We’re hiring: Managing Director of UtrechtInc

UtrechtInc is looking for an entrepreneurial and connecting Managing Director. Are you an inspiring leader who spots opportunities and has the drive to act on them? Do you get your energy from bringing together science, government and business? And would you like to be the face of one of Europe’s leading startup hubs, helping new generations of founders succeed? Then we’d love to hear from you.

The role

As Managing Director, you lead UtrechtInc and its small, dedicated team of around five people, supported by some 60 mentors and coaches. You strengthen our programs and build a future-proof organization, with valorisation at the core: turning knowledge and ideas into viable innovations with societal and economic impact.

UtrechtInc is a joint initiative of Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht and HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. Together with these founding partners, and with partners such as the Province of Utrecht, ROM Utrecht Region, the Municipality of Utrecht and Startup Utrecht Region, you shape a shared vision and build alliances that secure UtrechtInc’s long-term funding. You are the visible face of UtrechtInc, on the Utrecht Science Park and beyond, and you make sure our workspace stays a lively, welcoming home for founders.

Key challenges for the coming years:

• Renewing our program portfolio to match market demand, with a focus on life sciences, biotech and medtech, circular economy, mobility, climate adaptation, energy security, AI/digital and cybersecurity.
• Strengthening the pathway from early scouting to startup to scale-up.
• Increasing UtrechtInc’s visibility across the wider region, including Amersfoort (Earth Valley), Veenendaal (Food Valley) and Hilversum.

Who we’re looking for

• Academic level of thinking and working
• Extensive experience in a leadership role at an incubator, accelerator or similar innovation environment; founder experience is a plus
• A proven track record in renewing startup programs and growing an organization’s visibility
• Experience in community and workspace management, with a feel for hospitality
• A strong network in the Utrecht (or a comparable) startup ecosystem and experience with triple helix collaboration
• Knowledge of innovation subsidies and securing funding
• Entrepreneurial, visionary, politically sensitive, results-driven and a natural connector

What we offer

A one-year contract with the intention to extend, for 0.8–1.0 FTE. Excellent terms of employment (scale 14, Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) and room to grow in an inspiring environment where science and entrepreneurship meet.

How to apply

The recruitment is handled by ADJ. Send your CV and motivation letter no later than 8 November 2026 via the ADJ website:

Apply here ###

 

Questions? Get in touch with:

Ellen Deckers, Advisor – ellen@adj.nl | +31 6 21867379
Jarko Knevel, Project Associate – jarko@adj.nl | +31 6 40956835

Student Startup Scout – HU/UU students

Are you interested in entrepreneurship and good at connecting with people? We’re looking for a student to join our Student Startup Scout team and help us find the next generation of student founders.

About UtrechtInc

UtrechtInc is a Dutch startup incubator, ranked among the top 10 university-linked incubators in the world. Over the past 10 years we’ve supported more than 450 startups, including GitLab, Channable, and Argenx. We help founders develop their entrepreneurial skills, build their networks, and grow scalable tech and science companies.

About the role

As a Student Startup Scout, you’ll help us find and support promising student entrepreneurs across Utrecht Science Park. That means reaching out to lecturers, students, and stakeholders, staying on top of opportunities to get in front of the right people, and building relationships that lead somewhere. It’s part-time, around 10 hours a week, with a schedule you set yourself.

Responsibilities

🔸 Connect with lecturers, students, and stakeholders to identify promising student startups
🔸 Follow up consistently and maintain relationships with potential candidates
🔸 Develop outreach strategies to promote our Student Validation Program
🔸 Represent UtrechtInc at networking events, career days, and student association events
🔸 Create content for social media, our website, and promotional materials

What you’ll get

🔹 Practical experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and relationship-building
🔹 A flexible, self-scheduled 10 hrs/week role
🔹 Monthly compensation
🔹 A real impact on student startups and the local ecosystem
🔹 A growing network of entrepreneurs, professionals, and students
🔹 Access to UtrechtInc’s network of 35 in-house and 450 community startups

What we’re looking for

✔️ Currently enrolled at HU or UU and will be enrolled for at least one year
✔️ Genuine interest in entrepreneurship and innovation
✔️ Strong communication and interpersonal skills
✔️ Proactive, able to work independently and as part of a team
✔️ Good organizational skills to manage multiple tasks

How to apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter about your interest in entrepreneurship and relevant experience to Saif at saif@utrechtinc.nl

Are you a creative, collaborative, and ambitious student eager to dive into the world of startup marketing?

UtrechtInc, a leading Dutch startup incubator and a global top 10 university-linked incubator, is looking for a passionate Marketing & Community Intern to join our close-knit team! This is your chance to gain invaluable experience working alongside our Digital Marketer, contributing to our online presence and supporting the growth of groundbreaking startups.

About UtrechtInc

UtrechtInc is the startup incubator of Utrecht University, Hogeschool Utrecht, and UMC Utrecht. We empower researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to transform promising science-based innovations into solid startups. We provide an environment and program for startups to build innovative products, develop teams, meet experts and like-minded entrepreneurs, attract funding and grow a successful business. Having supported over 430 startups in sustainability, health, education, and AI, we currently host 35+ startups daily, some examples include SnappCar, GitLab, Stoov, and Channable.

Internship details:

📍 Location: Utrecht Science Park
⏰ Preferred start date: 1 June 2026
💰 Monthly stipend of €450 (full-time).
📅 32-40 hours per week,  5 months internship.

Your responsibilities will include:

🔸 Develop a standardized  marketing content production process for UtrechtInc including  a database of relevant ecosystem content to boost community engagement and lead generation.
🔸 Create, schedule, and publish relevant content (social media, videos, blog articles, startup content) across our LinkedIn, Instagram.
🔸 Ensure external and internal platforms are consistently accurate and up-to-date.
🔸 Gather and update monthly performance metrics for social media, website, and newsletter.
🔸 Research AI best practices to boost visibility.
🔸 Assist with the organization of in-person events for the startup community.

Note: Dutch language skills are not a requirement.

🎁 Perks of interning at UtrechtInc:

📍 Deep dive into the dynamic startup ecosystem.
📍 Participation in exclusive startup journey workshops.
📍 Building a valuable network within the startup scene.
📍 Development of practical marketing expertise and a strong portfolio of your work to showcase future employers.

Your profile:

✨ Currently enrolled as a student at a university or applied university (hogeschool).
✨ A genuine passion for marketing and startups.
✨ Experience with Canva and video creation is preferred.
✨ Ability to commute daily to our Utrecht office.
✨ Organized, proactive, capable of multitasking and with strong time management skills.

Send your CV, motivation letter and some examples of videos or posts you created to india@utrechtinc.nl.