After eight years, Brigitte Hofstee is saying goodbye to Brasserie Zernike (now Contini Zernike) at Campus Groningen. On 1 February, she handed over the keys to her successor, René Contini. What started as a leap into the unknown grew into a place where hospitality, entrepreneurship and the campus community came together. “We’ve truly built something here together,” says Hofstee. In this interview, she looks back on her years at the campus.Eight years of Brasserie Zernike Hofstee took over Brasserie Zernike on 1 March 2018. Shortly after, the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Yet she does not look back on that period negatively. “It was incredibly educational. It brought me a lot and taught me a great deal.” The brasserie became a regular meeting place on campus for staff, students and entrepreneurs. “That dynamic: people working, studying and running businesses here, is what made this place so special.” The decision to pass on the baton came gradually. “I worked an average of seventy hours a week. At some point, that takes its toll,” Hofstee explains. What weighed heavily on her was her team. “It was very important to me that my employees would also have a secure future. That’s why I spoke with them first. They fully understood my decision, and that gave me peace of mind.” She was not too concerned about finding a successor. “Daytime hospitality businesses are popular among entrepreneurs. But I felt it had to be someone who truly connects with the campus. We all work hard here to be visible and welcoming — you need to feel that as well.”From Hanze to hospitality Before moving into hospitality, Hofstee worked for nearly fifteen years at the Hanze in Groningen in various support roles. “From preparing accreditations to guiding students going abroad. Planning, organising and being hospitable — I was already doing that there.” With a background in business administration, she had always had a quiet ambition. “If I were ever to run a daytime hospitality business, it would ideally be in a setting that combines companies and institutions. When Brasserie Zernike crossed my path by chance, I didn’t have to think twice.” “That dynamic: people working, studying and running businesses here, is what made this place so special.” - Brigitte Hofstee, former owner Brasserie Zernike (now Contini Zernike)Entrepreneurship is building together In addition to her role as a hospitality entrepreneur, Hofstee was a visible and active member of the campus community. “What made my work enjoyable was building something together with others. That’s what we literally do on campus — everyone at their own level, macro or micro.” Over the years, she saw engagement grow. “The support for entrepreneurs from Campus Groningen and Bedrijvenvereniging WEST has increased tremendously. That makes you want to give something back.” That sense of reciprocity is what she will miss most. “The shared commitment to giving the campus a welcoming character.” She has also seen a positive development among companies. “More and more businesses are joining campus activities. You can tell they find it important to belong and to be visible.” Events such as the Campus Café, the Campus Trail and the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen reinforce that sense of community. Hofstee actively encouraged collaboration among entrepreneurs. “Why source products or services outside the campus when we have so much to offer here? When I was too busy, I outsourced work to other entrepreneurs on campus. That way, you keep it within the community.”Advice for new companies Hofstee has a clear message for new companies on campus: get involved. “Join activities, even if they are not directly related to your field. You’ll meet people who play a role here and hear what’s going on.” Her advice is to connect with Campus Groningen and Bedrijvenvereniging WEST. “Even if you first take a look around — it’s truly worthwhile. You get a lot in return.”‘First, I promised my husband some rest’ Since 1 February, Hofstee has officially stepped down. “I feel like I’m playing truant,” she says with a laugh. “After being ‘on’ every day for years, it’s very strange to suddenly be at home.” At the same time, it gives her energy. “New ideas are already bubbling up.” She is closely following developments around Groningen as a conference destination and welcoming city. “I see opportunities for myself there, perhaps as a self-employed professional, helping companies or institutions further professionalise their hospitality. I don’t yet know exactly how.” First, it is time for rest. “I promised my husband that. And I can tell — it’s doing me good.” Finally, Hofstee expresses her appreciation. “Campus Groningen, Bedrijvenvereniging WEST, the Hanze and the RUG are truly putting this place on the map. Entrepreneurs feel supported here. I have always found that incredibly valuable.” And for her successor René, she has one heartfelt wish: “That he will have just as wonderful a time on campus as I have had.” Text Campus Groningen (interviewer Marlies Schipperheijn)Photo: Brigitte Hofstee, copyright STOK MEDIA
