Ideation Labs accelerate innovation in green hydrogen and chemistry

The Netherlands faces the challenge of transitioning to a sustainable energy system. Hydrogen and green chemistry play a key role in this transition. However, many opportunities for breakthrough innovations remain untapped because the gap between science and society is often too wide.

From researcher to entrepreneur

With the H2&GC Ideation Labs programme, developed by TU Delft, we aim to translate groundbreaking research results into promising start-ups in the green hydrogen and chemistry sector. In the labs, scientists and entrepreneurial students come together. Researchers focus on research and technological development, while students explore the societal and commercial potential.

Five-month trajectories

The programme is designed to quickly convert ideas into tangible outcomes, supported by workshops, coaching sessions, and a digital knowledge library for entrepreneurs. Over a period of five months, students explore different market applications, learn the ins and outs of scientific entrepreneurship, and build a relevant industry network.

Open to all research and knowledge institutions

Over three years, three national H2&GC Ideation Labs will be carried out, open to all research and knowledge institutions in the Netherlands. The aim is to valorise 45 H2&GC research results, train more than 100 potential entrepreneurs, develop 20 H2&GC start-ups, and collaborate with all interested universities. The ambition is to build a strong national ecosystem so that the programme continues structurally after three years, co-funded by public and private partners.

“Something truly unique and valuable”

One Ideation Lab in Delft has already been carried out around the theme of hydrogen and electrochemistry. “The enthusiasm from the ecosystem – researchers, students, and other stakeholders in Delft and the rest of the Netherlands – confirms that we are creating something truly unique and valuable,” says Gerard van Smeden, programme leader of Impact Studio, TU Delft’s pre-start-up programme. “By rolling out a multi-year programme on a national scale in the coming period, we can make an even greater impact.”

Leader in green hydrogen and chemistry

With the H2&GC Ideation Labs programme, GroenvermogenNL aims to contribute to a strong, innovative, and competitive Dutch hydrogen and chemistry sector and to position the Netherlands as a leader in sustainable technology. Van Smeden: “Ideation Labs can help ensure that the necessary innovations are actually applied. My hope is that this will happen on a global scale, with Dutch start-ups and scale-ups as the driving force.”

Watch the video featuring participants of the labs.