By the end of September, the managing director of UtrechtInc, Jorg Kop, attended the World Top-Performing Incubator Conference (WTIF) 2024 in Shanghai. Themed “Boundless Innovation, Collaborative Synergy”, this event brought together some of the brightest minds and leading organizations in the global incubation ecosystem.

The opening ceremony was attended by numerous figures from the Chinese government. Together with other impactful players in the international startup scene, they officially launched WTIF 2024. The conference welcomed new members to the “International Innovation Synergy and Incubation Alliance,” including UtrechtInc.

The addition of UtrechtInc is particularly significant as it furthers our cooperation network with China and helps European startups enter the Chinese market. Jorg Kop stated that China plays a pivotal role in the global economy, highlighting Shanghai’s dynamic economic environment and innovative spirit. Additionally, he added that the Lin-gang special area in the Pudong district offers a strategic gateway for startups aiming to enter the Chinese market.

The deputy director of the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Zhai Jinguo, shared that Shanghai will persist in building an innovative incubation ecosystem, fostering new high-quality productivity, and offering support and assurance for scientific and technological innovation projects and teams in the city.

Overall, this event not only showcased cutting-edge innovation but also fostered collaborative synergy among top incubators worldwide, setting the stage for future breakthroughs in technology and entrepreneurship.

Posted October 2024

After years of operating from the Hugo R. Kruyt building, we have moved to a new, larger, and more sustainable space! The renovation of the Kruyt building has been on the agenda for years, and we’re taking this opportunity to upgrade to a venue that better suits our growth and vision: The Vening Meinesz building C.

Our New Location

From the 1st of November 2024 our new home is the Vening Meinesz building C at Princetonlaan 6, 3584 CB Utrecht – just 550 meters from our old location, and of course still on the Utrecht Science Park. This new venue is bigger, brighter, and part of an energy-neutral building.

Our New Neighbors

We’re also thrilled by joining a vibrant community of innovators and collaborators. Our new neighbors include the Faculty of Science, the EWUU alliance (a strategic collaboration between TU Eindhoven, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University, and UMC Utrecht), as well as TNO, the Center for Unusual Collaborations, and most importantly the Utrecht Centre for Entrepreneurship. This is a great environment where we are surrounded by forward-thinking institutions and experts in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

But why did we move?

The Kruyt building, which has been our base for many years, is undergoing long-planned, multiyear renovations. This was a perfect moment for us to take the next step in our journey. We have now landed in a new nest, brought our startups with us, and with even more office space available, we are looking for new innovative companies to join us in this exciting phase of growth.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our new space!

Updated: November 2024

“It’s not easy to explain”, Carina Nieuwenweg chuckles as she describes the essence of her startup. Last June, she defended her PhD project and successfully earned her doctorate. Now, she is in the process of transforming her PhD research into a startup. In this interview, Carina shares the story behind her startup, Novia Biotech. “The funny thing is that the name even is a word-play on my last name.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share your background?

“My name is Carina Nieuwenweg, a former PhD candidate at the Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen University and Research, where I recently completed my doctorate. I had always wanted to become a fighter pilot and spent three years training in the Belgian military. Unfortunately, I had to stop due to a fatigue virus. Afterward, I studied Molecular Life Sciences in Wageningen, where I developed a fascination for synthetic biology. I also did a master in Military Strategic Studies. My interest in gene drives and synthetic biology eventually led to my PhD project, which is now evolving into a startup, Novia Biotech.”

What problem is your startup aiming to solve?

“We have developed a technology that can easily stack mutations, allowing us to modify the genetic blueprint of yeast in a fast and efficient manner. Yeast can be used as a platform to produce certain compounds such as pharmaceuticals, for which gene editing is necessary. One could use the following analogy: the problem we’re addressing is similar to trying to update Google’s algorithm using an old-fashioned typewriter. That is just not efficient. Although other companies are tackling this by partially automating the process – essentially having a number of robots pound harder on those typewriters – you could say that we’ve developed more of a ChatGPT of bioengineering. This helps us achieve much greater efficiency in stacking mutations.”

How did you identify this problem?

“During my research, we were using yeast to study gene drive technology. With this technology, one can enforce specific mutations to offspring, thereby quickly spreading said mutation through the population. This can be used for example to get rid of mosquitoes that carry malaria. For example, if a certain mutation would lead to all offspring being male, at some point the population will collapse. Halfway through the project, we realized we needed to reverse our approach: that it would be more interesting to use gene drive technology to improve the applications of yeast. And so the focus of the project shifted. The technology allows us to develop a yeast strain much more quickly, one that can serve as an enhanced micro-factory for applications like pharmaceuticals.