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG), Hanzehogeschool Groningen (Hanze), ACLO, Hegeman Bouw & Infra and Royal BAM Group have signed the construction agreement for the new Sports Centre. The first pile will be driven into the ground in spring 2026, and in 2028 students and staff will be able to make use of the modern, sustainable facilities. Read more in the article below, published by the RUG!Festive start to the collaboration for the new Sports Center An important step has been taken: the University of Groningen (UG), the Hanze, ACLO, Hegeman and BAM signed an agreement for the construction of the new Sports Center on the Zernike Campus. This moment marks the start of a unique collaboration that will result in modern and sustainable sports facilities for students and staff. The first pile will be driven into the ground in the spring of 2026, and the first users will be able to enjoy the new facilities in 2028.Building together During the festive gathering on Thursday, February 12, Hans Biemans (vice-chair of the UG), Petra Smeets (member of the Executive Board of the Hanze), Roan Luning (chair of the ACLO), Bjorn Wiggers (Aannemingsmaatschappij Hegeman) and John Ottens (BAM Integrale Projecten Noord) signed the construction agreement for the realization of the new Sports Center on the Zernike Campus. Under guidance of Niels van den Bovenkamp (director of the Sports Center) they marked the beginning of a constructive collaboration for sports, exercise and well-being in Groningen.Planning The design plans for the new Sports Center have been finalized. The site on the north side of the current sports center has been prepared for construction, so that the actual construction work can begin shortly. Construction is expected to take two years, with the new Sports Center scheduled for completion in 2028.Parties involved Opdrachtgever Rijksuniversiteit Groningeni.s.m. Hanze en stichting ACLO Aannemer Aannemingsmaatschappij Hegeman, Nijverdal Installateur BAM Integrale Projecten Noord, Groningen Architect AGS Architects International B.V., Heerlen Installatieadviseur Iv-Bouw B.V., Papendrecht Constructeur WSP Nederland B.V., Nieuwegein Adviseur Bouwfysica en Brandveiligheid LBP Sight B.V., Nieuwegein PvE adviseur OLCO Maatschappelijk Vastgoed B.V., Driebergen Directievoering Draaijer, Groningen
Campus full of love! Campus Groningen is not only a place where innovations are created, but also where all kinds of love blossom: romantic love, family love, love for the profession, and the power of collaboration. Just before Valentine's Day, we share three stories straight from the heart of the campus. Ruby & Marcel - Love via an Outlook ticketSometimes love starts in the most unexpected place: with an IT ticket. Ruby (who works at Triade on the Healthy Ageing Campus) was struggling with a persistent Outlook problem that ended up with Marcel (UMCG) after months of wandering around. After countless phone calls, the mystery was solved and Ruby, as promised, showed up at his department with a box of ice cream. That's when the spark really ignited. They have now been together for 9.5 years. Saskia & Ton – partners in life, innovation, and the fight against implant infectionsSaskia and Ton run TVH Life Science Partners together, where they guide early-stage biotech and medtech startups toward sustainable growth. They are also the founders of Sabiad, which has been based at the Healthy Ageing Campus since 2026. Sabiad develops groundbreaking technology to detect implant infections more quickly—crucial for hip and knee prostheses where every day counts. Their joint mission is as personal as it is professional: to accelerate innovation that can help patients worldwide faster, safer, and better. Love for each other and for impact, united in one company. Erik & André Heeres – brotherly love in the materials transitionErik (University of Groningen) and André (Hanze University of Applied Sciences) work together as brothers on the materials transition: away from fossil raw materials, towards renewable materials and better reuse. Their hybrid research group combines fundamental chemistry with applied research and trains students who will soon be making a difference in a circular economy. Their strength lies in their complementarity: Erik with his analytical eye, André with his creative thinking: a duo that reinforces each other at exactly the right moment.
