We are enormously proud that Mark Ommert, alumnus and former colleague of the Aviation Technology programme at Inholland University of Applied Sciences Delft, has been nominated for the prestigious Prins Friso Ingenieursprijs. Meanwhile, he is even one of the three finalists! This prize, awarded by the Royal Institute of Engineers (KIVI), is intended for engineers whose innovative work makes a significant contribution to both their profession and society.

An impressive career
Mark is still young, but already has a multifaceted career behind him. Immediately after his studies, he gained valuable experience at sustainable aviation startups and played a key role in the development of the electric Dragonfly by Inholland. His experience is broad: from structural design and aeroelasticity to electric propulsion systems for aircraft. As co-founder and Engineering Manager of the Inholland Electric Flight Lab, Mark has made a crucial contribution to the development of electric aircraft. Over the past five years, he has worked closely with more than 200 students and teachers from Inholland Delft on innovative research and education for sustainable aviation. His work is bringing the certification and market introduction of sustainable aviation technology ever closer.

Towards sustainable aviation
Mark currently works as Project Manager at the Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG), where the Dutch ecosystem is helping in the transition to sustainable aviation. Because, as Mark himself says: ‘We really need to start flying more quietly and cleaner.’ His mission is clear: to inspire young engineers, strengthen industry cooperation and bring innovative technologies to market faster. His work has contributed to greater recognition for sustainability initiatives in aviation. He has also connected knowledge, promoted cooperation and helped position the Dutch ecosystem within the international aviation sector. Think industry, knowledge and educational institutions and government. As aviation is international, it is crucial to position the Dutch ecosystem globally to achieve societal impact, including more earning power and jobs for the Netherlands.

Lukas Warnecke (21) is an Information Technology student in Haarlem. He moved from Germany to the Netherlands and works on his own start-up which helps tenants check their rental contracts via AI.

New challenges make my energy more flowing
“I would say, I’m a team player. I like working with people, having different tasks and new people around me. New challenges make my energy more flowing than when I do repetitive stuff. Also working in a group, where we can discuss ideas, makes it more fun for me."

“When I enter a room I like to go to people and talk to them. I ask a lot of questions and also share my ideas with them. Other perspectives give me valuable insights.”

"After my high school I started working at a marketing agency and later I decided to go travel and have seen many beautiful places in the world. But, a bit surprising maybe, the USA catches me the most even I know that this country is far from perfect. Their view on innovation is very unique and so different comparing Germany for example. You see, for almost every future problem there are technical people needed. If you make use of it in the right way, it will speed up innovation in a variety of fields.”

AI will democratize a lot of things
“When I worked in the marketing agency, I liked working with the people. But the work itself wasn’t fulfilling enough. I want to work with real problems that could help people. On a personal level."

“I’m working on a start up idea which is a chatbot for Dutch law where people can upload their rental and tenancy agreements for a check if the landlord is violating.”

“And if AI find some violating, it can create a letter that is signed by a lawyer and can be sent from the customer to the landlord and the huurcommissie. So it can help you get rent lowering or get stuff fixed in your house faster.”

"Most people that have troubles with their landlords or general with the law, don’t actually make use of their rights because it’s time consuming and costly to have an advocate working for you. People get annoyed by that, so that makes it a real problem for me to solve. For example my solution is able to scan a lot of text in just a few seconds. So we can decrease the amount of time and put that into the solution. I want to focus on tenancy law at the beginning and then expand into more areas. At the end I think that AI will democratize a lot of stuff and law is just one of them.”

Making law accessible
"I want to make the law more accessible to people that don't have the financial abilities to pay for a lawyer. No cure no pay. That’s an important starting point for me. To build and execute my idea I need on the lookout for like-minded partners. In the beginning mostly technical people who can build and train the chatbot. But definitely I need to reach out to lawyers to discuss the idea and discover how it can also benefit their work. I need to get a team together who is also convinced about the idea of democratizing law and especially that large language model in law will be huge. If they are convinced about that, and committed to work on the solution, then I like to onboard them.”