How did you come up with the idea to turn this project into a startup?

“After the first positive results, I felt that I wanted to continue with our findings. I did not want  my research to end up in a drawer after I defended my dissertation. In academia, usually technologies are developed roughly to the proof-of-principle: you work up to a certain point, and then it’s up to others to take it further. I wanted to continue developing my project, so I turned to Corporate Value Creation at Wageningen University & Research for guidance. Through their advice and by talking to various stakeholders, I began to see where my technology could add value to industry.”

You recently changed the name of your startup. What prompted this change?

“At first, I called the project ‘Super-Mendelian Microfactories,’ which was very descriptive of what we do. But it wasn’t exactly a catchy name for a startup. After some feedback and consultations with a marketing and branding expert, we landed on the name Novia Biotech. ‘Novia’ comes from the Latin ‘novo’ for new and ‘via’ for way, symbolizing a new approach. Plus, it is also a reference to my last name, which I find amusing.”

How does entrepreneurship differ from your work as a researcher?

“As a PhD candidate, you’re already responsible for managing your own tasks and time, but entrepreneurship adds the challenge of leading others. Where I once focused mainly on experimental work, I’m now more involved in building a team and setting a broader vision. It’s a completely different way of working; you need to step back and look at the bigger picture while ensuring your team executes tasks efficiently.”

What are the next steps you want to take with Novia Biotech?

“Now that the PhD is complete, we aim to validate via a proof-of-concept. We’ll be creating a library of yeast strains for a relevant case study. This will provide us with valuable data that we can use to approach potential customers. One of our goals is to establish concrete projects with clients.”

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

“Ask for plenty of help, be open, and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Don’t be afraid to seek help, because you can’t do it all alone. Embrace the possibility of failure. While you must avoid obvious mistakes, making some along the way is essential for growth. If you don’t make mistakes, you won’t learn. Organizations and programs like UtrechtInc can guide you, help you navigate, and learn from  the ‘right’ mistakes.”

If you know a company or person who could be interesting for Novia Biotech, Carina would love to hear about it! And if you want to learn more about the startup or Carina, please get in touch: carina.nieuwenweg@wur.nl.

Interested in transforming your PhD project into a startup? Explore the programs we offer or contact Lina via email (lina@utrechtinc.nl) to arrange an introductory meeting.

Posted August 2024

“Even though it’s risky, I trust in my technology,” says Irati Beltrán Hernández, who is setting up a science startup with Sebas Pronk. Together, they are developing a new treatment to cure cancer with minimal side effects. They have recently finished UtrechtInc’s validation programme for life sciences startups and are now working full-time on their startup, Lumox.

Scientific knowledge can have a significant impact beyond academic publications, and the scientific community plays a unique role in translating this knowledge into positive societal change. One way to facilitate this knowledge transfer is to set up a science startup, an opportunity Irati stumbled upon roughly one year ago.

During her PhD and post-doc years, Irati conducted all lab work and animal experiments on her research topic possible within an academic setting. She realized that to continue with human trials and eventually make a societal impact, she needed to manufacture the drug they had developed, which requires significant funding. Since such large amounts can only be found outside of academia, she decided, together with Sebas, to transform their research into a startup – Lumox.

This pathway was far from an obvious choice for Irati. Entrepreneurship always comes with risks, and she has a family to consider. However, after a six-month trial period delving deeper into the startup world, she discovered that she really enjoys it. “Even though it’s risky, I trust in my technology,” Irati explains, adding, “and I am actually enjoying it a lot!”

Irati and Sebas joined UtrechtInc’s evening course Ready to Start in the spring of 2023, and continued to the validation programme for life sciences startups. During the latter, they learned how to identify their customers and key stakeholders, as well as the funding options available for science-based startups at their stage. Most importantly, according to Irati, they gained access to a network of people who can help them on this journey.

Every March and October, UtrechtInc starts a new edition of their validation programmes. They come in two flavors: one specifically targeting startup ideas in life sciences, and another supporting startup ideas in all other sciences. These programmes aim to introduce researchers to entrepreneurship and help them explore the market fit of their research projects. This is achieved through entrepreneurship education, a network of coaches, mentors, and professionals such as lawyers and accountants, office facilities, and a connection with a community of startups.

For those seeking a more lightweight introduction to the science startup scene and entrepreneurship, the four-week evening course Ready to Start is an ideal starting point, with the next one commencing in November. This course is open to researchers with or without a startup concept, and shed light on some of the most important topics in a startup trajectory, such as building a successful team and finding funding.

