On 10 November 2025, the Lifeport Partner Fund was officially launched – a new private investment fund designed to strengthen the future of Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen Region. With a total value of 204 million euros over ten years, the fund invests in quality of life, accessibility and talent development. The initiative is supported by the organisations of The Economic Board Regio Arnhem Nijmegen and ties in directly with the ‘Schaalsprong’ and the Regional Investment Agenda (RIA) – which are preparing the region for growth in population, economic activity and quality of life.
During the launch, the first three companies signed up to participate in the fund. Through their businesses, they are making a financial contribution to the region’s future. The funds will be used to co-finance public investments by central government, the province and local authorities.
Four pillars
The Lifeport Partner Fund focuses on four pillars: innovation, talent development, housing and accessibility. In doing so, the fund strengthens the region’s economic structure and accelerates the implementation of strategic projects within the RIA. Companies that join the fund invest not only financially, but also in collaboration, knowledge-sharing and regional clout. The government has indicated that it will contribute financially provided the business community also makes a contribution. This creates a private financial injection that accelerates and enables our regional development projects. Building the future of Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen Region together – investing in innovation, accessibility and quality of life.
The partner fund offers partners the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of our region, together with public authorities, knowledge institutions and businesses. By investing in facilities, talent, sustainability and connectivity, we ensure that the region remains attractive to businesses, residents and visitors.
“The Lifeport Partner Fund is a private investment fund set up by entrepreneurs, with the aim of investing in a region that is ready for the future – a place where talent wants to live, work and learn,” says Jan van Dellen, director of The Economic Board.
Entrepreneurs invest in the future of the region
The first companies and institutions have now confirmed their participation in the Lifeport Partner Fund. Among them are leading players from the technology, healthcare and energy sectors who underscore the value of regional collaboration.
Jan-Pieter Manschot, director of Kersten Techniek, says: “As an entrepreneur, I believe in the strength of this region. The energy transition requires smart technology and the people who make that technology possible. That is why I support this fund – to work together to build the skills of the future.”
Barry van de Lagemaat, director of Rabobank Rijk van Nijmegen, adds: “Together with the three Rabobanks, we are joining the Lifeport Partner Fund to strengthen ‘Broad Prosperity’ – by investing in innovation, talent and quality of life for everyone in the Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen Region.””
The fund acts as a catalyst within the ‘Schaalsprong’, the joint investment programme of the Province of Gelderland, Groene Metropool and The Economic Board, through which the Arnhem-Nijmegen region is committed to area development towards 2040. By pooling investments wisely and acting as co-financing for the Regional Investment Agenda (RIA), a powerful public-private partnership is created that can attract national and European funding.
About Lifeport
Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen is the innovation region for vital and sustainable living. Companies, governments and knowledge institutions work together on solutions at the cutting edge of Energy, Health and High Tech. This results in pioneering innovations in sustainable energy, future-proof care, chip technology and healthy food. Thanks to this cooperation, the region has a strong (inter)national position and its attraction for talent, knowledge and entrepreneurship is growing.
