The Hague-based InnovationQuarter appoints Lars Crama as its new Managing Director/Manager

The Hague-based InnovationQuarter, a regional economic development agency for the Province of Zuid-Holland, announced the appointment of Lars Crama as its new Managing Director/Manager, effective June 1.

As the new director of InnovationQuarter, Crama will also play a central role in strengthening cooperation with public stakeholders in South Holland.

He takes responsibility for bringing governments, knowledge institutions and companies together and working together on innovative solutions for regional and social challenges.

Who is Lars Crama?

Crama is an experienced leader in entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

He has a broad background in the world of startups, scale-ups, and innovation.

Crama played a leading role in the development of Up!Rotterdam, is a partnership of over 30 parties that focuses on strengthening the innovation ecosystem in the region.

He contributed to the growth of more than 1600 innovative companies and was involved in strategic initiatives to better connect talent, financing, and market opportunities.

In addition, he played a key role in the development of investment networks and circular economy initiatives such as Arches Capital and BlueCity010.

Previously, he was co-responsible for the scaling up and European expansion of two companies in marketing technology.

His work focuses not only on economic growth but also on social transitions, including the transition to a circular economy, sustainable innovation and further strengthening cooperation between public and private parties.

“I am very much looking forward to further strengthening the innovation ecosystem in South Holland together with entrepreneurs, the InnovationQuarter team, and our partners. In recent years, I have come to know this region better and better as a place that is brimming with talent, technology, and collaboration – the building blocks of a future-proof economy. I am proud to contribute to this and to accelerate sustainable growth and innovation together,” says Lars Crama.

InnovationQuarter: Regional economic development agency

Founded in 2014, InnovationQuarter is the regional economic development agency for the Province of Zuid-Holland, also known as the greater Rotterdam – The Hague area. 

InnovationQuarter invests in innovative and fast-growing companies, assists international companies with establishing in the region, and facilitates (international) collaboration between innovative entrepreneurs, knowledge institutes, and the government.

It offers companies financing at various stages of growth and invests from three funds: IQCapital, UNIIQ en ENERGIIQ. 

The agency is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Province of Zuid-Holland, the Metropolitan region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH), the Cities of Rotterdam, The Hague, Leiden, Delft, Drechtsteden, Westland and Zoetermeer, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Leiden University, the Leiden University Medical Center and Erasmus MC, Foundation HEID (Holding Fund for Economic Investment The Hague), and the European Union. 

Leo Brand, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of InnovationQuarter says,  “With this appointment, InnovationQuarter underlines its ambition to play a leading role in the acceleration of innovation, sustainable growth, and international competitiveness. With the arrival of Lars Crama, the management team is back at full strength and ready for the future of InnovationQuarter.”