Start prototyping
“I joined the Start program of Start Up Campus Haarlem since September. Being surrounded by others who are developing an idea is valuable. This combined with the different workshops given by experts is very nice. I learned that my idea is full with assumptions. It’s good to know different ways to validate your ideas. Recently I joined the Inholland Pitch Battle, which was organized in Amsterdam. I got the opportunity to join because I’m a participant of SUCH. These benefits are useful as a student, especially as an international student like me."

“If you are walking around with an business idea in your mind, I would say: go to SUCH! You’ll find different ideas, people, industries and studies combined in one room. Basically it comes down to networking. During the pitch battle I came across a girl from a different school and she told me she knows somebody in law but who is also interested in technology. She suggested to introduce me. You see, if I didn’t decide to join the pitch battle, this opportunity would have never crossed my path.”

"In tech I’ve noticed that if you go to an event, having a working prototype is key. If you can show things, then you have real stuff to talk about and that will help to get things rolling. So start prototyping.”

Kosisochukwu Ozougwu (23) is an Information Technology student in Haarlem who moved from Nigeria to Ukraine to study medicines. Due to the war, she ended up in the Netherlands. Now she starts her own baking company with authentic pastries.

Keep on looking at the bigger picture
“As a young professional, I embody enthusiasm, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of learning. I thrive on challenging myself and venturing into uncharted territory. My journey began in Nigeria, where I got the opportunity to study medicine in Ukraine—an opportunity I embraced wholeheartedly."

"However, life took an unexpected turn due to the war, altering my plans. Undeterred, I made the decision to relocate to the Netherlands. Adaptability became my ally as I persevered through changing circumstances. Whether as a young professional or a student, I remain resilient, always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Success hinges on the ideas I aspire to achieve through my business and life endeavors. Learning, I've discovered, extends far beyond formal education. It encompasses self-education, life experiences, and even Bible studies. These diverse sources have enriched my understanding and shaped my path forward.”

Add something different to the table
“I’m on a journey to start a company that combines my passion and hobbies. The passion for baking and cooking has been something that has been going around in my family for a long time. I got the opportunity to travel to different countries and have been tasting different pastries. It didn’t give me the authentic flavor of how I’m used to from my country. Not saying that the pastries here are not good, but I just want to offer and add something different to the table."

"So, I started experimenting with infusing cultural flavors and innovative techniques. I make muffins, cookies, samosas, minced pies, banana bread and carrot cake. I’ve noticed that most people suffer from a lot of sickness because of the things they eat and their eating habits. As a fitness enthusiast, I make sure that all my products are made with high-quality ingredients. I prioritize wholesome, high-quality components to ensure the pastries are not only delicious but also nourishing. While I’m also exploring vegan alternatives because I’ve seen a growing demand for plant-based options.”

No matter how small, just start
“Starting my own business had always been a dream for me. I never got the opportunity to start it because I wanted to know more about entrepreneurship and finance. Through Inholland, I stumbled upon an advertisement regarding the Start Up Campus Haarlem. With the many experiences and different adventures life has thrown at me. I decided to take the risk to join. First and foremost, starting my own business helps me to make an impact (unique offerings). Secondly for flexibility and independence. Through my food, I’m able to unite different cultures and to inspire other young entrepreneurs who are looking to start something different. Even in the smallest Idea, believe in the unique value you can bring to the world, validate it, and gradually build upon it.”

Make people feel seen and appreciated
“When customers engage with me, I hope they perceive authenticity and craftsmanship. I want them to taste, experience, and savor the care, skill, and passion that go into each creation. By letting my creations speak, I aim to demonstrate my authenticity and reliability. As Maya Angelou (writer and civil rights activist) wisely said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ In my customer relationships, I strive to make people feel seen and appreciated. My desire to help others also stems from my Christian beliefs."

