Utrecht Science Park Café: entrepreneurship at the Utrecht Science Park

The Utrecht Science Park is a breeding ground for entrepreneurs, ranging from startups to scale-ups and established companies. The businesses at the Utrecht Science Park are part of a unique ecosystem, alongside leading knowledge institutions and research institutes. We are also seeing significant growth in employment at companies within the Utrecht Science Park. Recent research by BCI shows that employment at R&D companies has grown by 76% in recent years (almost three times the average growth in the municipality of Utrecht).

Several start-ups and scale-up companies shared their stories this afternoon and updated us on relevant developments within their businesses, as well as the added value of the ecosystem at Utrecht Science Park. Cora Frijters, Director of Operations at the Incubator Utrecht Foundation, opened the evening and spoke about the developments within the Life Sciences Incubator, where innovative start-ups and scale-ups are based.

The speakers

Robert Vries, CEO HUB Organoids, told us about the company’s growth, including its recent acquisition by Merck. HUB Organoids is the global leader in adult stem cell-derived organoids (mini organs). With this technology, it is possible to study in advance how patients will respond to treatments, as this has already been studied in the lab with the organoids. HUB thus closes the gap between the laboratory and the clinic. The acquisition by Merck allows HUB Organoids to expand services and accelerate drug development.

Marco D’Agata, CEO en founder Neolook, shared the story of the company, which specialises in advanced video technologies to focus on and provide clinical insights into neonatal and paediatric intensive care. Neolook originated at Philips, later becoming an independent company to specialise in this field, and is now part of UtrechtInc. The demand for healthcare is increasing, while the ageing population puts pressure on the system. Even the smallest patients are not immune to this. Neolook develops (AI) technologies that make healthcare more efficient, addressing the needs of both doctors and parents of critically ill children.

Next Ton Logtenberg, CEO en co-founder van Gyes, took the floor. Gyes is a science-driven biotech company focused on developing medicines targeting antibodies for cancer, immune diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Ton emphasised the optimistic and proactive mindset, which is crucial within the company, where focusing on solutions, having courage, and regularly taking risks play a significant role. Additionally, the company is actively hiring many young starters, who bring innovative ideas and, ultimately, have the potential to lead the way.

A vibrant ecosystem and valuable collaborations

We look back on an inspiring afternoon with many interesting stories and insights into the developments of various entrepreneurs at the Utrecht Science Park.

The added value of the vibrant ecosystem at the Utrecht Science Park was emphasised. This results in the building of a valuable network, from which new collaborations between companies and knowledge and healthcare institutions regularly emerge.

About the location Life Sciences Incubator

The building of the Life Sciences Incubator is located on Yalelaan at Utrecht Science Park. It provides space for emerging entrepreneurs, particularly in the field of biotechnology. Companies can make use of various facilities, including office spaces and laboratories. Furthermore, the combination of different companies under one roof creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking.