Quakenbrück. The German Institute of Food Technology (DIL) has been awarded the ‘Motor des Nordens’ innovation prize for the district of Osnabrück. At the DIL site in Quakenbrück, 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 for extraordinary innovations and contributions to the future viability and sustainability of the region.

The DIL is being honoured in particular for its role as a central driving force behind the Food Science and Technology Campus Artland. This interdisciplinary innovation hub for food science, bioeconomy and sustainable value creation combines science, business, start-up support and skilled worker development in a form that is unique in rural areas in terms of its density and continuity.

"As a research institution with an international focus, the DIL has established itself since its foundation more than 30 years ago in Quakenbrück as the nucleus of numerous infrastructure components, cooperation projects and start-ups. This has made the campus a model location in western Lower Saxony and is a real 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 of Food Technology from the municipality of Artland was today awarded the Innovation Prize Motor of the North – a great success for our region! This shows that passion, creativity and courage are the driving forces for 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 high technology. ‘In doing so, the DIL has made a significant contribution to increasing the region's future viability and attractiveness. We are delighted to present the Motor des Nordens award to the German Institute of Food Technology together with the district of Osnabrück,’ said Reichert.

Dr Volker Heinz, Chairman of DIL e. V.: ‘The Motor of the North award encourages us to continue consistently on the path we have chosen: to create an innovative ecosystem for food technology, bioeconomy and sustainable value creation that radiates far beyond the region.’

The ‘Motor of the North’ innovation award was launched in 2024 by Powerhouse Nord e.V. to recognise outstanding players in the region between the Ems and Elbe rivers for their achievements. The winners are nominated by the municipal leaders in the districts and independent cities. Ten municipalities took part this year.

The annual winner of the ‘Motor des Nordens’ award will be chosen from among the ten local winners at an awards gala in Bremen's Weserstadion on 10 September. The German Institute of Food Technology e.V. will represent the district of Osnabrück.