PHASE 1 • VALIDATION

Turn your research into a market-ready business.

You’ve done the science. Now find out if the world needs it. Our Science Validation program helps researchers, scientists and doctors at Utrecht institutions test their ideas in the market — for free, part-time, over 8 months.

→ 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 Science Validation Program is a free, 8-month part-time program for researchers, scientists and doctors. It’s designed for people with a research-based idea who want to find out whether there’s a real market for it – without quitting their job to do so.

Expect one to two half-days per month: masterclasses, one-on-one coaching, peer sessions and events. You’ll leave with a validated business case, a stronger network, and a clear picture of 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

Team development

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

Value proposition design

Work through your customer problem, solution fit, and commercial model with hands-on facilitation.

Startup network

Access to a community of 430+ UtrechtInc startups, industry experts and potential co-founders.

Pitch practice

Regular sessions to sharpen how you tell your story to customers, partners and investors.

Mentorship & coaching

One-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and executives, plus peer sessions with fellow founders.

Coworking space

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

Lab space (via ICAT)

Fully equipped shared lab for tissue engineering, biomaterials, histology, microscopy, cell analysis, viral vectors, cell expansion and 3D/bioprinting.

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

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.

ProgramsScience validation