Impact of Invest in Holland in 2025: foreign companies strengthen R&D in the Netherlands
The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), together with the Invest in Holland network - including Rotterdam Partners - supported 180 international companies in 2025 as they launched or expanded their operations in the Netherlands. A significant share of these projects involved Research & Development (R&D) activities. The establishment or expansion of these companies reinforces the Netherlands’ position as a place where knowledge development, innovation and collaboration come together.
The Dutch economy is deeply intertwined with the rest of the world. A substantial part of the country’s prosperity stems from international trade, cooperation and investment by foreign companies that establish themselves here. The more than 19,000 foreign-owned companies based in the Netherlands generate over 1.3 million direct jobs and more than half a million indirect jobs. These companies actively contribute to regional ecosystems across various sectors and industries. They often bring new knowledge and innovative technologies, giving the Netherlands access to expertise, innovation, international networks and talent.
New companies in Rotterdam
Last year, 27 international companies – supported by Rotterdam Partners and other local ecosystem partners – chose Rotterdam for their establishment, retention or expansion. These are outstanding companies that bring not only economic value, but also knowledge, strengthening the Rotterdam ecosystem. A few examples:
- Utilitarian focuses on recycling and waste reduction through a digital platform.
- Phospho Biomedical Animation translates complex scientific research into clear, engaging visual content for biotech companies, academic institutions and pharmaceutical organisations across Europe.
- Marsland Institute, internationally known as CoeusAI, offers an AI-driven platform that streamlines the planning of renewable energy projects by shortening project timelines, optimising site selection and reducing infrastructure costs.
- Hanseatic Global Terminals manages a global network of 21 terminals and contributes to the efficiency, safety and reliability of terminal operations, reinforcing Rotterdam’s position as a strategic hub for international trade and logistics.
International companies that land in Rotterdam with our support receive a warm welcome at our annual Red Carpet Dinner. Rotterdam International Center, our dedicated one‑stop shop for highly skilled migrants from outside the European Union, supports employees of international companies settling here with services and information about working and living in Rotterdam.
About NFIA
About NFIA
NFIA is an implementation agency within the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). It falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ) and is co-directed by the State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (BHO).
About Invest in Holland
The Invest in Holland network is a public–private partnership of 14 organisations dedicated to attracting and retaining foreign investments for the Netherlands, while jointly working toward sustainable growth and strong ecosystems. As the official investment promotion agency for Rotterdam, Rotterdam Partners is one of the organisations within the Invest in Holland network.