This April, three remarkable researcher-entrepreneurs joined the Faculty of Impact with bold visions to transform their scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. From next-generation cancer therapies to sustainable flame retardant materials, these fellows are tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges, and they are doing so with ambition, creativity, and a strong entrepreneurial drive. Meet Amber, Alsya and Ali.

This April, three remarkable researcher-entrepreneurs joined the Faculty of Impact with bold visions to transform their scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. From next-generation cancer therapies to sustainable flame retardant materials, these fellows are tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges, and they are doing so with ambition, creativity, and a strong entrepreneurial drive. Meet Amber, Alsya and Ali.

We’re delighted to share that this month NWO has announced the seventeen fellows selected for our fourth cohort. They will start their Faculty of Impact journey in March.

Upcoming events (Oct 2024–Feb 2025) include major AI, tech, and startup conferences like World Summit AI, DPW, Web Summit, Slush, and sector-focused investor summits in Amsterdam, Lisbon, Helsinki, Utrecht, and beyond—plus monthly online webinars on EU funding, IP, and startup support.

Faculty of Impact has welcomed new fellows who are turning science into real-world solutions: a mood-boosting fermented food bar, sustainable battery electrolytes, and affordable tactile displays for the (deaf)blind.

Margrethe Jonkman, Chair of VU Amsterdam, stresses that innovation needs stronger investment and scaling, warning that without a well-stocked pipeline of ideas and talent, the Netherlands risks falling behind. She champions the Faculty of Impact as a vital instrument but argues it must grow far beyond its current scale to truly deliver societal and economic returns.

Rebecca Saive, Professor of Applied Physics at the University of Twente and successful entrepreneur, argues that scientists shouldn’t have to choose between research and entrepreneurship—both can and should go hand in hand. She highlights the Faculty of Impact program as a vital step in bridging funding gaps and enabling researchers to translate innovations into real societal impact.

Hoss Karimi, Faculty of Impact alumnus, founded CarbonsAI to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint using AI and industrial waste. Backed by TU Eindhoven and a strong team, he’s turning deep-tech research into scalable climate impact.

Meet Carina, Roland, and Salma—three new Faculty of Impact fellows turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions. From sustainable yeast and microbial crop protection to climate-smart poultry feed, their ventures are set to make waves.

Exciting opportunities ahead! From deep-tech summits to startup accelerators, the coming months are packed with must-attend events. Whether you're looking to pitch, network, or gain insights from industry leaders, these events will help you connect and grow. Check out the full list below!