Creative industry

Utrecht is the second creative hotspot of the Netherlands, with over 13,000 jobs. Utrecht offers many creative initiatives. The creative sector is a well-performing Dutch industry and the fastest growing industry in Utrecht. In the past years (2011-2016) the number of jobs within the creative sector grew by 19%.

Utrecht houses important breeding grounds and knowledge centers, such as the Grafisch Lyceum Utrecht, University of the Arts Utrecht (HKU) and University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (HU), which produce many new creative and innovative talents every year.

The Utrecht Centre of Expertise for the Creative Industry (U Create) connects higher education, research and companies in the creative industries. Here also, health care and creative sector professionals collaborate together on numerous creative projects that have a social foundation.

In Utrecht, there are various inspiring hubs to be found, such as the Metaal Kathedraal, Vechtclub XL and the Werkspoorkathedraal. In addition, Utrecht is home to the Dutch Game Garden, incubator for starting gaming companies.

These companies are already established in Utrecht

“Utrecht is increasingly developing into ‘health valley’. It offers a productive base for collaboration, research and innovation. Also in the areas in which the St. Antonius Hospital is specialized. This is good news for patient care.”

-Douwe Biesma, CEO St. Antonius Hospital Utrecht

“In Utrecht it is quicker and easier to find young talent, knowledge based industry is attracted by the university, which is a bonus for new business; in short: a wonderful city for your company.”

-Eduard Schaepman, Chief Tribes

“We have deliberately chosen to stay in Utrecht. The central location and accessibility, both by car and public transport, make the city the best place to have our headquarters.”

-Emlyn van der Wal, Chief Operating Officer at ABN AMRO Lease

“The cooperation with the city’s municipality was decisive in the choice to locate the main office of Except and UCo in Utrecht. Their input was essential for the initial set up. With their ongoing support, dedication and effort UCo is now a reality and Europe’s first energy neutral, healthy, sustainable office in a monument.”

– Tom Bosschaert, Initiator und Founder UCo

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