What Duurzaamheidsfabriek does

Duurzaamheidsfabriek (DZHF), founded in 2011, is a community-driven innovation hub and physical facility located at Leerparkpromenade 50 in Dordrecht, South Holland, Netherlands. It serves as a regional convener connecting three groups: manufacturing companies ranging from startups to large enterprises (including maritime names such as Royal IHC, Wärtsilä, Damen Shipyards, Feadship, and Oceanco), regional SMBs in the Drechtsteden region, and students from MBO and HBO institutions (Da Vinci College, Dordrecht Academy, Beroepentuin). DZHF operates a single building with production and business spaces available for rent, manufacturing equipment including water cutters, 3D printers, and welding robots, plus event and meeting facilities accommodating up to 250 participants on its fourth floor. A mobile data center on the roof is connected to the regional Vitrumnet fiber network.

The facility houses three principal technology assets. The Smart Energy Lab, a rooftop fieldlab built with Verkerk Groep and powered by the Siemens Sentron portfolio, is targeted to be operational by October 2026 for testing sustainable energy sources, smart energy storage, and advanced energy management. The Flow Center of Excellence provides two open development environments, the XCaliber Flow Loop and the Dynamic Maritime Test Facility (DMTF), for R&D projects. The Energielab on the second floor supports energy transition training supported by PPS SCALE and Smart Delta Drechtsteden. Adjacent initiatives include the Smart Energy Hub Leerpark, planned for mid-2027, and the Mobile Data Center supporting computing projects.

DZHF generates revenue through multiple streams: space rental (meeting, training, and event venues), DZHF Academy training courses delivered through educational partners (NEN1010, Smart Grid, Hydrogen for Professionals, ventilation maintenance, energy transition courses), innovation project facilitation for regional companies, and event hosting supported by a catering partnership with restaurant LEO. Pricing is transactional and project-based; an example unit price disclosed is €6 per day per car for event parking. Distribution is overwhelmingly regional and direct, with outreach through EduTalk sessions, Deep Dive workshops, the Scale Innovation Award, Maritime Student Challenge, and RoboComp. DZHF operates with 12 employees and is funded in part through subsidies from A+O Metalektro, EFRO, and partners including Smart Delta Drechtsteden, with no disclosed equity funding.

Name

Duurzaamheidsfabriek

Legal name

Duurzaamheidsfabriek

Website

https://duurzaamheidsfabriek.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Duurzaamheidsfabriek (DZHF) is a community-driven innovation hub in Dordrecht, Netherlands, offering production facilities, the DZHF Academy, and event space. It connects regional manufacturers, MKB companies, and MBO/HBO students across the Drechtsteden region on sustainability and manufacturing innovation projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Hub Services

NAICS

Engineering Services (541330), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Design-for-Additive (DfAM) & Prototype Optimization (IMAAAFAC), Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) & Hard/Soft Services (EDAEAAAA)

Keywords

• Innovation hub services
• Vocational training programs
• Manufacturing facility rental
• Sustainability innovation center
• Collaborative workspace services

Headquarters

HQ city

Dordrecht

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Space Rental: Rental of production and business spaces in the innovative factory, including open spaces for work and meetings, meeting/training/workshop rooms (2-35 persons), and event venue (plenary up to 250 persons + breakout rooms). Also includes custom programs such as tours, workshops, and presentations on innovation themes.
2. DZHF Academy Training Programs: Training, education and workshops offered through various reputable education partners including Da Vinci College (mbo), Dordrecht Academy (hbo) and Beroepentuin. Programs include NEN1010 training, Smart Grid training, Hydrogen for Professionals, Cold Technology basics, ventilation systems maintenance, and energy transition courses.
3. Innovation Project Facilitation: Facilitation of innovation projects initiated by regional companies. DZHF helps with starting, managing and scaling innovation projects. Includes connecting companies with educational partners and funding opportunities.
4. Event Hosting and Catering: Hospitality services including venue rental for events, congresses and symposia. Catering and banqueting services provided in collaboration with restaurant LEO located next to the Duurzaamheidsfabriek.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Duurzaamheidsfabriek (DZHF) is a physical sustainability-focused innovation hub located on the Leerpark in Dordrecht, Netherlands. It rents production and business spaces equipped with manufacturing tools (water cutters, 3D printers, welding robots), provides a Smart Energy Lab and Flow Center of Excellence for testing, delivers professional training through DZHF Academy in partnership with regional education providers, and facilitates multi-stakeholder innovation projects connecting companies, students, and educational institutions.

