Friday 13 November saw the opening of the first innovation laboratory (iLab) at Utrecht Science Park. The iLab is a fully equipped laboratory which offers both start-ups and established companies access to research facilities, students and scientists. The primary aim of iLab Utrecht Science Park is to accelerate innovation in companies by enabling collaboration with students, lecturers and researchers on research projects within a shared research infrastructure, thereby strengthening ties between education and the corporate sector. The first iLab at Utrecht Science Park is part of Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU), and offers facilities for chemical analysis and technology, molecular biology and cell biology, microbiology and alternatives to animal testing.
Breeding ground for upcoming talent
Companies stand to benefit from the iLab in several ways. For instance, they do not have to invest heavily in research facilities of their own, they have direct access to the latest knowledge, and they have the opportunity to recruit talented students for work placements or jobs. Dominique Vandenberghe, Head of Quality at Cipla Europe, says, 'We see the iLab as a breeding ground for talent. Students who are trained here can come and work for us in De Bilt.' And it works both ways. To quote Raymond Pieters, lecturer in Innovative Testing in Life Sciences & Chemistry at HU, 'The iLab helps our students prepare themselves better for professional practice and motivates our lecturers to keep up their knowledge.'
Accelerating innovation
The iLab fits in perfectly with the strategy of HU and Utrecht Science Park to promote and accelerate innovation. The combination of facilities, knowledge and start-up programmes offers ideal conditions for development and employment growth. And for Jan Raaijmakers, the face of the Life Sciences & Health / Health Holland Top Sector, this combination of strengths has an additional, quite different purpose: 'Ultimately, what we want is healthy citizens working productively in a healthy economy.'
The result of sharing is multiplication
The iLab at Utrecht Science Park is part of a national network of laboratories developed by the Chemistry Top Sector. Utrecht Science Park is planning to develop iLabs for other disciplines as well. Floris de Gelder, director of Utrecht Science Park, explains, 'By sharing each other's buildings and facilities, our possibilities and opportunities are multiplied.'