"In addition to running my baking company, I organize live faith discussion events for young adults and women. We explore themes relevant to our generation, including religion, science, technology, relationships, love, emotional intelligence, and mental health. I firmly believe that God works through human beings to assist others, motivating me to extend help wherever I can.”

Success is not final and failure is not fatal
"I enrolled in the Start programme at Start Up Campus Haarlem in February 2024. SUCH provided a platform where I learned about business ethics and behavior in the Netherlands, enhancing my cultural fluency and communication skills. Handling finances, optimizing resources, and making informed decisions can be challenging for young people, but SUCH helped me navigate these areas.

Entrepreneurship begins with a vision—an idea or dream. My advice to fellow students is to believe in their vision, start Small, dream big and learn from their failures, and finally network and collaborate. Additionally, starting small while dreaming big is essential.

Life’s rewards often require persistence through obstacles. Success isn’t final, and failure isn’t fatal—it’s the courage to continue that truly matters."

Founded in 2014, the AQUILO Rocket Team, is a unique student project from the Aeronautical Engineeringand Luchtvaarttechnolgie programs. The team comprises a group of enthusiastic students who design, build, test, and launch rockets together. Timo van Spelden, a former team manager, explains: "The AQUILO Rocket Team originated from an internship assignment. One of the Aeronautical Engineering students was tasked with building and launching a rocket. This was AQUILO I. The group working on it decided to continue, forming the current student team."

What Does the AQUILO Rocket Team Do?
The AQUILO Rocket Team is involved in designing and building rockets, managing almost everything in-house. "We create almost everything ourselves, except for a few electronic components and parts of the motor," says Timo. "One of our strengths is working with composites. We make lightweight but very strong rockets with excellent performance."

The team develops so-called "sounding rockets," used to conduct experiments in the upper layers of the atmosphere. What makes the AQUILO Rocket Team unique is that they design, test, and build their motors, unlike most other teams that buy off-the-shelf motors.

The Structure of the Team
The AQUILO Rocket Team is divided into five main departments. Each team member contributes to the success of the rocket missions.

The structural department plays a crucial role in building the rocket. They handle the fins, the nosecone, and the rocket's tubes, ensuring the design is sturdy and aerodynamic. These components are made from composite materials such as carbon fibre and fiberglass. These lightweight yet strong materials give the rocket a high-performing structure.

The electronics team deals with all the electronic aspects of the rocket. Both the software and hardware are made by AQUILO. This department ensures that the navigation, sensors, and communication systems work together perfectly. Without their efforts, the rocket would be blind and unable to collect crucial data.

The propulsion department is the heart of the rocket. Their expertise in solid propellant fuels is vital. The so-called fuel "Rocket Candy" is made by the team, making them one of only two rocket teams in the Netherlands to do so. A good motor design and fuel are essential for AQUILO's successful launches.

After the launch, the recovery team takes responsibility. They ensure the rocket returns safely to the ground. Using various parachutes and deployment techniques, they ensure the rocket remains undamaged after launch and can be reused.

Since one year, the team has expanded with a marketing department. This department increases AQUILO’s visibility through social media, the website, and promotional materials.

In addition to the five departments, AQUILO has a safety team. This team safeguards safety during all team activities, both at ASK ’t Harde and during CO₂ activation operations of the recovery system in the Delft region. Team members assess risks and reduce them where necessary when working with rocket technology.

The Dutch government aims to reduce all CO2 emissions to zero by 2070. This seems an impossible challenge  for future aviation engineers. How can we make aviation more sustainable? This question was central during ‘SWAPEC 2024: Future of Flight - A Runway to Sustainable Aviation,’ a symposium held at Rotterdam The Hague Airport organized by the student association V.S.V. Sipke Wynia of the Aeronautical & Precision Engineering program at Inholland University of Applied Sciences Delft. Interesting speakers and companies presented their innovations and discussed the challenges facing the aviation industry. The event offered students plenty of opportunities to meet industry professionals and explore their roles as future engineers.

SWAPEC stands for ‘Sipke Wynia Aeronautical & Precision Engineering Conference’ and was organized this year for the 42nd time. Why focus on sustainable aviation? “Because it is important to prepare young professionals for the drastic changes ahead,” says Kiki de Brouwer, chair of V.S.V. Sipke Wynia. The symposium attracted experts and representatives from both large companies and smaller startups, as well as students, researchers, and lecturers from the TU Delft and Inholland University of Applied Sciences. There was also an innovation market with demonstrations from NLR, Saluqi Motors, NRG2Fly, AeroDelft, Vaeridion, and Inholland. The day was chaired by Harm Edens, known from ‘BNR Duurzaam’ (podcast) and ‘Dit was het nieuws’ (TV).

“Extremely interesting to hear about the technological developments taking place and which companies are working on innovations to meet the ambitious goals for sustainable aviation,” says Tjalle Hanzens, a fourth-year Aeronautical Engineering student at Inholland Delft. “It is up to our generation to achieve the climate goals; it’s good to know what skills are expected of us.”

Dutch Ambitions 
Lodewijk Asscher, chairman of the Sustainable Aviation Table, kicked off the event. He emphasized the importance of (global) cooperation and the need for fair prices and kerosene taxes to stimulate innovation. "International travel is essential for building intercultural relationships and avoiding polarization. Instead of blaming individual travelers for pollution, we need to create a viable market and economy for sustainable flying, possibly supported by government subsidies.” He also called on students to help make companies successful in a changing world.

Knowledge Institutes 
Next, senior Airbus strategist Guido Schwartz presented Airbus’s approach to sustainable aviation: “Decarbonizing flights requires groundbreaking solutions that integrate new fuel types and technologies. Besides international cooperation, societal acceptance is also crucial.” Arvind Gangoli Rao, professor of sustainable aircraft propulsion at TU Delft, discussed the impact of new fuels and propulsion designs on emission reduction and aircraft designs, while Denise Eikelenboom from NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre) addressed the challenges around certifying new technologies. “It takes courage, perseverance, and especially time to meet all safety standards and develop new ones,” she stated.

Second-Year Project Award Ceremony 
After the lunch break, the award ceremony for second-year Aeronautical Engineering students took place. Their assignment? Design, build, test and fly a remote-controlled electric scale model airplane for extinguishing small fires. The four prototypes, which made their first flights the day before, were on display. “A hugely educational project,” said lecturer Rick van de Ploeg. “These students overcame technical challenges and learned to communicate and collaborate effectively.”

New Initiatives 
The afternoon highlighted various new initiatives. Ron van Baaren, CTO of Fokker Next Gen, represented the hydrogen movement, where the major challenge lies in convincing both technicians and investors of a kerosene-free future. Erik Geertsema, CEO of Conscious Aerospace, and Joseph Michaels presented strategies to accelerate the introduction of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems through retrofit solutions. And Hubert Blijie spoke about the AeroDelft project, in which mainly students from TU Delft and Inholland design, build, and test a liquid-hydrogen-electric two-seater aircraft.

Then the electric movement was spotlighted, with designs such as the Maeve M80, a hybrid-electric aircraft for 84 passengers from Maeve Aerospace, and the Microliner from Vaeridion, with battery engines in the wings. Finally, Joaquin Exalto, Aircraft Performance Engineer at Elysian Aircraft, explained the possibilities of battery technology for electric flights. A potentially shorter range is less relevant, according to him: "80% of all turboprop flights in Europe are less than five hundred kilometers."

