World Food Center – the premier hub for food innovation in Ede
The World Food Center in Ede is a vibrant ecosystem where more than 80 companies operate at the intersection of food, technology, and health. ROOTS Innovation Hub offers flexible workspaces, offices, and lab space here, including in the distinctive Frisokazerne.
Affordable, flexible, and right in the heart of a “ community ” of food pioneers. The ideal place to start, grow, and collaborate.
What can you find on the World Food Center grounds?
- Flexible workspaces and office space at the Frisokazerne
- A lab space you can set up yourself
- 4 meeting rooms, focus areas, and reception areas
- Community from food startups, scale-ups, and R&D teams
- Near the Ede-Wageningen , and the A12/A30 highways
Who is this site suitable for?
- Food tech entrepreneurs and startups
- R&D Teams in Food and Health
- Companies that want to collaborate with other innovators
- International companies looking to establish a branch in the Netherlands
- Do you work with a permanent team? If so, renting an office at the World Food Center usually makes more sense than using individual flexible workspaces.
“At the World Food Center, it’s all about connection. This is where startups, scale-ups, and established companies come together to innovate in food and health. ROOTS offers the space—both literally and figuratively—to grow, experiment, and strengthen one another.”
– Louis de Boer, account manager at ROOTS Innovation Hub
This is what the " community " feels like at the World Food Center
More than 80 companies operate at the World Food Center in Ede. Together, they form a “ community ” where you’ll meet entrepreneurs every day who, just like you, are building their future. In this video, David de Bruijn, community manager at ROOTS Innovation Hub , explains how that works in practice.
What you'll find on the grounds:
- Community get-togethers and a summer barbecue.
- Let's pick up trash together on the grounds.
- Daily interactions in the hallway and having lunch together.
- In addition to companies in the agriculture and food sectors, there are also companies in marketing and HR that can help you with a market launch or as your team grows.
When people talk to each other, they share knowledge. Sometimes that leads to a partnership that helps you reach your market.
Building on the property
Friso Barracks
- A nationally designated historic barracks featuring modern workspaces, a living room, a private garden, and meeting rooms. Ideal for creative food entrepreneurs and small teams. Learn more about the Frisokazerne ?
'Lively and cozy'
I enjoy the vibrancy and conviviality that others bring but most of all the opportunities from the World Food Center and the Foodvalley region to bring these innovations to a better world faster!
Theo Verleun, GOA Ventures
'Build and grow from here'
We really wanted to be right in the heart of the food startup scene. Plus, the University of Wageningen & Research is nearby. It’s the perfect place to build your network and continue to grow as a startup.
Iris Rijnaarts-Modder, WholeFiber
'Everything comes together here'
For us at ROOTS Innovation Hub on the WFC grounds everything comes together. The location is central in the Netherlands and because we want to grow, its location near the train station attracts young talented people.
Benjamin Maclean, Brig Bio
Why Choose Rootshub?
ROOTS It offers more than just space: it’s a breeding ground for innovation in food, agriculture, and health. Here, you’ll work flexibly and professionally, right in the heart of a “ community ” of like-minded pioneers. From lab space you can set up yourself to inspiring workspaces: at ROOTS , you’ll find everything you need to grow. Affordable, centrally located, and scalable.
See also:
Location & Accessibility
- 100 meters from the Ede- stationWageningen
- Close to the A12 and A30
- Private parking lot
Frequently Asked Questions About the World Food Center
The World Food Center in Ede is an innovation campus where companies, research institutions, and startups in the fields of food, health, and sustainability come together. ROOTS Innovation Hub manages several buildings here that offer office and lab space.
You can choose from flexible workspaces, office spaces, meeting rooms, and specialized laboratories. Each building has its own focus and amenities.
Yes. The WFC is located 100 meters from the Ede-Wageningen , and is easily accessible by car via the A12 and A30. Paid parking has been in effect on the premises since August 1, 2026. If you rent through ROOTS, please ask us about the options for a parking permit.
On the grounds of the World Food Center and in the P+R parking garage at the Ede-Wageningen station. Since August 1, 2026, paid parking with permits has been in effect on the WFC grounds, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you’re coming by train, it’s a two-minute walk from the Ede-Wageningen station to ROOTS.
The Kazerneterrein is the former military base on Stationsweg in Ede. The Maurits Barracks and the Johan Willem Friso Barracks were built there in 1904. In 2011, the Ministry of Defense transferred both barracks to the municipality of Ede. The site is now home to the World Food Center, where living, working, and food innovation come together. ROOTS Innovation Hub is located in the Friso Barracks.
Especially for companies and teams in food tech, agri-food, nutrition & health, sustainability, and life sciences—from startups to international scale-ups.
Absolutely. Think of pantries, reception areas, meeting rooms, coffee stations, and a private courtyard garden (at the Frisokazerne). View all amenities.
You sign a 6-month lease, after which you can cancel the lease on a monthly basis. This makes it easy to scale up or down.
Yes, we'd be happy to. Please contact Louis de Boer for a tour or a customized proposal.