Ampelmann cofounder and angel investor David Cerda Salzmann enjoys using his knowledge and experience to mentor new start-ups. 'At Faculty of Impact's investor event, you could clearly see that these were people who know a lot about their field. Real academic gems who are being pushed to step out of that ivory tower of science. But who were perhaps being confronted with the business side for the first time.'

Professor Harry van Vliet of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences points out that there is 'definitely potential in our sector’ to participate in the Faculty of Impact programme. Still, applications from universities of applied sciences lag significantly behind those from universities and medical centers. His appeal: we need to move towards a broader definition of impact.

Physics professor Davide Iannuzzi, former chief impact officer at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Faculty of Impact advisory board member, shares his reflections on valorisation, offering a candid and thought-provoking view on what we can do at the national level to better connect science and society.

Kim Poldner, professor at Groningen University with a background as a professor at The Hague and Amsterdam University of Applied Science, ánd as an entrepreneur, believes that impact programmes certainly help to bring the domains of research and entrepreneurship together. However, these programmes are still relatively unknown, particularly at universities of applied sciences.

Biotech Booster CEO Nettie Buitelaar points out how this National Growth Fund programme boosts nation-wide collaboration in the field of life sciences and biotechnology, helping young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into real-world societal and economic impact. She welcomes all initiatives that increase the social impact of Dutch science, stressing the importance of close collaboration with other programmes that aim for the same target, like the Faculty of Impact and the Venture Challenge.

Early-stage investor Thom Frielink (Curie Capital) advises young entrepreneurs to connect with experienced mentors and to always stay critical of their own business. He shares his thoughts on the financing landscape, considering the Faculty of Impact a valuable addition to the Dutch innovation landscape by softening the landing from academia to the private sector.

There is plenty of entrepreneurial spirit at universities of applied sciences, but the impact on the regions could be raised extensively if more students would find a smooth route to the market. In part, this has to do with unfamiliarity with the system of scholarships, Ben Kokkeler of Avans University of Applied Sciences believes.

Anyone who wants to go to market with a promising academic invention can turn to various places for money and support. A frequently heard problem, however, is that the available services in the Netherlands are quite fragmented, and by no means known to everyone. ‘The innovation and valorization landscape would benefit from less segmentation and more cooperation.’

Compared to fifteen years ago, we’ve come a long way with valorization of Dutch scientific research. But, in the opinion of Braventure director Job Nijs, there is still plenty of room for improvement. He is optimistic about the new developments and at the same time advocates sustainable anchoring and a national agenda. ‘We need more role models, and thanks to programs like the Faculty of Impact, they are on their way.’