Innokite is a new incubator program launched at the MXT Conference in Northern Netherlands, supporting knowledge-intensive startups in Digital & DeepTech, MedTech & HealthTech, and Energy Transition & CleanTech. The program provides entrepreneurs with startup guidance through Acceleration Bursts, expert mentorship, and access to a network of investors and collaborators. By fostering collaboration between universities, industry, and regional stakeholders, Innokite aims to drive sustainable economic growth and accelerate innovation in the Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland regions.
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.”
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 www.innokite.nl or contact Richard Rushby at info@innokite.nl.
Who is developing the most impactful innovation in Life Sciences & Health in the Northern Netherlands? Five companies are in the running for the LIFE Science Innovation Award 2026: Flux Robotics, Limosa Immunodiagnostics, SPCTR, MimeCure and GlycanScan International. The nominees will present their innovations on Tuesday 22 September during the fifth edition of the LIFE Science Conference in Groningen. An independent jury will select the winner, who will receive a €10,000 cash prize.
A much-loved tradition The Campus Trail has become a much-loved tradition on campus. Students, employees and professionals from companies and organisations across the campus ecosystem lace up their running shoes for a sporty 6.4-kilometre route through buildings and past some of the campus’s unique labs. The rapid growth in registrations shows just how much the Campus Trail has become part of the campus community. The combination of sport, meeting others and the unique campus setting makes the run a great opportunity to connect with people outside the usual work and study environment. And there’s no need to head home as soon as you cross the finish line. During the after-party, hosted by Contini Catering, participants can relax together, enjoy a drink and celebrate the afternoon. There’s still time to join: those who want to take part can register online until 3 September, or sign up on the day itself using the PIN Campus Trail 2026 | Campus Groningen.
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