At Faculty of Impact, we believe that groundbreaking science deserves a real place in society. Our fellows don’t just publish papers, they build ventures that solve urgent global challenges.

Faculty of Impact’s program director Frans Nauta shares his views on the new cabinet’s innovation policy, along with his unsolicited advice. His message is clear: we need to create much more space to take valorisation seriously, in whatever form it takes.

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.

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.

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.

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.