Good news: StudentLines is launching! Starting January 1, 2026, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen (RUG) will collaborate for four years on this major initiative. Together, they are committed to strengthening the connection between education, research, and the labor market. StudentLines lays the foundation for improved education and strong career prospects in the Northern Netherlands. They will achieve this by developing a regional infrastructure that brings together people with educational questions and educational data. In a safe and responsible way, we will use this data to research how students, from secondary vocational education (MBO) to research universities (WO), learn, progress, and find their place in the labor market. Themes such as student success, well-being, and engagement are central, and the research will result in practical tools for educational innovation.Developing and retaining talent for the region The goal is to develop and retain talent in the region by creating stronger alignment between educational institutions and the professional field. By making smart use of educational data and student experiences, we aim to drive meaningful educational innovation. In doing so, StudentLines supports lecturers, researchers, policymakers, and students. By gaining better insight into what works in education, institutions can invest more effectively in student success, well-being, and opportunities within the region. In the longer term, other universities of applied sciences (HBO), vocational (MBO), and secondary education (VO) institutions may join under the umbrella of the University of the North, allowing StudentLines to grow into a broad regional knowledge platform. The funding confirms the importance of regional collaboration and gives Groningen the opportunity to structurally strengthen educational innovation.StudentLines projects within Hanze The National Program Groningen (NPG) has awarded a €4 million grant for StudentLines, and both participating institutions are providing substantial co-financing. RUG acts as the lead applicant and coordinating institution. Within Hanze, the project is anchored at the Centre for Talent and Learning, but it will be implemented across the entire university. Together, they will work on various work packages and set up PhD and pilot projects focusing on communication, ethics, well-being, labor market transitions, and talent development. Student involvement and collaboration are central throughout. Hanze and RUG collaborate on all work packages within the project, with Hanze taking primary responsibility for four: External synergy and further development – Professorship in Labor Market TransitionsHow do we connect StudentLines with other projects and build a regional infrastructure for educational data? Communication and user experience – Professorship in Communication, Behaviour & the Sustainable SocietyHow do we ensure that students, researchers, policymakers, and the professional field are aware of and actively use StudentLines? Legal aspects and ethics – Professorship in Legal Aspects of EntrepreneurshipHow can we use educational data safely, structurally, and in compliance with the GDPR within the regional context? Longitudinal data and scope – Professorship in Talent Development in Higher Education and SocietyWhat relevant data should be collected over time in relation to student success, student career paths, and well-being? How does this relate to data that is already being collected? In addition, the following Hanze research groups are involved in PhD projects within StudentLines: Learning in Learning Communities, Talent Development in Higher Education and Society, and Labor Market Transitions.Spurce article and picture: Hanze
The student housing complex Proxima on the Zernike Campus once again provided a successful solution for the temporary shortage of rooms for international students in the 2025/2026 academic year. In September, 43 students made use of the peak housing option by sharing a room, and for the first time, 100 exchange students were able to stay at Proxima for their entire exchange period. Proxima was built two years ago by the Student Housing Foundation (SSH) in collaboration with the Municipality of Groningen. The complex is specifically designed to respond flexibly to the high demand for student housing at the start of the academic year. Each room features a regular bed and an additional fold-out bed for a student who has not yet found accommodation (the peak housing). SSH distinguishes between bachelor’s and master’s students and international students who come only for a six-month exchange period. Monique Louwes, manager of the SSH North team, explains: “Exchange students often stay for six months, whereas the peak housing previously ended after four months. This caused some uncertainty. By extending the period this year, they can stay at Proxima for their entire exchange, which better suits their situation.” All buildings are equipped with spacious communal kitchens where students can cook, study, and socialize. Research shows that the latter happens frequently: 70% of students report interacting with a fellow resident more than twice a week. The design and layout of the building contribute most to this. The research also indicates that students highly value living on campus. Alderman Rik van Niejenhuis: “It’s great that this student complex, with its many shared facilities, encourages interaction and contact. This contributes to student well-being.” The construction of the complex addresses the urgent need for additional housing for international students in Groningen. During the summer, international students arrive in the Netherlands, but graduates have not yet vacated their rooms, creating a temporary housing shortage. Proxima provides a solution with 401 rooms that can be temporarily double-occupied at the start of the academic year (up to 802 rooms). Text and picture: SSH
Bart-Jan Korteling is COO at Innocore Pharmaceuticals, a company based at the Healthy Ageing Campus in Groningen that develops long-acting medical injections. “Our mission is to make patients less dependent on daily pills and to guarantee stable medication delivery,” he explains. But his work goes beyond medication alone: it also revolves around collaboration with knowledge institutions and other companies. The choice for the Healthy Ageing Campus was obvious. “We started out as a spin-off from a technology platform with knowledge about biodegradable polymers,” Bart-Jan explains. “With knowledge institutions and the UMCG nearby, we can quickly switch gears and collaborate with companies such as Polyvation and Symeres.” The proximity of expertise and young talent also plays a role in this: interns and graduates often take their first career steps at Innocore. According to Bart-Jan, the campus functions as an innovative ecosystem. “It's a flywheel effect: companies, knowledge institutions, and students set each other in motion. Once there is movement, the wheel just keeps turning faster.” Bart-Jan considers the LIFE Cooperative, the northern partnership for companies in the life sciences, to be an important pillar in this regard. “This allows us to really learn from each other, for example about talent development and training or about regulations and quality.” Bart-Jan also sees challenges on campus. “We strengthen each other, but we have to be careful not to get in each other's way. Retaining talent in the north is also difficult: many people eventually leave for other regions for their careers.” With around 35 employees and ambitious growth plans, Innocore sees the Healthy Ageing Campus as a place where innovation, knowledge, and talent come together. “There is a lot of potential in the north, but it doesn't happen by itself. You have to keep coordinating, pooling resources, and paying attention to where strengths reinforce or block each other.”
