Innokite takes flight at the MXT Conference 2025

Innokite launched at the MXT Conference, introducing a transformative incubator program designed to empower knowledge-intensive startups in the Northern Netherlands. Focused on fostering innovation in Digital & DeepTech, MedTech & HealthTech, and Energy Transition & CleanTech, Innokite empowers early-stage entrepreneurs to turn research and ideas into scalable and impactful businesses.

Empowering knowledge-intensive startups

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.

“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.”

A modular approach to entrepreneurship

Innokite’s flexible structure offers support when and where it’s needed most, through three key pillars:

• Incubation: Laying the foundation for ideas, building strong teams, and validating concepts.

• Acceleration Bursts: Focused, short-term sprints to tackle challenges like market entry and scaling.

• Community and network: A supportive network of mentors, investors, and collaborators, driving growth through shared knowledge and connections.
  

“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.”

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.”

Constantijn van Oranje-Nassau, a champion of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Netherlands, also expressed his support for Innokite’s mission:

“I am pleased to see the University of Groningen and regional partners collaborating to launch Innokite. Such initiatives are vital, as incubators and accelerators serve as crucial links between academia and entrepreneurship, transforming research into impactful and scalable ventures. Sustained collaboration like this is essential for fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem in the Northern Netherlands.”

Join the movement

Innokite invites ambitious entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and regional partners to join this transformative journey. Together, let’s reshape the future of knowledge-intensive innovation in the Northern Netherlands.

For more information about Innokite, visit the website or contact Richard Rushby at info innokite.nl.