HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht becomes more sustainable with a biodigester
On Thursday, October 2nd, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht celebrated the installation of an innovative biodigester during the Utrecht Science Week. This system converts vegetable, fruit, and food waste (organic waste) into biogas, contributing to a more sustainable campus. The biodigester also serves as a testing ground for education and research, and as an inspiring example for the region. This demonstrates how Utrecht University of Applied Sciences is putting its sustainability ambitions and mission-driven initiatives into practice.
Scale Model for Cities
But the digester has more impact than just sustainability. It is also a textbook example of interdisciplinary collaboration: technology, communication, education, and research converge here. Hermen: “The biodigester offers students and researchers a testing ground for learning, experimenting, and innovating, thus contributing to solutions for complex sustainability issues.” Utrecht Science Park is the perfect location for this, says Arjan Brenkman, program manager of Chemistry and Chemical Technology: “The campus is well-organized and clearly defined, making it a scale model for how neighborhoods, cities, and even countries can be designed in a circular manner. How cool is it that as a student, you can already contribute to this during your program!”
More than technology
The biodigester offers opportunities for more than just technological learning. Legal, logistical, and social issues also arise within the system. How do you organize the collection of biowaste? What agreements are needed to ensure this system operates fairly and efficiently? And how do you ensure that staff and students separate their waste so that the digester performs optimally? For example, students have already contributed to a ready-made logistics plan for using organic waste from the food courts as fuel, and students from the Communication, Communication & Multimedia Design, and Industrial Engineering and Management programs are working on the project.
Shared ambitions
The biodigester is a further development of earlier prototypes. The interdisciplinary research and education is an initiative of the Chemical Technology program at the Institute for Life Sciences & Chemistry of Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. Also see the HU Story that was created about this. The HU research group Innovative Testing in Life Sciences & Chemistry assisted with the research into expanding and optimizing the fermentation process. The startup CIRC is the driving force behind the development of the system, and with a contribution from the Utrecht Business Fund, the role of the fermenter in the energy mix of the Utrecht Science Park campus is being investigated. In short, many parties are coming together here in their shared ambitions for a circular society.
Roadworks Universiteitsweg (phase 2) from 24 to 26 April
In the weekend from Friday 24 April to Sunday 26 April, the second phase of the works on Universiteitsweg will be carried out. This phase involves replacing the asphalt surface layers on the southern section of the road, between Leuvenlaan and the tram tracks.
Looking back at the successful Utrecht Science Park Spring Café: the power of an ecosystem in setting up and running a startup
On Thursday, April 9, the Utrecht Science Park Spring Café took place at UtrechtInc. In an informal setting, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders gathered to meet and catch up on developments within the Utrecht Science Park.
Utrecht Science Week: Art and science unite at the Betweter Festival on 25 September
From 25 September to 4 October, the Utrecht Science Park will be alive with curiosity and exploration during the annual Utrecht Science Week. For over a week, the Utrecht Science Park opens its doors to everyone interested in both applied and fundamental science. In close collaboration with various partners, a diverse programme is put together, with special focus on themes such as sustainability and health.
Inspiring and connecting visit by the President of Estonia to Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, together with his wife Sirje Karis, ambassador Mr. Paul Teesalu and a delegation from the Estonian Health Ecosystem, visited the Utrecht Science Park. During the visit, much knowledge was exchanged and valuable connections were made.