Why study Crop Biotechnology and Engineering?

Ready to help feed the world and make agriculture climate-proof? This programme blends cutting-edge plant science with tech like AI and robotics. Get all the tools you need to rethink and innovate smart greenhouse crop systems from the ground up!

Why is Crop Biotechnology and Engineering special?

Crop Biotechnology and Engineering (CBE) is the only programme of its kind in the Netherlands, offered by Maastricht University and Radboud University at Maastricht University's campus in Venlo. It brings together expertise in plant physiology, molecular genetics, greenhouse technology, and sustainable agriculture.

Both universities are based in one of Europe’s most advanced agricultural regions, linking this programme directly to real-world innovation through close collaboration with research institutes and industry partners. 

No matter if you are into biology, engineering, or data science; if you are curious about how science and tech can transform the way we grow food and if you are ready to help make it happen, this is the place to start!

Freedom of choice

Your freedom to choose elective courses is one of the distinct characteristics of the programme. Your academic adviser will guide you through the choices you will have to make. Our small-scale academic community allows for plenty of personal attention and strong interaction with staff and fellow students, supporting both your academic and social development.

Research-based learning

In this programme, you learn by doing. Working on small research projects, you build skills through real-life challenges. As you go, the challenges grow, and you get to explore, research, and create real solutions. It all leads up to your final research project: your master’s thesis. We call this type of learning Research-based learning, a variety of Problem-based learning
During the programme, you will learn through tackling projects like:

  • using genome editing to bring the superior flavour of heirloom tomatoes into modern varieties
  • refining AI models to predict plant growth in our on-campus high-tech greenhouse
  • developing an intellectual property strategy to protect biotech innovations
  • characterising the nutritional value of vegetables to improve consumer diets
  • measuring plant volatiles with advanced nanosensor platforms
  • collaborating with a startup on biological alternatives to synthetic fertilisers
  • evaluating sustainable greenhouse designs for circular production