Young & Disruptive 
The conference concluded with a panel discussion on the shortage of human capital in sustainable aviation. Young professionals Tessa Mennink (GKN Fokker) and Sjoerd Luijckx (TANIQ) spoke with industry experts Jolanda Stevens (KLM), Frank Jansen (NAG), and Victor Rijkaart (TU Delft). The urgency was clear: within ten years, 50% of the sector will retire. To prevent losing young talent to other sectors, established companies must become more attractive and respond to the needs of the new generation. Sjoerd: “Ensure ownership and give newcomers the chance to make an immediate impact.” Tessa also wants more commitment, as 2050 seems far off: “For that, we need new leadership and structures where talent can grow.” The advice: be transparent about sustainability performance, expand collaboration, and also involve suppliers and the energy sector.

Highly Successful 
The unique mix of speakers and the impressive turnout of industry leaders were, according to Inholland program manager Arnold Koetje, crucial to the great success of the symposium. “The panel discussion could have been a bit sharper, but the young professionals did an excellent job! This, combined with Harm Edens’ knowledge of sustainable developments worldwide, interspersed with a humorous note, made SWAPEC 2024 a very successful edition.”

Joeri Verheul (22) Aeronautical engineering student, started his 3D printing service with J-St3ps and now has a paid hobby.

A fresh perspective on technical possibilities
"As a young professional, I am mainly taking steps to grow myself. Not only when it comes to entrepreneurship but also in daily life. I am learning to take responsibility for arriving on time, keeping appointments, and treating people with respect. That is part of professional behavior as far as I am concerned. If I close a deal with clients, they expect the same from me. I bring clients a fresh perspective on technical possibilities. Although I have a lot of knowledge of how 3D printing 'used to be', now I am really on the cutting edge of 3D printing. Thus, I combine 'old' techniques with the latest innovations. I think it is great that I can be a bridge in that.

Word of mouth versus social media
"I got involved in 3D printing in 2019 and then recently started as an entrepreneur. I work for companies that, for example, need parts to optimize their production process. Think of start-ups that don't yet have the money to invest in 3D equipment but need these innovative solutions. They have come to the right place.

I prefer to work in co-creation with companies. I think along with the customer, and I am sure of the quality of my product. My standard is above expectations with that personal approach. I now work mainly in Delft and deliver my products myself by bicycle. I like to see the face of the customer I work with. That appeals to people. I am active on Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, but I notice most customers come to me by word of mouth”.

Inspire people with my latest techniques
"I love making things but was never very good with my hands. However, I was good at drawing online/3D drawing. 3D printing is the fastest way to go from an idea to a tangible product. It was right up my alley.

In my third year of study, I did an internship at NLR. There I worked for six months in a very professional 3D printing environment. Based on that knowledge, I am building and expanding my setting. Besides delivering a product, I also like to share knowledge. I help companies realize how valuable 3D printing can be. Some have heard of it but think it doesn't apply to them. I like to prove them wrong!

I regularly attend trade shows to stay up to date with the latest developments. For example, I went to a trade show with a client in Paris. I was there as a visitor. But recently (May 13/14), I was at the Maker Faire in Delft with my stand. With my own stuff! I found that exciting but also fun. I want to inspire people with my latest techniques."

There is always a solution
"From February 2023, I am participating in SUCH's Start program. They give me the awareness component. I do many things that I don't have the right words for. Working on my business model and diving deeper into entrepreneurship added a lot of value.

The environment in which you learn is crucial. The nice thing about SUCH is that you all receive the same thing, but everyone adapts it to fit their business. Then you get to see the material applied in a particular way, which makes you learn even more. Everyone who joins the program wants to be there. That gives extra motivation.

I recommend it to everyone: just start and dabble. That is what I did, and it's working so far. Take that step, it will go wrong sometime, but there is always a solution if you communicate well.

Would you also like to have something 3D printed, or are you curious about a workshop by Joeri? Contact him on Instagram or LinkedIn."
 

