Innokite wants to boost a new wave of entrepreneurship
During the MXT Conference held in Groningen, a new incubator for startups located in the North of the Netherlands was launched.
Published on January 16, 2025
Knowledge-intensive startups based in the North of the Netherlands have a new space to thrive, thanks to the newly launched Innokite. The incubator program aims to empowers them, helping early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into scalable businesses.
Introduced during the Move Forward with Tech (MXT) conference held in Groningen, the program focuses on fostering innovation in digital, deeeptech, medtech, and cleantech. Innokite supports researchers, students, and early-stage entrepreneurs, offering a dynamic incubator program that combines tailored Acceleration Bursts, expert mentorship, and access to a thriving innovation ecosystem. The program guides startups through each phase of their journey, from idea validation to market entry and scaling - lifting innovative ideas off the ground.
Empowering knowledge-intensive startups
“Innokite represents a bold step forward for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Northern Netherlands,” said Richard Rushby, Head of Innokite. “By focusing on knowledge-intensive ventures, we’re not only addressing global challenges but also driving regional growth. This program is about creating a sustainable pipeline of innovation that will have a lasting impact for generations.”
“Innokite builds on the university’s legacy of excellence in research and innovation,” said Jacquelien Scherpen, Rector Magnificus of the University of Groningen. “This is about taking our knowledge out of the lab and into the world, creating businesses that not only thrive but also make a meaningful impact.”
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Building for structural change
Innokite aspires to create lasting change in how the Northern Netherlands nurtures knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship. By aligning efforts across academia, industry, and regional stakeholders, the initiative lays the foundation for sustainable economic development and innovation.
“Innokite is essential for creating a stronger, more connected ecosystem for knowledge-intensive startups in Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland,” said Bertwin Kampman of Founded, an organization supporting regional startups and scale-ups. “By complementing the work we do, Innokite ensures that innovative ideas have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to long-term regional growth.”