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
→ Fall cohort will start on November 2. Apply before October 7.

We will 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 hundreds of 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 experts, 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.

Current cohort: Spring 2026

Our Spring Science Validation cohort started in April 2026. You are invited to come to see them pitch at Graduation Day on December 10th.

Upcoming cohort: Fall 2026

Applications are open. You are very much welcome to apply already.

Deadline: 7th of October
Selection: 12th of October
Kick off: 2nd of November
Graduation: June 2027

Our Startups

Meet Hydrominds!

They participated in our science validation program, where they tested and refined their approach with real-world input. We’re excited to see them advance toward piloting their solution with a hydropower company in Nepal.

Check them out here