Utrecht Science Park Café: entrepreneurship at the Utrecht Science Park
On Monday 31 March, the Utrecht Science Park Café was all about entrepreneurship at the Utrecht Science Park, in the beautiful Life Sciences Incubator (LSI) building.
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.
Rhabdoid tumor cells targeted through their building blocks
PhD candidate Marjolein Kes has identified new therapeutic targets for the treatment of rhabdoid tumors (MRT). In the laboratory, Kes found that inhibiting the production of DNA building blocks slows the division of tumor cells and can even cause them to disappear. These findings form the basis for the development of a new clinical study. Yesterday, she received her PhD from Utrecht University.
Health Starts in the Community, Not in the Hospital
A person’s health is shaped by more than access to medical care. Factors such as income, housing, stress, social environment, and access to essential services all play an important role. That is why researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and residents are working together to reduce health inequalities and create healthier communities.
Heineken Young Scientists Award for Miguel Leung
Miguel Leung, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute since 2024, has been awarded the Heineken Young Scientists Award 2026. This award recognizes young researchers who have made outstanding scientific achievements, setting an example for other young scientists. With his research group at the Hubrecht Institute, Miguel Leung investigates the 3D structure of protein complexes, tiny machines at work inside each of our cells. The group focuses on highly specialized cells that perform specific functions, such as sperm and egg cells.
Opening Utrecht Science Week with keynote by Juliette Legler on the hidden influence of environmental chemicals
On Friday, September 25, the annual science festival ‘Utrecht Science Week’ kicks off once again at Utrecht Science Park. We are pleased to announce that this year, Prof. Dr. Ir. Juliette Legler will deliver the Utrecht Science Lecture. Juliette Legler is Professor of Toxicology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University and leads the ‘One Health Toxicology’ group at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS).