Bleiswijk, June 2025 — The Hortiscience Innovation Center (HIC) has appointed Loet Rummenie as its first Director, effective June 16, 2025.
Rummenie brings over six years of experience as Program Director at StartLife, Europe’s leading agrifoodtech accelerator, and has a strong track record in startup support and ecosystem building.
Accelerating transition in greenhouse horticulture
HIC is a newly established initiative in Bleiswijk, founded by a consortium of prominent partners including Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Delphy Improvement Center, StartLife, YES!Delft, and the Municipality of Lansingerland.
“The Hortiscience Innovation Center plays a crucial role in accelerating the sustainability transition in greenhouse horticulture,” said Monique van Wordragen, Director of the business unit Greenhouse Horticulture of WUR.
By turning cutting-edge science into practical, entrepreneurial solutions, we are making real progress toward a more resilient and future-proof sector.” –
Monique van Wordragen
Rummenie will be responsible for implementing HIC’s strategic vision, building a high-performing operational team, and delivering measurable results through collaborative programs focused on venture creation, technology validation, and international collaboration.
Turning science into entrepreneurial breakthroughs
“I am thrilled to lead HIC at such a pivotal time for the horticulture sector,” said Rummenie. “With global challenges demanding more sustainable, high-tech solutions in food production, HIC is uniquely positioned to translate scientific knowledge into entrepreneurial breakthroughs.
I’m especially excited to collaborate closely with world-class researchers and to deepening collaboration between Bleiswijk, Wageningen, Delft and the international horticulture ecosystem.” –
Loet Rummenie
“The HIC is not just an innovation center—it is a driving force behind the economic development of the Greenport West-Holland and the province of South Holland,” said Leon Hoek, alderman of the Municipality of Lansingerland. “We see it as a cornerstone in positioning our Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH) as a global center for sustainable horticultural innovation.”
Rummenie’s new role builds on his work at StartLife, where he helped launch and scale over 100 agrifoodtech startups and developed partnerships with numerous investors and industry players. His experience and broad network across the Dutch and European horticultural landscape will be key assets in advancing HIC’s ambitions and impact.
