German Institute for Food Technology Receives the “Motor of the North” Award

Quakenbrück. The German Institute for Food Technology (DIL) has been awarded the “Motor des Nordens” Innovation Prize for the Osnabrück district. At the DIL’s Quakenbrück location, District Administrator Anna Kebschull, Michael Bürgel, mayor of the Artland joint municipality, and Olaf Reichert, managing director of Powerhouse Nord e.V., presented the award, which is given in recognition of extraordinary innovations and contributions to the region’s future viability and sustainability.

The DIL is being honored in particular for its role as the central driving force behind the Food Science and Technology Campus Artland. This interdisciplinary innovation hub for food science, the bioeconomy, and sustainable value creation brings together science, business, startup support, and workforce development in a way that is unique in rural areas in terms of its scope and continuity.

“As a research institution with an international focus, the DIL has, since its founding more than 30 years ago in Quakenbrück, established itself as the nucleus of numerous infrastructure components, collaborative projects, and start-ups. This has made the campus a model location in western Lower Saxony and a true driving force for the region—thanks to many creative and hands-on minds,” said District Administrator Kebschull, praising the DIL’s commitment.

Michael Bürgel, mayor of the Artland Joint Municipality: “The German Institute for Food Technology, based in the Artland Joint Municipality, was awarded the ‘Motor des Nordens’ Innovation Prize today—a tremendous success for our region! This shows that passion, creativity, and courage are the driving forces behind a sustainable future.”

“The production of high-quality food is a defining feature of our region,” said Reichert. The DIL has been particularly successful in combining this traditional field with cutting-edge research and advanced technology. “As a result, the DIL has made a significant contribution to enhancing the region’s sustainability and appeal. We are pleased to present the ‘Motor des Nordens’ award to the German Institute of Food Technology, together with the Osnabrück district,” said Reichert.

Dr. Volker Heinz, Board Member of DIL e. V.: “Being honored as the ‘Driving Force of the North’ reinforces our commitment to consistently pursuing the path we have chosen: shaping an innovative ecosystem for food technology, the bioeconomy, and sustainable value creation that exerts a far-reaching influence well beyond the region.”

The “Motor des Nordens” Innovation Award was established in 2024 by Powerhouse Nord e.V. to honor outstanding individuals and organizations in the region between the Ems and Elbe rivers for their achievements. The award recipients are nominated by local government leaders in the counties and independent cities. This year, ten municipalities participated.

On September 10, during an awards gala at Bremen’s Weserstadion, the annual “Motor of the North” winner will be selected from among the ten local award recipients. The German Institute for Food Technology e.V. will be competing on behalf of the Osnabrück district.