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.
Biotech companies at Utrecht Science Park Genmab and Merus join forces
The Danish-Dutch biotech company Genmab is acquiring its Dutch counterpart Merus. Both companies have their main facilities next to each other at Utrecht Science Park. Genmab is paying $8 billion (€6.8 billion) for its neighbor, thereby acquiring a promising experimental drug for head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer.
UMC Utrecht develops 3D-printed mold for better treatment of nasal cancer
Researchers at UMC Utrecht have developed an innovative 3D printed mold that makes nasal cancer treatment more accurate and patient-friendly. Thanks to the customized mold, tumors can be irradiated more precisely. This results in less damage to surrounding tissue and faster recovery.
Utrecht Science Park takes a step towards greater liveability with the help of Community Builders
To improve the quality of life and social cohesion at Utrecht Science Park, residents and partners are launching the “Springlevend Utrecht Science Park” program, which will recruit Community Builders from among apartment residents. The Community Builders will promote connection, participation, and neighborhood development. They will do this, in part, by establishing and managing a local meeting space. The housing boards at Utrecht Science Park took an important first step in this direction in May of last year, and this is now being followed up.
Experience Utrecht Science Week, register now
From Friday, September 26th to Sunday, October 5th, Utrecht Science Week takes place. Utrecht Science Park will open its doors to everyone interested in (applied) science. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to discover groundbreaking science and world-class innovation. Registration is free.