For the absolute novice in the science startup jungle, UtrechtInc is hosting an Open Day for Researchers on the 3rd of September from 15:30-17:00. During this event, participants get an introduction to UtrechtInc and will learn how they help researchers make a societal impact by setting up science startups. You will also meet three successful researchers who are already a few years into their startup careers. You can sign up now to secure your spot.

Want to learn more about UtrechtInc? Check out their website or reach out to Lina (lina@utrechtinc.nl) for an introductory meeting.

Posted July 2024

“I wasn’t expecting the course to be so motivating, given that it’s just for beginners,” Françoise Dekker remarks. She shares her experience with the 4-week evening course Ready to Start, which she attended in January of this year. Through this course, she gained insights into the fundamentals of establishing a company based on her research. Françoise is already progressing further by enrolling in UtrechtInc’s 7-month validation program to delve deeper into this subject. However, she emphasizes that each participant in the Ready to Start course has unique goals, stating, “You can make it as challenging as you want.”

“For us, it all began with the realization that we have something that seems to work; now, we must also make it applicable to society,” Françoise reflects on her journey. As a PhD researcher at the Department of Cellular Protein Chemistry with Professor Stefan Rüdiger, she focuses on understanding the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and how our bodies’ quality control systems can intervene. After years of dedicated research and, as Françoise modestly adds, “a lot of luck,” they made a breakthrough discovery that could identify virtually all neurodegenerative diseases.

In January this year, Françoise enrolled in UtrechtInc’s Ready to Start course, a 4-week online program held on Monday and Wednesday evenings, specifically designed for researchers. This introductory course provides participants with insights into the process of establishing a science-based company. While some join with a specific business concept in mind, others approach it with an open mind, seeking to better understand the translation of research projects into impactful companies. Today, more than 70 researchers have successfully finalised the course.

Throughout the course, participants receive self-study materials for flexible learning, attend presentations, hear stories from fellow researchers establishing science-based companies, and engage in dynamic discussion groups to explore various topics in depth. “Discussing our idea with fellow participants was very motivating, they asked new questions from a different angle, which was really great,”  Françoise reflects on the collaborative learning experience.

Discussing our idea with fellow participants was very motivating.

The upcoming Ready to Start course is scheduled from May 27th to June 24th, with registration open until May 22nd. It welcomes individuals from any of the knowledge institutes at Utrecht Science Park, regardless of prior experience, as long as they possess a curiosity for exploring new avenues to make an impact with their research. For further inquiries, contact Lina from the UtrechtInc team at lina@utrechtinc.nl.

 

Posted March 2024

UtrechtInc stands as a leading global university-linked startup incubator, fostering early-stage, scalable technology startups across health, sustainability, education, and artificial intelligence. Our startups are founded by local researchers, medical doctors, students, and entrepreneurs. To guide our startups through the ideation, validation, and acceleration phases, we provide specialized programs tailored to their stage and field. Additionally, our network of over 100 mentors and experts stands ready to guide the founders through every new challenge on their entrepreneurial journey. Currently, we’re home to over 35 startups utilizing our office and co-working spaces.

Our Impact

Since we are working together with our community towards a better future, we think it is important to celebrate their success, and they are achieving a lot! Did you know that we’ve supported nearly 400 startups? That close to 250 individuals have graduated from our programs? And that our startups have created more than 6000 new jobs?

Let’s break down the numbers:

• 396 startups supported
• 242 graduates
• A remarkable 61% survival rate
• Secured €5.4 billion in funding
• Generated €1.7 billion in revenue in 2023
• Supported 101 startups through the Rabo Pre-seed Fund (totalling €4.1 million)
• Created 6,100 jobs

Check out all the results below.

Posted March 2024

BuurBak stands out as a distinctive player in the world of creative businesses, revolutionizing how consumers view and use neighborhood trailers. Anja Wolters, a vibrant personality and one of BuurBak’s founders, revealed the interesting tale behind the enterprise.

Anja, a graduate in Communication and Multimedia Design, found herself investing a great deal of time and energy into BuurBak during her time at university. Reflecting on her journey, she exclaims, “I’ve put a lot of work into it. It’s been quite a ride.” It all started with a classmate, Michiel van den Hazel, who owned a trailer and wished for a simpler way to rent it out. Anja’s eyes light up as she recalls, “We wanted to go beyond just one person’s trailer. We spoke to over 200 people and discovered there are over 1 million trailers in the Netherlands, mostly idle over 99% of the time.”

Let’s make trailers a community asset.

