Immersive Experiences (IX) is a rapidly growing multi-billion industry. The applications of immersive technologies, such as VR, Web 3.0, digital twins, and large-scale projections, span various sectors, including education, training & simulation, research & development, gaming, media, art, and entertainment. For the Netherlands and Rotterdam in particular, to take a leading position in this global market and create a social and economic impact, IX hubs are essential.
Once known as the "Van Bennekum's Havenbedrijf Katoenloods", Katoenhuis Rotterdam is situated in the heart of Rotterdam Makers District – M4H. After 1.5 years of preparation, it is about to become a leading, 6.000 m² IX hub connecting artists, tech companies, and educational institutions working with immersive technologies and creating an essential infrastructure for makers, talents, and producers to experiment, work, and present. Katoenhuis will act as an incubator, fostering collaboration between tech innovators and artists working in different disciplines.
An official announcement of Katoenhuis will take place during Immersive Tech Week 2023 in Rotterdam.
Connecting Rotterdam to the international IX community
By connecting with other international IX hubs, Katoenhuis will bring international companies and artists to Rotterdam and vice versa, creating a global network that fosters innovation and showcases the latest tech advancements to both industry professionals and the larger public.
With its commitment to innovation and creativity, Katoenhuis is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future of immersive content and its impact on society. Katoenhuis aims to:
Unite and reinforce the position of IX in the region
Strengthen the (digital) economy of the region
Connect companies, studios, and (educational) institutions
Offer a curated program of exhibitions and events presenting the potential of IX to wide audiences.
Strengthening the Dutch IX position together with Koelhuis District Eindhoven
Katoenhuis has a sister initiative in Eindhoven, Koelhuis District. It is an ambitious urban renewal project centered around IX, which will act as a living lab where the community works on the use of immersive technologies for, amongst others, educational and artistic purposes. Within the Koelhuis District, residential facilities for technical and creative talent will be combined with indoor and outdoor spaces for work, culture, and leisure. This partnership between these two mainport regions aims to ensure that Rotterdam and Eindhoven will exchange knowledge and strengthen the Dutch immersive technology landscape, securing its position as a leading hub for cutting-edge innovation and creativity internationally.
“Both cities, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, are deeply rooted in their industrial tradition, mass industrialization, logistics, and high-tech innovation driven by makers and corporations. This makes the two cities ideal partners in promoting innovation and working with immersive technologies.” - Arnold van de Water, General Director of Concrete Culture, one of the initiators behind Koelhuis District Eindhoven and Katoenhuis Rotterdam.
Bringing the ecosystem together
The first artists and tech companies have already signed up to become future users and tenants of Katoenhuis. In the coming months, various international partners will become a part of the hub and larger ecosystem. Besides linking Katoenhuis to the Brainport network, Katoenhuis is actively searching for artists, tech companies, studios, and educational institutions involved in IX to collaborate and continue building the ecosystem in Rotterdam, contributing to the exchange of knowledge across the global network of IX centers. Reach out to us at info@katoenhuis.nl if you would like to explore opportunities for partnership or space rental.
"The first time we came in contact with M4H was during the transformation of Lee Towers. The energy and the future vision of both the city and the Port of Rotterdam in this area inspired us. We strongly believe that because of this reason, Katoenhuis as an IX hub fits Rotterdam’s Makers District." - Tom Bakkers, CEO Bakkers | Hommen, real estate developer of Katoenhuis.
About Rotterdam Makers District – M4H
The former Merwe-Vierhavens, nowadays known as M4H, together with RDM, forms the Rotterdam Makers District - a mixed urban port area that combines living, working, making, and learning and is dedicated to the innovative manufacturing industry. It is a testing ground for new technologies based on digitization, robotization, and additive manufacturing, and home to entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions that work on and experiment with technical innovations for the future of the city and its port.
About the initiators
Concrete Culture leverages the generative power of art, culture, and tech within real estate development undertakings. At its core, by adding tech and culture to urban revitalization, Concrete Culture strives to add value, drive economic growth, enhance vitality, and nurture the overall well-being of local communities.
Concrete Culture’s flagship initiatives include Koelhuis District in Eindhoven–set to become the Netherlands’ leading Immersive Experiences (IX) district, and Katoenhuis Rotterdam–a hub for Immersive Experiences (IX) and technology in the heart of Rotterdam Makers District. Both initiatives actively support creative and technical talent, enrich the cultural landscape of their respective areas, and contribute to the growth of the immersive technology sector in the Netherlands. More information: www.concrete-culture.nl
Bakkers | Hommen is a leading independent real estate developer in The Netherlands. Specializing in urban development, their approach is rooted in innovation, long-term vision, and collaboration. Bakkers | Hommens was previously known for the redevelopment of the Lee Towers. With over 890 apartments, it is one of the largest office-to-residential transformations in the Netherlands. Presently, Bakkers | Hommen is the developer behind Katoenhuis and Koelhuis District Eindhoven. More information: www.bakkers-hommen.nl
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