“Combine world-class academic institutions with a powerful entrepreneurial drive and you get a generation of tech companies that can impact our societal challenges. That’s why we support Faculty of Impact.”
Constantijn van Oranje
Special Envoy, Techleap
What is Faculty of Impact?
Faculty of Impact is a full-time, salaried fellowship that helps you turn breakthrough research into a high-impact business or non-profit. You’ll build something that makes a real difference.
During the fellowship, you receive:
- A two-year salary, so you can commit fully
- A world-class entrepreneurship program covering business, finance, marketing, customer discovery, and team building
- Dedicated mentors to support you through new challenges
- A strong community of fellows who are on the same journey
Who can apply?
Faculty of Impact is open to researchers who:
- Work at a Dutch public research institution, such as a university, university of applied sciences, academic hospital (UMC), or research institute (e.g. TNO or Deltares)
- Have research with clear potential for societal impact
- Are willing to commit full-time for two years to developing that potential
What’s it like to be a fellow?
As a Faculty of Impact fellow, you step out of the lab and into an environment designed to help you build something real. You’ll spend time:
- Testing your ideas with customers and partners
- Learning how to translate research into a viable business or non-profit
- Dedicated mentors and a strong community of fellows to support you through new challenges
“Faculty of Impact combines science and entrepreneurship in a very special way. It stimulates valorisation networks and creates knowledge-intensive start-ups, which we desperately need in the Netherlands.”
Robbert Dijkgraaf
Former Minister of Education, Culture and Science
Is this the right step for you?
You don’t need a finished business plan to apply. You don’t need prior entrepreneurial experience.
What matters is that your research has the potential to make a real difference — and that you’re willing to explore that potential seriously for two years.
Some fellows arrive with a clear plan. Others start with an idea. Both are welcome.
And if things don’t work out, returning to academia remains a viable path — many fellows keep strong ties with their institutions.
