VU opens startup hub for science-based entrepreneurship
This month, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam officially opened its new VU StartHub facilitates in the heart of its Zuidas campus. The sustainably built pavilion is open to students, employees, and alumni who want to bring their business ideas to life. The only condition? Their company must put something good into the world.
Connecting academic and business expertise
This unique collaboration allows young entrepreneurs to be inspired and tap into the VU’s extensive network of alumni and partners. Startups are welcome at all stages of conception: from proving concepts in the Demonstrator Lab to accessing the Mentoring Pool for advice.
Director of VU StartHub, Hans Drenth, is one of the driving forces behind this initiative and stresses the importance of connecting science and business: "Entrepreneurship is in the DNA of VU Amsterdam. We wouldn't exist without it. And I think every organisation should embrace it. Studies show that entrepreneurship is not just a skill people are born with, but that it can be learned to a large extent. A university education proves to be a great success factor. And besides, companies that get their start at a university can translate scientific insights into innovative applications."
Joining a network of changemakers
VU StartHub takes its place among a network of Amsterdam incubators and accelerators focused on furthering society. In Science Park, ACE Incubator and Startup Village have both seen great success in cultivating conscientious companies that bridge the gap between science and business. This close-knit ecosystem of academic and business talent with a focus on social good creates an atmosphere where innovations such as using AI to aid practitioners in the ICU can be put into practice. Amsterdam is truly a city that supports and inspires innovation.
Learn more about the startup community in Amsterdam.
