners Projects). LIOF was also involved in the European Digital Innovation Hub South-Netherlands (EDIH), helping more than 80 companies with digitisation, AI applications and international partnerships. One concrete example is the foreign agritech startup Luxeed, which established itself at Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo thanks to LIOF’s support. Its AI-driven weeding robot contributes to more sustainable soil management for Limburg farmers – a clear example of how innovation, internationalisation, and investment come together in one impactful case of economic and social impact.
Half a century of economic development – with our eyes on the future
In 2025, LIOF celebrates its 50th anniversary. What began in 1975 as a response to mine closures and high unemployment has evolved into an organisation that plays a vital role in Limburg’s economic development. Limburg has transformed from a mono-industry economy into an innovative region with a diverse business landscape. Since its founding, LIOF has brought hundreds of companies to Limburg and supported thousands of entrepreneurs in their growth – with high-profile examples such as Vodafone, Social Deal, and Dynafix. Always looking ahead, as LIOF is now working with its stakeholders on a new multi-year strategy for 2026–2030. Because the economy continues to evolve, and LIOF aims to remain relevant by responding to the changing needs of entrepreneurs and society.