Bridging the gap between building and implementing algorithms in clinical settings

Trailblazing the peer-to-peer path with a pricing purpose

While gas stations may offer trailer rentals, BuurBak stands apart by concentrating on the community. “We want people with their own trailers to share them,” Anja says enthusiastically. “It’s peer-to-peer, and there’s no need to develop new trailers. It’s all about making use of what’s already there.” She emphasizes the environmental and social elements, imagining trailers as a way for neighbors to interact. “It’s not just about renting a trailer; it’s about fostering community bonds,” she explains, drawing a comparison to impersonal petrol station transactions.

We investigate BuurBak’s economics since we’re curious about their pricing strategy. “Renters set their own prices, but we guide them based on the market,” Anja explains. Given their direct customer-to-customer business, they aspire to be 21% less expensive than the average. She adds that the purpose is not only altruistic.

We do want to grow, and in the future, a small service fee will help us expand and improve our platform.

Overcoming startup hurdles

Anja speaks openly about the difficulties they’ve encountered, particularly the lack of external finance. “Right now, it’s our time and effort. If the pilot is successful, we will seek funds to begin our expansion.” She discusses working with ICT students to create the platform and hints to future recruiting requirements. “We can’t pay freelancers right now, but an IT specialist may become important to our team in the future,” she adds, underscoring the company’s resource limits.

Facing fears and stepping out of the comfort zone

Discussing the personal side of entrepreneurship, Anja opens up about facing fears. “In every situation, fear is present, but you have to face it. It’s like speaking English; it’s uncomfortable at first, but it broadens your horizons.” She encourages aspiring founders, saying, “If you want to start, don’t hesitate. Face your fears because that’s where growth happens.”

Navigating legal waters

According to Anja, navigating the vast web of legal complexities offers an overwhelming task for BuurBak. Recognising the complexities, she shares, “We received assistance from the Utrecht Law Clinic, recognising the need for comprehensive legal documentation such as terms of service and privacy statements.” Though dealing with these legal complexities without specialized expertise is difficult, it is a learning experience for any startup.

Expanding beyond legal considerations, Anja goes into safety concerns within the BuurBak platform. In an ideal scenario, the company aims to assist with disputes, yet Anja admits, “Currently, we find ourselves in a complex realm where providing such assistance is challenging.” She envisions a proactive approach, describing a future platform where users confidently share photos depicting their trailer’s condition. However, she clarifies that the detailed verification process supporting this vision is still in the developmental stages.

We aspire to establish transparency by encouraging users to document their trailer’s condition. However, the creation of a comprehensive verification process is still in progress.

Beyond trailers: The future vision

Anja reveals the larger concept for BuurBak as the conversation progresses. “We want to expand throughout the Netherlands, then into Germany and Belgium, and eventually into other countries. We don’t simply want trailers; we want to offer varied items like horse trailers to build a sustainable sharing economy.”

Lessons from UtrechtInc and future endeavors

Anja recalls the essential coaching sessions during their stay at UtrechtInc throughout the Student Validation Programme. “Stefan’s advice and network were invaluable. It was made clear what we needed to do to become a great startup.” She believes the programme is critical for prospective entrepreneurs: “If you want to validate your startup idea and figure out if you’re cut out for this, go for it.”

Crafting a unique partnership

BuurBak’s strength stems from the interactions between Anja and Michiel, two founders with contrasting personalities. “Being different is an advantage; you learn from each other. It adds depth to what we offer.” She emphasizes the significance of team development, admitting that their collaboration may have improved further if they had spent more time together during the programme.

Charting a course for sustainable growth

BuurBak is undoubtedly on a path to long-term growth, emerging from startup obstacles to forge lifelong community relationships. As the dialogue comes to a close, Anja muses on BuurBak’s journey. “We have no regrets, but perhaps automating the platform sooner could have accelerated our progress. We’re more than a business; we’re a community-driven movement, and we want to make it easier for people to share resources.”

Anja’s passion for sustainability and community is evident in every word. As BuurBak looks ahead, envisioning a future where neighborhoods share more than just trailers, Anja Wolters stands at the forefront of this transformative movement. The journey may have begun with trailers, but the destination holds the promise of a connected, sharing society fostered by the spirit of BuurBak.

 

Posted December 2023

Jelmer van der Velde, a startup scout starting fresh in the field of entrepreneurship, is on a mission to guide aspiring entrepreneurs. His motivation began in molecular life sciences, but after having completed elective courses in entrepreneurship and finance, he found a new passion.

In his role as a student startup scout at UtrechtInc, Jelmer actively promotes the Student Validation Program and networks at relevant events to discover and support the next generation of student entrepreneurs and talent within the Utrecht Science Park. Through a series of reflections and candid insights, Jelmer shares his own growth and the profound impact of connecting with diverse communities, all while emphasizing his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship beyond personal success.

