Meet the next wave of impact-driven innovators

Carina Nieuwenweg: Reprogramming yeast for a greener future

Carina’s work is all about speed and sustainability. She and her team have developed a CRISPR-based method that dramatically accelerates the engineering of yeast strains to produce high-value plant-based compounds, such as ingredients for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

“Faster development of bio-based alternatives means greener, more resilient production,” she explains.

With a proof of concept already in place, she’s now focused on building a scalable platform with validated pilot projects.

The Faculty of Impact came at just the right time: “We need to transition from academic research to a commercial venture, and this program gives us the time, tools and network to do just that.” For Carina, the best part so far? “Being part of a group of driven peers who share openly and push each other forward. It’s energizing!” She hopes she can contribute to the group by bringing structure and helping with productivity tools, next to cheering others on and sharing a good laugh.

Roland Berdaguer: Fighting crop pests with beneficial microbes

Pests like the potato cyst nematode pose a huge threat to global food production. Roland’s mission? To offer farmers an eco-friendly and science-based solution through a microbial based biocontrol product. Thereby supporting a more resilient and sustainable future for global food production.

Their lab research has already shown strong potential, and a patent is in the works. In two years, Roland aims to have a working prototype and successful greenhouse trials.

“I’ve always wanted to work on something that makes a real, tangible difference,” he says. “This is the perfect moment to take that leap.”

Roland sees Faculty of Impact as a way to gain the entrepreneurial skills and network he needs to turn science into a scalable solution: “I’m diving into a completely new world—and it’s exciting.” He enjoyed meeting the other fellows since they all have exciting business ideas and can learn a lot from each other. Roland will be doing his part by sharing his own experiences and supporting the others in their journey.

Salma Rian: Rethinking Poultry Feeding for People and Planet

What if chickens could eat better—and the planet could benefit too? Salma’s innovation, Hydra Peck, is a wet-feeding system for poultry that improves animal health, increases farmer profits, and reduces the carbon and nitrogen footprint of poultry farming. The higher flexibility in ingredients’ choice will also reduce feed-food competition and energy use, making the sector more sustainable.

Now at TRL5, her goal is to reach TRL7 within two years. “I didn’t want my research to end up in a drawer. I’m ready to unleash the entrepreneur in me and bring this into practice,” Salma says.

She loved the selection process: “It focused on who you are, not just the science—and that matters when building something real.” She expects to learn how to transition from scientist Salma to entrepreneur Salma, and the workshops and support from the Faculty of Impact will help her do just that. As part of the new cohort, she’s inspired by the diverse perspectives, and excited to support others as much as she grows herself: “If I can be a small nutrient in someone else’s success story—then I’ve done my job.”

These three fellows are already showing what’s possible when bold ideas meet the right support. We can’t wait to see how their journeys unfold!

Stay tuned—more stories from this new cohort coming soon.