Product overview

The Duurzaamheidsfabriek (DZHF) is a physical innovation hub and technology facility on the Leerpark in Dordrecht, the Netherlands. Rather than a single software product, it offers a portfolio of interconnected services organized around three pillars: (1) Physical Facilities — rental of production spaces, workshops, meeting rooms, and event venues (up to 250 persons) equipped with tools such as water cutters, 3D printers, and laser robots, plus a mobile data center connected to the regional Vitrumnet fiber network; (2) Innovation Programs — including Technohub Smart Metrology & Manufacturing, innovation projects (REFIT Alliantie Binnenvaart, PPS SCALE, Data Value Drechtsteden, LCAMP, EXAM 4.0, AD-projecten, TechnoHub, OI4 Demonstrator), and the Flow Center of Excellence providing the XCaliber Flow Loop and Dynamic Maritime Test Facility; and (3) DZHF Academy — vocational and professional training courses via partner institutions (Da Vinci College, Dordrecht Academy, Beroepentuin), including e-learning on energy transition and ventilation systems. Key facilities include the Smart Energy Lab (rooftop fieldlab for sustainable energy testing, powered by Siemens Sentron) and the Energielab (on the second floor for energy transition training). The hub also hosts recurring programs such as EduTalk, the Maritime Student Challenge, RoboComp, and the Scale Innovation Award, all designed to connect businesses, educational institutions, and students in innovation and skills development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Space Rental (Ruimte Huren) Rental of production and business spaces in an innovative factory environment, including open workspaces, meeting and training rooms, event locations, and custom programs such as factory tours and workshops. High-quality AV facilities support hybrid meetings, with catering provided in partnership with restaurant LEO. Targeted at companies and organizations in the Drechtsteden region.
• DZHF Academy A regional platform for professional development in the technical sector offering training, courses, and workshops via partner institutions including Da Vinci College (mbo), Dordrecht Academy (hbo), and Beroepentuin. Services include both open enrollment and customized training programs for businesses, covering energy transition, ventilation systems, NEN1010 standards, hydrogen, and smart grids.
• Smart Energy Lab A rooftop fieldlab (field laboratory) on the Duurzaamheidsfabriek building providing a test environment for innovative sustainable energy sources, smart energy storage solutions, and advanced energy management systems. Built in collaboration with Verkerk Groep, powered by the Siemens Sentron portfolio, and prepared by students of De Beroepentuin. Targeted at companies, regional stakeholders, and educational institutions working on the energy transition.
• Flow Center of Excellence A center providing safe, low-threshold access to 'real life like' open development environments, specifically the XCaliber Flow Loop and Dynamic Maritime Test Facility (DMTF), to support innovation and R&D projects for companies and students in the maritime and process industries.
• Facilities (Faciliteiten) A broad range of production facilities and equipment including water cutters, 3D printers, and welding robots available for companies and students. A mobile data center on the roof connects to the regional Vitrumnet fiber network, providing high-performance computing infrastructure for innovation projects.
• Innovation Projects (Innovatieprojecten) Facilitation of innovation projects initiated either by the Duurzaamheidsfabriek or by regional companies, covering project start-up, management, and scaling. Includes projects such as REFIT Alliantie Binnenvaart, PPS SCALE, Data Value Drechtsteden, LCAMP, EXAM 4.0, AD-projecten, TechnoHub, and OI4 Demonstrator. Connects businesses with educational partners and funding opportunities.
• Energielab A laboratory environment on the second floor of the Duurzaamheidsfabriek, made possible with support from PPS SCALE and Smart Delta Drechtsteden. Offers a unique learning environment where businesses and employees can experience the energy transition both theoretically and practically, covering topics from Smart Grids to hydrogen and heat networks.
• MKB Vouchers Subsidy support for SMEs to access innovation resources, training, and project participation through the Duurzaamheidsfabriek ecosystem, designed to lower barriers for small and medium enterprises to engage with innovation and professional development programs.
• Technohub Smart Metrology & Manufacturing A collaborative innovation program bringing together regional companies and educational institutions around data analytics, digitalization, robotics, and virtualization. The program addresses Asset Administration Shell (AAS), AI for predictive maintenance and circular asset management, AI in cobots, and digital twins of maritime production processes. Partners include Damen Shipyards, FocusOn, Valk Welding, Systems Navigator, Sitech, and Endress+Hauser.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80 students worked on 15 innovation projects for regional companies over 20 weeks
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and minor.