Supporting a culture where students are inspired to think big and dream large

What motivated you to join the student startup scout team and how does it align with your personal interests and career goals?

Jelmer’s academic journey began with a keen interest in the chemistry of life and the physical laws that govern it, a discipline he’s adopted after having graduated from a bachelor’s of four years. Today, he is discovering the boundless potential of the startup ecosystem.

Reflecting on this transformative journey, Jelmer shares, “I don’t really like the whole big corporation thing, already deciding my career, and working up the ladder.” It was clear that he didn’t want to pursue the ‘one size fits all’ mentality in the corporate world, but rather, contribute to a genuine cause on a smaller scale, “I thought it would be way cooler to join a small team and work from there and not really follow a path that has been laid out but figuring it out on my own.”

Can you describe your role and responsibilities as a student startup scout?

While he initially joined the Student Validation Program, his enthusiasm for a more significant role became evident. He embraced the position of a student startup scout with pride, finding purpose and commitment in this transformative journey, “Students we’ve met through the workshops we’ve hosted had to think of their lives and think about a problem they wanted to solve. And it was really cool to see that they all came up with all kinds of business ideas, all catered towards tackling problems in their own life.” Jelmer has motivated many students to step beyond their usual boundaries and develop their problem-solving abilities through workshops. He encourages them to adopt this solution-oriented approach and envision using it in their own future businesses.

I try to give a lot of examples out of my personal life and why I think that as an entrepreneur you can make this big difference in society and shape the world a little bit towards a more ideal path.

In what ways do you believe your contributions have made an impact on the growth and success of student startups?

In his role as a scout, Jelmer plays a crucial role by connecting students to valuable knowledge and skills. Through interactive sessions, he encourages them to think creatively. His passion for the subject is evident, and his enthusiasm motivates students to explore their entrepreneurial potential. He says, “I provide my personal phone number and offer personal help. It’s a friendly way to introduce them to UtrechtInc. Instead of diving into a big organization with 40 companies, they have someone they know and can ask questions.”

Despite the fact that the students he engages with don’t necessarily have an interest in entrepreneurship, they consistently leave with a positive outlook on the opportunities in this field. Jelmer’s key takeaway is the rich diversity among these budding entrepreneurs, coming from various backgrounds like arts, law, and programming, which, in his view, underscores that entrepreneurship is inclusive and transcends traditional boundaries.

I think in the future, to make a more lasting impact, we would like to not only host these one-time events but maybe integrate UtrechtInc in some university courses.

How did your role as a student startup scout help you improve your personal skills, especially when it comes to engaging with diverse audiences and building connections with people?

Jelmer’s journey as a scout, much like self-discovery, has its challenges. He’s had to find the courage to speak to large audiences and broaden his personal growth. These experiences have not only enhanced his professional skills but have also boosted his confidence. Jelmer reflects on these valuable experiences, saying, “It’s hard to put into words, but I’ve gained insights into how entrepreneurs think and what an entrepreneurial ecosystem is like. This knowledge will undoubtedly help me in the future, whether I want to join a club, a startup, or connect with new people; it will make approaching them easier.”

While he’s been a student startup scout for just a few months, he’s more confident than ever in trying new things. Stepping into unfamiliar territory has taught him the art of embracing new challenges. “For me, the most significant improvement has been in public speaking. I recently had to present in front of about 130 people, something I’d never done before,” Jelmer shares, emphasizing his personal growth. He stresses the importance of persistence in generating and maintaining leads, ultimately encouraging others to take initiative without fear.

A message to future startup scouts from Jelmer himself

What advice would you give to future student startup scouts who are considering joining the UtrechtInc team?

For those considering the path of a student startup scout, Jelmer offers practical advice. He emphasizes the significance of perseverance and building deep connections with people of all backgrounds. “You might need to step out of your comfort zone a bit and take action even when you’re not entirely comfortable with it. It’s a bit like a ‘fake it till you make it’ mindset,” he suggests, acknowledging the enduring impact of sustained enthusiasm and unwavering commitment.

Within the UtrechtInc community, Jelmer’s contributions act as a bridge, fostering the growth of student startups and a sense of togetherness. His strong commitment to helping and guiding individuals in their entrepreneurial journey creates genuine connections that extend beyond the professional sphere. These qualities and experiences enable him to apply his professional skills to other areas of his life.

“Reach out to many people, send numerous emails, and you’ll encounter many rejections, but that’s okay, as long as you keep reaching out,” Jelmer advises future scouts, highlighting the importance of perseverance and outreach in the journey of mentorship and personal growth.

Come inside! Let’s have a chat.

 

Posted October 2023