With a “science first” approach, researchers can explore the commercial and societal potential of their work without having to become entrepreneurs themselves. In five months, teams identify market opportunities, validate ideas and make adjustments based on feedback. Students conduct market research, while researchers only need to invest about one hour per week.
The goal is to achieve rapid, concrete results: translating scientific breakthroughs into viable products, start-ups or follow-up projects such as spin-offs, licences, pilots, follow-up research or grant applications. In this way, the programme stimulates a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Who can participate?
This initiative is open to Bachelor's and Master's students, PhD students, postdocs and professors.
Planning 2025–2026
- Now – November 2025: scouting
- November – December 2025: matchmaking
- February – August 2026: programme
Important dates:
- Application deadline: 17 November 2025
- Introductory interviews: 17–21 November
- Matchmaking event: 3 December (Utrecht)
- Kick-off: 13 February
Your commitment
The GroenvermogenNL Ideation Labs offer bachelor's and master's students the opportunity to embark on an intensive learning journey with expert training, putting entrepreneurship into practice by working directly with market parties. You will build your CV, step out of your comfort zone to practise talking to market parties, learn to understand a technology and several markets, test business ideas and explore start-up opportunities. Finally, you will gain early access to groundbreaking technologies.
Although the programme makes no promises about collaboration after completion, it is common for students to remain involved and continue working with researchers or partners they got to know during the Lab.
Students: we expect you to spend approximately 10 hours per week researching the social and commercial value of a research case and to actively invest in contact with researchers to ask technical questions.
Researchers: for you, the GroenvermogenNL Ideation Labs are an opportunity to gain valuable insights from market research for your scientific findings. You explore the commercialisation potential without having to take the lead yourself. You receive guidance in market exploration and validation, make a social impact by tailoring research to real needs, and engage in dialogue with stakeholders. We estimate that your contribution will amount to approximately one hour per week for the weekly meetings, plus availability on important programme days such as intake and matchmaking.
Proven effective
The GroenvermogenNL Ideation Lab is part of a proven effective approach. Previous editions explored themes such as AI, hydrogen and green chemistry, high tech for a sustainable future, and future network services.
This initiative is made possible by GroenvermogenNL (Radboud University is part of the Groenvermogen community) and is organised by Delft University of Technology and 4TU. The ideation labs bring together researchers and students from knowledge institutions throughout the Netherlands to explore the market and social potential of green energy research.