• Da Vinci College (ROC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMBO (vocational college) partner providing students for innovation projects, internships, and work placements. DZHF Academy programs are offered through Da Vinci College. Da Vinci College students participate in Maritime Student Challenge, Meesterproef, and other collaborative programs.
• Dordrecht AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHBO (higher education) partner providing students from Dordrecht Academy (part of Hogeschool Rotterdam). Associate Degree Engineering students collaborate on projects like GKN Fokker maintenance analysis and Energielab programs.
• BeroepentuincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner offering practical training programs. Students from Beroepentuin prepared the roof of the Duurzaamheidsfabriek for Smart Energy Lab installations. Also involved in Talentenfonds Drechtsteden for skills training.
• Smart Delta DrechtstedencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional development organization collaborating on Scale Innovation Award organization and Smart Energy Hub Leerpark initiative. Manages the Innovation Card with all regional campusses and innovation hubs.
• Werkgevers DrechtstedencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional employers' organization partnering on Smart Energy Hub Leerpark planning and Innovatietafel Circulaire Bouw (Circular Construction Innovation Table). Collaborates on workforce development initiatives.
• PPS SCALEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation project supporting the Technohub Smart Metrology & Manufacturing program with A+O Metalektro funding. Also supports Energielab development and other innovation initiatives.
• Technohub Smart Metrology & Manufacturing Partners (Damen, FocusOn, Valk Welding, Systems Navigator, Sitech, Endress+Hauser)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative program including Damen Shipyards, FocusOn, Valk Welding, Systems Navigator, Sitech, and Endress+Hauser. Projects cover Asset Administration Shell (AAS), AI for predictive maintenance, cobot applications, and digital twins in maritime sector.
• Verkerk GroepcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in Smart Energy Lab, prepared the inverter and home battery unit for the fieldlab. Partnered on NEN1010 training for monteurs. Located in Zwijndrecht.
• SiemenskeyTechnology or IntegrationSiemens Sentron portfolio forms the technological core of the Smart Energy Lab, providing insight, safety, and control capabilities for the energy management system.
• VitrumnetkeyTechnology or IntegrationRegional fiber network provider connecting the mobile data center on the roof of Duurzaamheidsfabriek to high-quality regional fiber infrastructure.
• Valk WeldingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing cobots for RoboComp European Challenge and Technohub activities. VWCO division focuses on automating production processes with cobots.
• Bouw Circulair NetwerkkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDZHF has joined as partner in the Bouw Circulair Netwerk (Circular Construction Network) to give substance to the materials transition in the region and position Drechtsteden as a progressive region for circular construction.
• REFIT Alliantie BinnenvaartcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpen innovation initiative where companies, educational institutions, and government work together for large-scale and affordable greening of inland navigation. Won Hi Delta Synergy Award 2025.
• Innovation Quarter (Deal Drechtsteden)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional economic development organization collaborating on Data Value Drechtsteden and presenting at events like ZIE 2025. Supports innovation ecosystem development.
• Maritiem TechPlatformcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnecting factor between education and maritime sector through sustainable contacts in the region. Organizes Maritime Student Challenge with regional companies.
• restaurant LEOminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering and banqueting partner located next to Duurzaamheidsfabriek, providing food and beverage services for events and hospitality.
• Energiecoalitie DordrechtkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of companies, residents' initiatives, and societal partners working together on energy transition in Dordrecht. DZHF is part of this coalition.
• Kenniscentrum Business Innovation (Hogeschool Rotterdam)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Circulair Fit program helping SMBs integrate circular business models. Developed Circular Business Model Portfolio Management Systematiek.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Brainport Industries Campus: Dutch smart industry fieldlab and innovation campus in Eindhoven combining manufacturing facilities, education partnerships, and corporate R&D collaboration. Highly comparable to DZHF as both serve as physical hubs connecting high-tech manufacturing, vocational training, and corporate innovation in the Netherlands.
• The Green Village (TU Delft): Dutch fieldlab for sustainable innovation on TU Delft campus, testing energy, circular, and smart city solutions in a real-life environment. Directly comparable to DZHF's Smart Energy Lab and Energielab offerings in the energy transition domain.
• Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC): International innovation campus operator providing workspace, events, and corporate-innovation programs. Operates at much larger scale but shares the multi-tenant innovation facility model that DZHF applies in the Drechtsteden region.
• Yes!Delft: TU Delft-affiliated tech incubator and innovation hub offering workspace, programs, and corporate partnerships. Comparable in the Dutch innovation hub ecosystem though more tech/startup focused than DZHF's manufacturing-sustainability orientation.
• Novel-T (formerly Kennispark Twente): Dutch innovation hub in Twente combining business incubation, R&D facilities, and educational partnerships. Comparable to DZHF as a regional fieldlab linking startups, established companies, and universities around technology and sustainability themes.

Regional players

• Amsterdam Science Park: Major Dutch innovation campus combining research institutes, companies, and educational programs. Operates in a different geography (Amsterdam vs. Dordrecht) and at a much larger scale, but shares the campus-based innovation ecosystem model.
• Lighthouse (Maritime Battery & Energy Transition): Rotterdam-based partnership for maritime energy transition, focusing on zero-emission shipping. Comparable to DZHF's REFIT Alliantie Binnenvaart and maritime innovation projects, though more specialized in battery and propulsion technologies.
• Wetsus (European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology): Dutch research center combining scientific excellence with industry collaboration in sustainable water technology. Shares the European CoVE-style model of industry-academic collaboration but focuses on water rather than the broader manufacturing/energy scope of DZHF.

Others

• Smart Industry Fieldlab Network: Dutch national network of Smart Industry fieldlabs — DZHF itself is a designated member. Comparable as the broader ecosystem of which DZHF is part, providing context for the funding, partnership, and recognition frameworks DZHF operates within.

Broad incumbents

• High Tech Campus Eindhoven: Larger, more established Dutch innovation campus hosting 300+ companies and research institutes. Broader in scope than DZHF, but the campus model combining facilities, events, and corporate-academic collaboration is directly comparable.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Duurzaamfabriek
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/duurzaamheidsfabriek

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Duurzaamheidsfabriek