In several buildings located behind Radboud University’s Huygens and Linnaeus buildings, 65 companies and small businesses form the Science Park. It is not so much a clearly defined and therefore easily recognisable business park, but rather a concept and a community, explains project leader Mathijs Buddingh’. “The Science Park aligns with Radboud University’s ambition to ensure that scientific knowledge is effectively translated into society. There are many ways to achieve this, and entrepreneurship is one of them.”
Flying start
As project leader of the Science Park, Buddingh’ and his colleagues are working to develop a strong ecosystem in which students and staff who have - or want to start - a knowledge‑intensive business are given the space they need, both literally and figuratively.
For those in the exploratory or start-up phase, guidance is provided by The Launch, which has been located in the Forum building on the corner of Heyendaalseweg and Geert Grooteplein since January 2026. Start-ups can even rent a desk there for one day a week. Buddingh’ says: “You no longer have to start in your attic room or at the kitchen table. Here, you can get going straight away, surrounded by a community.”
Academic environment
A key requirement that applies to all companies at the Science Park is that the business must have a demonstrable link to Radboud research or to a research group at Radboud University or Radboud University medical centre. This is broader than purely spin‑off activity: entrepreneurs who can demonstrate collaboration with researchers are also welcome. “We are actively building a community of companies that maintain strong ties with one another and with the academic environment.”
Growing in the Lifeport region
In this way, the Science Park is developing into a place where start‑up entrepreneurs help each other move forward. And once they are ready to spread their wings, they may eventually move to a new location - preferably within the region. “We are certainly also seeking connections with innovation campuses such as Noviotech Campus in Nijmegen, Pivot Park in Oss, Cleantech Park and the Arnhem Electricity Campus in Arnhem, and Technoforum in Wijchen. Each of these campuses has its own focus. Sometimes, a company that starts here may ultimately be better suited elsewhere. But that’s not the only way in which we work together: we also exchange knowledge and attend each other’s events. This makes it very easy for a young company to establish contacts with partners throughout the region.”
Radboud University strategy
This regional role aligns with the ambition set out in Radboud University’s strategy Connected for Impact, to act as a “catalyst for the region”. And this works both ways, Buddingh’ explains: “Society needs knowledge and talent, and it is important for university students to know that their expertise will be valuable in society - and in this region. Whether at knowledge‑intensive companies or by starting their own business. This aligns seamlessly with the ambitions of our partners in the Lifeport region.”
Coalition agreement on knowledge campuses
The coalition agreement of the recently installed Jetten cabinet places strong emphasis on the development of business campuses, knowledge valorisation and innovative ecosystems. For example, the government aims to improve national support instruments for start-ups and scale‑ups. “It’s now laid out clearly,” says Buddingh’. “Campuses are recognised as the places where the Netherlands must build its innovative future. So now is the time to take action.”
Ambition: Science Park as a fully fledged link in the innovation landscape
The ambitions for the Science Park in the coming years can be summarised as follows: “We will further strengthen the community so that researchers, students and entrepreneurs can find each other more quickly and more naturally. We will also clarify the pathways for growt, both within the campus and within regional networks. We aim to make smart use of existing real estate, by creating flexible labs and offices in existing buildings. In addition, we are working to increase our visibility, both within Radboud University and externally in the Lifeport region. And last but not least, we want to retain talent by being a campus where you can study, conduct research, start a business, and ultimately continue your career. In this way, the Science Park is becoming an increasingly integral link in the regional and national innovation landscape.”