It was an exciting moment for the students of Aeronautical & Precision Engineering at Inholland Delft University of Applied Sciences. After a year of working and building their own aircraft, the day to test it on the grounds of the model flying club in Rozenburg, has arrived. Would it be possible to keep the remote-controlled aircraft in the air and collect the necessary data? And maybe even, as icing on the cake, to drop the water balloon you brought with you from the cargo bay in such a way that a fire can be extinguished? 

The development and construction of the aircraft is part of the shift from 'classical' education to project-driven education, which incorporates applying theories learned into practice. Consequently students have to look for the necessary knowledge and skills to solve problems as they go. Moreover, says student Julian Petit, theory and practice are now much more closely related: “You can immediately apply what you learn in the lecture hall. That makes it all much more tangible. You see the effect of your calculations and remember the methods you have used better, because you have already applied them once.”

Super assignment
Because Julian is doing the second year of the program (in which this project takes place) for the second time, he can make a good comparison with the 'old' more traditional educational approach. “Last year it was much more theoretical. Additionally, it was a corona year, I only remember from practical assignments a test on material strength, and that also went via a live stream. This is really a super cool assignment and I really looked forward to the test flights and of course the 'real' flying day. We have been working hard on this for three quarters of a year and I thought it was very exciting whether we would see the result of our efforts.”

Melissa Solomon is originally from Germany and moved to Delft for the English-taught version of the program: Aeronautical & Precision Engineering. Although in the 'Dutch' version Luchtvarttechnologie  much is already done in English, due to the international character of the field. Melissa: “I had always been very interested in this field of study and became more and more convinced that this is what I wanted to do. In and around Germany you don't have many options, especially if you want to follow the course in English, so this was the best option for me. And I actually like it even better than I expected.”

Teamwork experience
Just like Julian, Melissa experienced the practical approach of the assignment as very instructive. She particularly mentions learning and working in teams. “Each group has a coach who knows what a good design should look like and who can provide guidance. But in both semesters we also researched and learned a lot ourselves. I think that is good for our development and certainly also for experiencing what teamwork means. You learn to rely on each other instead of 'the knowledge of the teacher'. The social aspect is also very important, you learn to communicate well with each other. If you only focus on the theory, you are always working alone, you don't work together. While in your future job you also have to work with others.”

Melissa is so enthusiastic about the project ('a very exciting thing to do') that she always looks forward to getting started. Even on Monday morning, she says with a wink. “Take the cargo bay: it had to be designed as efficiently as possible and weigh less than 1 kilo. I have never had to build a mechanism with so many arms, hinges, etc.! We also had to do the programming ourselves, for that we had to look up all the codes and figure out how to implement them, for example for the sensors. It was really great to be able to learn and implement all that as a team.”

The big day
On Monday, May 15th,  all aircraft successfully took off. A total of 11 flights were made and all were successful. All aircraft performed exactly or almost exactly as calculated and managed to collect the necessary data. From a technical point of view a very successful day.

It was also a success for everyone on a personal level. The enthusiasm and pride were evident – and euphoria was shared as the planes took off. There were maiden flights and measurement flights combined with the fire-extinguishing simulation. About half of the teams succeeded in the latter, dropping the water balloon. That may seem like an easy task, but it is quite complex: a mechanism must hold the balloon without breaking it and release it at the desired moment, whereby the hatches also open.

Naturally, the students also ran into problems. For example, small assembling and connection errors were made. For a group a cable turned out to be incorrectly installed. A small mistake, but it takes some time to find the issue, to take everything apart and reassemble the plane. The weather also did not cooperate as hoped, especially in the afternoon when it started raining with increasing wind levels. It was then decided to shorten the program and conclude it with an aerobatics flight. The 'strongest' aircraft was challenged to the limits of the flight envelope with high turns, a barrel roll and fast-flying, among other manoeuvres.

