A former carpentry workshop on the Houtwerf in Nijmegen is buzzing with ideas. Since November 2022, the Nijmegen Entrepreneurship Lab (OLN) has been based here: an initiative of the Entrepreneurship and Retail Management (ORM) programme and the ‘Promising Entrepreneurship’ research group at HAN University of Applied Sciences. OLN connects enterprising students, lecturers and researchers with SME entrepreneurs and other initiators to collaborate on smart, clean and social solutions for the Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen Region.
The Economic Board spoke to Marteyn Roes, who has been working at HAN for 20 years as a senior lecturer in Entrepreneurship and a relationship manager. He was closely involved in setting up the lab.
“The lab brings together different groups in a multidisciplinary way. In this way, we help one another tackle current challenges such as sustainability, digitalisation, AI and financing — with a particular focus on SME entrepreneurs and initiators (associations, foundations or student start-ups).”
“We didn’t want to stay within the walls of the university,” says Marteyn. “It is precisely by being out amongst the entrepreneurs that genuine connections and collaboration are forged.” “That’s why we’re not only active in Nijmegen, but since November 2024 also in Arnhem city centre, with a second OndernemersLab location in partnership with the local council, StartClub Arnhem and ROC Rijn-IJssel.” 
A place for everyone with an entrepreneurial question
The OLN is low-threshold and accessible. Whether you are a student with a business idea, an SME entrepreneur with a challenge, or an initiator who wants to make an impact - everyone with an entrepreneurial issue is welcome.
"We offer advice, brainstorm, organise meetings and connect people to knowledge and networks," says Marteyn. "And the great thing is: there is no charge for an initial advice or participation in our inspiration sessions."
Participants receive more than just advice. They are inspired by real-world examples, paired with students conducting research into their specific challenge, and supported in identifying next steps. Based on an initial assessment, the Entrepreneurship Lab matches the person facing the business challenge with experts, coaches, students, researchers or other entrepreneurs with relevant knowledge and expertise.
“We offer a fresh perspective and help you explore opportunities and the next steps you can take,” says Marteyn. “And if we can’t tackle it ourselves, we look within HAN or the regional network for a suitable solution.”
Morning inspiration that works
One example is the Entrepreneurs’ Lab’s AI breakfast sessions. These have now become a regular fixture in both Nijmegen and Arnhem. More and more SME entrepreneurs are deliberately choosing to attend these morning sessions.
“We noticed that many SME entrepreneurs no longer return to the city in the evenings,” says Marteyn. “But in the morning, with a cup of coffee, breakfast and an inspiring session, the barrier to attendance is much lower.”
During these sessions, SME entrepreneurs discover what AI can mean for their business model and operations. Through a mix of inspiration, practical examples and direct interaction with students, they gain insight into complex developments in an accessible way. “Afterwards, we often hear people say: ‘I can really put this to good use,’” says Marteyn.
Innovations that make a difference
The EntrepreneursLab is not only a place for advice and cooperation - it is also a stage and showcase for innovative entrepreneurship in the region. This is where innovative ideas take their first steps, supported by students and experts.
For example, a student entrepreneur from the ORM programme developed the ‘Plantable Solutions’ concept, which uses plants to purify the air. One of the first innovations is the ‘groeikabel®’, an efficient climbing support system for green façades.
“His family has a great deal of knowledge about plants and air quality,” says Marteyn. “We put him in touch with Wageningen University and local entrepreneurs. This has yielded valuable insights and led to the production of his plant system.”
Another example is JiTiBa Algae Technologies, founded by HAN alumnus Bas Emaus, who aims to purify water using algae and thereby tackle the nitrogen crisis. In October 2025, this earned him the title of ‘Most Innovative Student in the Netherlands’. The prototype of a vibrating vest fitted with sensors — an alternative to guide dogs for the blind — was also researched here.
“Many healthcare innovations fail because they don’t fit in with real-world practice,” explains Marteyn. “We help start-ups to validate their ideas and increase their chances of success.”
In addition, the lab hosts exhibitions such as the Pop-up Innovation Gallery, where regional innovations are showcased and discussed with students and visitors. This creates a dynamic environment centred on learning, testing and improvement.
Enterprising students make regional impact
Currently, four HAN graduates from the ORM and Communication and Multimedia Design programmes are applying their knowledge to meaningful projects in the region through their final-year projects.
Sem Verhoeven is investigating how the centre of Elst can become more inclusive for people with disabilities and older people, on behalf of Overbetuwe Municipality. His part of the project focuses on how SME entrepreneurs in Elst can implement this vision as an opportunity. “I want to help entrepreneurs make their shop environments more accessible,” says Sem.
Cas Egging is project leader of the Think Tank Days, during which students and SME entrepreneurs can drop in weekly without an appointment to brainstorm with researchers, business advisers and coaches. “We want to create a regular meeting place where collaboration happens naturally,” says Cas. Every student, SME entrepreneur and initiative leader is warmly welcome at the entrepreneurship lab on Tuesdays in Nijmegen and on Fridays in Arnhem.
Marijn Hefferscheid is the project leader and is developing the annual programme ‘Entrepreneurs for the Future’. This initially focuses on further scaling up inspiring sessions on digitalisation and AI. However, as we recognise that SME entrepreneurs face a wider range of challenges, he wants to expand this to include other themes. “We want to make SME entrepreneurs more future-proof,” explains Marijn. “Not just to inspire them, but also to guide them towards concrete next steps.”
Gianna Rijpma is a content designer and is working on a communication project centred on the introduction of zero-emission zones in Arnhem. Over the past two years, various studies into zero-emission zones have been launched through the entrepreneur labs. As part of this, students engaged in dialogue with SME entrepreneurs and other stakeholders — not from a position of threat, but in search of opportunities. “Many SME entrepreneurs are not yet able to fully grasp the long-term consequences,” says Gianna. “I want to inform them and motivate them to take action in good time.”
Following our conversation with these students, one thing is crystal clear: the OndernemersLab believes that investing in human capital pays off in the long term. By actively connecting students with SME entrepreneurs, innovators and local authorities seeking innovative solutions, this creates valuable impact not only within Lifeport but also beyond. The innovations and ideas developed here extend beyond the region: they strengthen the Netherlands and contribute to international impact. It is inspiring to see how young talent and local entrepreneurs are working together to build solutions that really make a difference — locally, nationally and internationally.
Are you an entrepreneur in Lifeport?
Do you have a question, an idea or a challenge? Feel free to pop into the Entrepreneurs’ Lab on Tuesdays at the Nijmegen location (Hatertseweg 23) or on Fridays at the Arnhem location (Bovenbeekstraat 10).
"Do come along and get inspired," says Marteyn. "We want to strengthen the region - by working together, sharing knowledge and helping each other move forward. We are a place where ideas grow, people strengthen each other and where the future of entrepreneurship takes shape."
More information:
The Entrepreneurship Lab: www.han.nl/oln
Plantable Solutions: https://plantablesolutions.com/
JiTiBa Algae Technologies:
These are the Netherlands’ most innovative students of 2025! – Innovate
Entrepreneurship and Retail Management programme:
https://www.han.nl/opleidingen/hbo/ondernemerschap-retail-management/voltijd/
Communication and Multimedia Design programme:
https://www.han.nl/opleidingen/hbo/communication-multimedia-design/voltijd/
The dynamic times facing SMEs.
https://hmr.nl/magazines/hmr-214-dynamische-tijden-in-het-mkb/
