Connecting academia and entrepreneurship to create impact
Groningen, Northern Netherlands, February 28, 2025 – Innovators, business leaders, and community leader gathered at Kadijk 4, Groningen, to mark the launch of Innokite’s newly upgraded incubator space. This milestone strengthens the connection between academic research and entrepreneurship, providing a vital stepping stone for early-stage startups.
From research to real-world solutions
As a business incubator closely linked to the University of Groningen, Innokite empowers researchers and entrepreneurs to transform groundbreaking discoveries into practical solutions.
“Our mission is simple – help entrepreneurs take flight,” said Richard Rushby, Head of Innokite. “By supporting knowledge-intensive ventures, we’re not only addressing global challenges but also fostering regional economic growth.”
The event highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship in innovation and societal progress, showcasing how incubators like Innokite offer the necessary tools, mentorship, and community to help early-stage companies succeed.
Entrepreneurship as a catalyst for change
Starting a company isn’t just about business—it’s about tackling real-world problems, driving technological advancements, and ensuring knowledge contributes to meaningful progress.
From sustainable energy to medical breakthroughs, startups are leading change across industries. By fostering deep-tech and research-driven ventures, Innokite provides a launchpad for academic expertise to create tangible impact.
“Too often, promising research remains within academic walls due to a lack of entrepreneurial skills or funding,” said Hans Biemans, board member of the University of Groningen. “Innokite acts as a launchpad, harnessing the winds of collaboration and innovation to lift scientific breakthroughs beyond academia and create real societal impact.”
The challenges of science-based startups
Turning academic research into a thriving business comes with unique challenges, as highlighted by Mariska van der Hoek, founder of modAlgae. Her company develops microalgae-derived glycogen for skincare, offering enhanced hydration and anti-aging benefits compared to traditional ingredients.
“Launching a knowledge-intensive startup isn’t easy,” Van der Hoek explained. “It’s not just about having an interesting product; you must overcome long R&D cycles, funding hurdles, and market fit challenges. But with a strong community, collaboration, and perseverance, the impact is transformative.”
Incubators like Innokite help bridge the gap between the lab and the market, equipping founders with entrepreneurial skills and connecting them with a strong support network through:
- Incubation – Refining ideas, validating concepts, and building strong teams with the right skills.
- Acceleration Bursts – Short and focused sprints to tackle market entry and scaling challenges.
- Community & Network – Opportunities to collaborate with investors, experts, and peers.
Additionally, Business Generator Groningen provides expertise in intellectual property and commercialization, ensuring research-driven startups have the right strategies to succeed.
A hub for innovation and growth
More than just a workspace, Innokite’s incubator fosters a collaborative community where founders support and inspire one another. Kadijk 4 is set to become a key innovation hub in the Northern Netherlands, empowering the next generation of scientist-entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.
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Want to join the incubator and be part of the future of knowledge-driven innovation? Apply now and turn challenges into stepping stones!
