Mercator Launch is the central hub for knowledge-intensive start-ups in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region. The organisation understands the expertise required to launch an innovative business. This makes it the ideal partner for budding entrepreneurs with a new, science-based idea.
This year, Mercator Launch is celebrating its fifth anniversary and is entering a new phase. What will this new phase look like? We’ll be discussing this with Rob Groenendaal (Business Coach at Mercator Launch) and Andreas Huvenaars (Venture Acceleration Manager at Radboud University and Briskr).
Innovation plays a key role in our thriving region. That is why Mercator Launch offers a springboard for science-based start-ups to turn their dreams into reality.
Groenendaal explains: “At Mercator Launch, entrepreneurship comes first. We support budding entrepreneurs and give them the space to make mistakes. We launched in 2018, in partnership with Radboudumc, Radboud University and the Arnhem and Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences (HAN). Because we have a great deal of entrepreneurial experience within our team, we know what it’s like to be in the shoes of a budding entrepreneur.”
“How did we go about it? Accessibility was the key. We wanted to make it as easy as possible for budding entrepreneurs to get the right support, for example in the form of business coaching or guidance on securing the right funding. Enthusiasm quickly took hold, and we’re now a fully-fledged incubator. In the ‘discovery track’, we work with start-ups to assess whether their idea is sound enough, and in the ‘venture track’, we focus on how to bring that idea to market. Of course, we also want to continue supporting start-ups beyond the initial phase. We have now incubated more than 100 start-ups, and now is the time to take a step towards professionalisation.”
One of the steps in this professionalisation process is the arrival of Huvenaars.
Bridge builder for tech start-ups
Huvenaars has recently taken up the role of Venture Acceleration Manager. What exactly does that involve? Huvenaars explains with great enthusiasm: “I look at the technological innovations in the region, and together with the creators of these innovations, I work out what they need to get off to the right start. So whether you’re a student still tinkering with an idea in your loft, or a scientist with a groundbreaking invention: if you’re looking for a sparring partner in the field of technological innovation, I’m the person you’re looking for!”
That makes sense, as Huvenaars has a strong affinity with the subject area and extensive professional experience in the technology sector. “I find technology truly fascinating,” says Huvenaars. “I love seeing what possibilities exist and how those possibilities can change lives.”
As an alumnus of Eindhoven University of Technology and with entrepreneurial experience gained from running his own start-up in the high-tech sector, Huvenaars knows how it all works. “The great thing about my career is that I have a broad understanding of the sector. That’s why I can identify start-ups with potential and guide them in the right direction. I know better than anyone what life is like for a budding tech entrepreneur. In the early stages, there’s a lot to take into account, such as legislation, regulations and ethical issues. The ultimate success of a start-up depends not only on the innovation, but also on the people behind that innovation.”
“My strength lies in forging connections. I build bridges between different engineers and disciplines, ensuring that everyone is pulling in the same direction. Particularly at university level, people are often trained within a specific discipline. This can sometimes make it difficult to gauge how others see things. In technology in particular, it is important that all stakeholders share the same goal.”
Huvenaars is a key figure in the broad, regional start-up ecosystem. For instance, he is active with the private accelerator Imec.istart, and works for Briskr and Radboud University. This enables him to continue supporting start-ups even after the initial phase. “After an incubator programme at Mercator Launch, we want to continue guiding start-ups. Because I’m right at the heart of the region and involved with several organisations, I can ensure a seamless journey – from budding entrepreneur to successful scale-up.”
A new phase
Over the past five years, Mercator Launch has grown from a skills development programme into a fully-fledged incubator. “We have evolved into an environment where we guide start-ups through the various phases. This means we now offer a comprehensive range of services for start-ups.”
According to Huvenaars, strong regional collaboration is key to this. “With all the organisations in the region working well together – such as Imec.istart, Briskr and Radboud University – we now have the foundation to build an ecosystem where start-ups can truly get the best out of themselves. That’s something I’m really looking forward to!”
And dreams for the future? There are those too. “We want to become a central hub for knowledge-intensive start-ups in the region. Particularly in the fields of tech, health and social impact. We’re also entering a new phase ourselves, in which we’re significantly raising the quality of our programme. In this way, we want to provide innovative start-ups with the right foundation on their path to success. We train start-ups and ensure they leave with sufficient knowledge. But even after that, we want to continue supporting them by collaborating with our regional partners. If we can share the success stories of our start-ups, that in turn acts as a magnet for new talent and ideas,” says Groenendaal.
Huvenaars concludes: “If we as a region want to achieve the position we dream of, we need to set modesty aside. If we as a region can create a streamlined ecosystem for start-ups, we can really make a difference.”
Would you like more information? Then please get in touch with Mercator Launch!