Despite the cold, the atmosphere was completely restored and the approximately 130 attendees were cheering and roaring – the emotion and discharge after a year of hard efforts from everyone. The fact that the wind blew the roof off a tent did not spoil the fun. It was soon joked that the roof came off both literally and figuratively. What follows is data analysis, presentations and evaluation, but the day ended very satisfied and fulfilled for everyone.

As a student you are looking for pleasant, affordable and safe housing in the city where you study. This may sound simple, but things are different in practice. If you want to get your own room in your student city, you are often dealing with waiting times, high rents and (too) small rooms at locations you would actually prefer not to live. The student housing providers want to do something about this. They are going to build affordable student housing in your city, taking your housing needs into account. To do so, they need your input. 

Survey 
We are conducting a survey to find out how many students will be living in your city in the coming years and how these students want to live. This knowledge will be used to build enough student housing to meetstudents' needs. This research is carried out by student housing providers in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Universities of Applied Sciences and Research Universities. If you really want to make a difference in housing for students, please participate in this survey. 

Participation 
To participate, please click on the following link: www.wonenalsstudent.nl 

The survey consists of about 40 questions and takes around 10 minutes to complete. You can fill in the questionnaire using your smartphone, tablet or computer. The questionnaire will remain active until April 22.  Your answers will then be processed anonymously. 

How do I stay informed of the results? 
Results will be available on the website after the summer.

A new consortium of stakeholders within the Dutch space ecosystem is working together with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, RVO) to further exploit the potential of the space sector. With its winning proposal, the consortium has been awarded a two-year subsidy to roll out a campaign optimising the early stages of the entrepreneurial journey in the Dutch space sector, from idea to start-up and scale-up. Starting in 2023, the OneSpaceHub programme will expand and strengthen the network in the Netherlands to set out a trajectory geared towards excelling space related talent and entrepreneurship.

A national partnership
RVO’s One Single Hub programme focuses on partnerships of organisations such as incubators and accelerators as well as universities in the Netherlands that aim to improve facilities for innovative entrepreneurship. OneSpaceHub is a joint effort that was awarded a grant under this initiative. The project team led by NL Space Campus consists of Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk, University of Twente, PLNT Leiden Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Aerospace Innovation Hub, Hogeschool Inholland, Radboud University and Leidse instrumentmakers School. The consortium will lay the foundation for a permanent national partnership where talents from provincial programmes and different educational levels flow towards a strong space-tech and data-driven ecosystem.

Boosting entrepreneurship
The space sector is growing rapidly on a global scale. With an increasing amount of technology transfers, commercialisation, and data driven solutions flowing to other industries, the space sector has gained importance for the wider economy. Across the Netherlands there are various programmes in the field supporting entrepreneurship covering different aspects such as financing, valorisation, talent, and marketing. OneSpaceHub aims to make “a selection of excellent programmes” better aligned, more visible, and in particular broadly accessible. This will be achieved by bringing together the expertise coming from some of the best performing programmes in the most important early phases of entrepreneurship: education, activation, pre-incubation and incubation. To this end it will link, reinforce, and extend initiatives already in place to make this support accessible in the whole country. A uniform, efficient and accessible OneSpaceHub trajectory will be offered locally, hybrid (online and in-person), and eventually from every province to better facilitate and stimulate entrepreneurs along their growth path. The selection of complementary programmes will increase the chances of success for space related start-ups and scale-ups, and create an even bigger pull to attract new talent, ideas, business and knowhow. By connecting several local hotspots, entrepreneurs will have access to new collaborations and will be in a better position to grow, diversify, and reach new markets on a national and international scale.

Contact information
The mission of OneSpaceHub is to better facilitate and stimulate the entrepreneurial journey from education and pre-incubation to start-up and scale-up and to generate more space related start-ups and scale-ups in the Netherlands. If you want more information, please contact Parya Pasha Zadeh: p.pasha@utwente.nl. For further question on the involvement of Inholland in OneSpaceHub, please contact Erik Laan: erik.laan@inholland.nl