Apply for GroenvermogenNL Ideation Lab

Are you a student or researcher with a promising idea in the field of hydrogen or green chemistry? This is your opportunity to take that idea further — towards market and societal impact.

GroenvermogenNL Ideation Labs bring together researchers and students from knowledge institutions across the Netherlands to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. The programme connects researchers with enterprising students and offers workshops and expert guidance.

With a “science first” approach, researchers can explore the commercial and societal potential of their work without having to become entrepreneurs themselves. Over the course of five months, teams identify market opportunities, validate ideas, and adapt based on feedback. Students conduct market research, while researchers are expected to invest roughly one hour per week.

The aim is to achieve tangible results quickly and to translate scientific breakthroughs into viable products, start-ups, or follow-up trajectories such as spin-offs, licences, pilot projects, further research, or grant applications. In doing so, the programme fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Who can participate?

This initiative is open to bachelor’s and master’s students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and professors.

Timeline 2025–2026

November 2025: Scouting
November – December 2025: Matchmaking
February – August 2026: Programme

Application deadline: 17 November 2025
Introductory meetings: 17–21 November
Matchmaking event: 3 December (Utrecht)
Kick-off: 13 February

Commitment

Students:
Students are expected to dedicate around 10 hours per week to exploring the societal and commercial value of a research case and to actively engage with researchers for technical input.

Researchers:
For researchers, the GroenvermogenNL Ideation Labs offer an opportunity to gain valuable market insights into their scientific findings. The programme allows researchers to explore commercialisation potential without taking the lead themselves. The estimated time investment is around one hour per week for team sessions, plus availability for key programme events such as the intake and matchmaking sessions.

Proven impact

The GroenvermogenNL Ideation Lab is part of a proven and effective approach. Previous editions have focused on 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 (of which Wageningen University & Research is part of the Groenvermogen community) and is organised by the four Dutch technical universities (4TU), led by Delft University of Technology.

The Ideation Labs unite researchers and students from institutions across the Netherlands to explore the market and societal potential of research into green energy.

Read more and apply directly: here.