PHASE 1 • VALIDATION

Your life science breakthrough deserves a real-world test.

Life sciences innovations face a longer, more complex path to market. This free, 8-month program is built for that reality — helping researchers, scientists and clinicians at Utrecht institutions validate their idea commercially, without leaving their lab or clinic behind.

→ Cost: Free
→ Duration: 8 months, part-time, 1–2 half-days/month
→ Spring cohort will start on April 9th

Sign up by March 19th

We’ll get back to you within 2 working days.

About the program

The Life Science Validation is a free, 8-month part-time program for researchers, scientists, and doctors.. It’s built specifically for life science innovations — where regulatory pathways, clinical evidence, and long development timelines are part of the picture from day one.

You’ll spend one to two half-days per month in masterclasses, coaching sessions and curated networking events. By the end, you’ll have tested your idea in the market, built a stronger team, and know clearly whether – and how – to move forward.

Who it’s for? Researchers, employees and doctors at Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, Hogeschool Utrecht, Hubrecht Institute, Princess Máxima Center, WKZ & affiliated institutes.

What's included

Mentorship & coaching

One-on-one guidance from life science entrepreneurs and sector executives, plus peer sessions with fellow founders in the cohort.

Team development

Support building a complementary founding team — including talent matching events if you're a solo founder.

Value proposition design

Develop a compelling offer for your target customer — whether that's a hospital, a pharma company, or an end patient.

Coworking space

A flex desk at Utrecht Science Park, surrounded by other early-stage startups and research-driven founders.

Startup network

Access to a community of 430+ UtrechtInc graduates, sector-relevant investors and industry experts.

Pitch practice

Regular sessions to sharpen how you communicate your innovation to clinicians, partners and investors alike.

Lab space (via ICAT)

Fully equipped shared lab for tissue engineering, biomaterials, histology, microscopy, cell analysis, viral vectors, cell expansion and 3D/bioprinting — on-site at Utrecht Science Park.

Topics include

  • Validating your research in the market
  • Customer discovery
  • Business models
  • Pitching
  • Sales
  • Finance, Equity & Funding
  • Intellectual property
  • Culture & Talent
  • Grants & Subsidies

Cost & availability

The program is free for Utrecht researchers and scientists.
We run the validation programs twice per year.

Next edition: Spring 2026

  • Application deadline: March 19th
  • Start date: April 9th
  • Graduation: December 10th
SIGN UP

FAQ

  • I am a solo founder. Can I still apply?

    Yes, as a single founder you are allowed to apply to our programs. However, we are firm believers of strong and diverse teams, so we encourage you to start looking for team members as soon as possible. One of the ways we can help you is through our talent matching events.

  • What kind of startups are you looking for?

    UtrechtInc specializes in scalable technology innovations with a focus on health, sustainability, education and AI. If you are doubting whether or not your idea falls into one of these categories, please feel free to contact the UtrechtInc team.

  • Where will the program take place?

    UtrechtInc’s validation program takes place in our incubator which is located at Utrecht Science Park. This is the largest science park in the Netherlands, with the highest concentration of knowledge institutions within a small surface area. Besides that, the Utrecht region has the highest density of startups per capita in the Netherlands.

  • Does UtrechtInc take equity in my startup?

    UtrechtInc does not take equity in your startup. However, startups with a revenue over €150k, pay a small success fee in years 3,4 and 5 after participation in the program.

ProgramsLife Science Validation