Do you love connecting with people, spotting promising startup ideas, and helping them take shape? Do you thrive at the crossroads of innovation, science, and entrepreneurship? Startup incubator UtrechtInc is looking for a Startup Scout to strengthen our close-knit team. In this role, you’ll be the first point of contact for ambitious founders, researchers, and students — and help turn ideas into tomorrow’s impactful startups.
About UtrechtInc
UtrechtInc is the startup incubator of Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, Hogeschool Utrecht, and the Utrecht region. We support entrepreneurial researchers, ambitious students, and founders in turning innovative ideas into successful companies — mainly in healthcare, sustainability, education, and AI.
Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped more than 400 startups grow through our programs, mentorship, funding connections, and an inspiring community. At any given time, around 40 startups work from our office and co-working spaces at Utrecht Science Park.
We’re proud to have been ranked globally as a top-10 university-linked incubator. Our team of 6 is diverse, informal, and driven by a shared mission to enable startups that create positive impact. We work like a startup ourselves: flexible, collaborative, and with plenty of room for initiative.
What We Offer
✅ A dynamic role in an energetic, purpose-driven team
✅ The chance to shape the startup pipeline of Utrecht’s innovation ecosystem
✅ Lots of room for initiative, learning, and professional growth
✅ Access to a unique network of entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors
✅ 0.8 FTE, working from our office on the vibrant Utrecht Science Park
✅ A 1-year contract with the prospect of a permanent position
✅ 28 vacation days (based on fulltime) and a 13th-month salary
Your Role
As Startup Scout, your mission is to discover motivated entrepreneurs and promising ideas that align with UtrechtInc’s focus areas and programs. You’ll be the first contact for many founders, have lots of introductory meetings and play a key role in building and nurturing our startup pipeline. Important: you must speak fluent Dutch and English.
Key responsibilities:
- Scout and recruit startups for our Life Sciences, Tech, and Science Validation Programs, as well as the online Ready to Start program
- Conduct 1-on-1 intake meetings with researchers, students, and early-stage founders
- Manage and maintain our CRM (Pipedrive) as the central hub for pipeline and reporting
- Plan and host our monthly Meet UtrechtInc open afternoons, including tours and presentations
- Deliver engaging presentations and guest talks at universities and research institutes
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Research Support Officers, Business Developers, and Impact Officers at UU, UMC Utrecht, and HU
- Connect founders with the right programs, mentors, coaches, and partners
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone who:
✔ Loves meeting people and has a strong interest in startups
✔ Has some relevant experience in the startup ecosystem (e.g. incubator, accelerator, VC, university innovation)
✔ Understands and can relate to scientists and researchers
✔ Speaks and writes fluently in both Dutch and English
✔ Is confident in giving presentations and enjoys engaging with diverse audiences
✔ Holds a Bachelor’s degree (HBO or higher)
✔ Is willing to commute 80% of their time to Utrecht Science Park
✨ Bonus: experience or affinity with Life Sciences
✨ Bonus: familiarity with Pipedrive CRM
You are curious, proactive, and enjoy working both independently and as part of a small, ambitious team.
Practical Details
📍 Location: Utrecht Science Park
📅 Start date: As soon as possible
📨 Application: Send your CV and a short motivation (a few paragraphs is enough) to secretariaat@utrechtinc.nl
❓ Questions? Contact Stefan at stefan@utrechtinc.nl
Please note: acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
Join our team and help shape the future of innovation in Utrecht. We look forward to hearing from you!