H2&GC Ideation Labs: from scientific idea to commercial plan

The green hydrogen and chemistry (H2&GC) sector has a strong demand for innovative technological solutions. However, many valuable scientific discoveries never make it into society. Research groups often lack the capacity and support to bridge this gap. Entrepreneurial students within universities can be a key solution, eager to bring these technologies to the market. In a smart, short-term programme, Ideation Labs bring both groups together: researchers focus on the science and technological development, while students, supported by coaches and workshops, explore the societal and commercial potential.

H2&GC Ideation Labs: objectives and actions

Over a three-year period, three national H2&GC Ideation Labs will be organised, open to all research and knowledge institutions in the Netherlands. The aim is to valorise 45 H2&GC research results, train over 100 potential entrepreneurs, develop 20 H2&GC start-ups, and collaborate with all interested universities.

At the core of the programme is the early identification of potential applications and market opportunities within research processes. Scientists are scouted and inspired to think out of the box about applications, and matched with students.

Another key pillar is collaboration: the threshold for valorisation is lowered because researchers only need to commit one hour per week to the programme, thanks to the efforts of the students—who in turn gain first-hand experience with the initial steps of entrepreneurship.

The programme then focuses on rapidly turning ideas into tangible results, supported by workshops, coaching sessions and a digital knowledge library for entrepreneurs. Over the course of five months, students explore different market applications, learn the essentials of scientific entrepreneurship, and build a relevant network in the industry.

Results

The project will be considered successful if at least 75% of the above-mentioned objectives are achieved. The impact is expected to continue beyond the project’s end. By scaling up and optimising the programme, the cost per case can be reduced. The results achieved within the GVNL programme will also provide valuable evidence to attract additional public and private funding, enabling the programme to become recurring.

Ultimately, the aim is to establish a strong national ecosystem in the H2&GC sector. This will include strengthened links with research institutions for joint valorisation efforts, a wide network of ambassadors actively scouting future participants (both students and researchers), and an industry network to share relevant insights and potentially co-finance future Ideation Labs.

The H2&GC Ideation Labs consortium

The consortium partners are: Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, University of Twente, Founded (Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe regions), Radboud University, Utrecht University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Maastricht University, Tilburg University, Saxion University of Applied Sciences.