Great news for Campus resident QT Sense! The Groningen biotech startup QT Sense has raised 4 million euros for the further development of its quantum sensing technology. (Article via Dagblad van het Noorden). Read more in Dutch. De spin-out van het Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen (UMCG) spoort aandoeningen sneller op en kan real-time de effectiviteit van geneesmiddelen zien. Dat kan door in cellen te kijken zonder ze kapot te maken. Het is iets wat alleen QT Sense kan en daarmee heeft het jonge bedrijf de sleutels in handen om de geneeskunde serieus vooruit te helpen. De gepatenteerde technologie spoort zogeheten vrije radicalen in cellen op, moleculen die wijzen op een aandoening. Dat helpt medici en onderzoekers in hun zoektocht naar de oorzaak van ziektes. Het is ook een uitkomst voor ontwikkelaars van geneesmiddelen, die direct zien of nieuwe stoffen effectief zijn. Zo worden vrije radicalen in sommige therapieën tegen kanker ingezet om kwaadaardige cellen aan te vallen. Vanwege de grote voordelen voor de farmaceutische industrie zijn de groeikansen voor de Groningse startup groot. Niet voor niets noemde expert Tjarda Polderman (Founded) de startup onlangs ‘de grootste kanshebber om de nieuwe Noordelijke Unicorn (onderneming met een waardering van meer dan een miljard dollar, red) te worden’. Lees het hele artikel via: https://dvhn.nl/economie/start-up-groningen-haalt-4-miljoen-aan-groeigeld-op.-qt-sense-spoort-aandoeningen-sneller-op-48423899.html
Future Tech Ventures (FTV) is investing in Dutch medtech startup SPCTR, which is developing a real-time AI device to assess tumor margins during surgery. This enables surgeons to immediately determine whether a tumor has been completely removed, helping to prevent repeat surgeries and additional treatments while improving the quality of care. Initially, the technology is focused on breast cancer. The investment coincides with a major clinical milestone: the inclusion of the first patient in the SPCTR-I study at the Breast Center Groningen. In addition, UMC Utrecht (UMCU) is a second inclusion site for this study. “The problem in oncological surgery is that it often takes days to determine whether a tumor has been completely removed. With our device, the surgeon can assess during the operation whether there is sufficient healthy tissue surrounding the tumor,” says Rowan Timmermans, CTO and co-founder of SPCTR. The device operates using light and imaging and employs an AI model that creates an “optical fingerprint” of the tissue. Unlike existing solutions, no additional healthcare staff—such as a pathologist or radiologist—are required for interpretation in the operating room, and no contrast agents or other substances need to be injected. With this, SPCTR introduces a completely new, non-invasive method of intraoperative margin analysis.From validation to market launch FTV’s investment will be used over the coming months to further develop the startup, which was founded in March 2025. Wido Heeman, CEO and founder of SPCTR, explains: “We are using this investment from FTV for three core activities: clinical validation of prototypes, certification of the device, and preparing it for market launch.”The start of the SPCTR-I study last week, with the first patient enrolled at the Breast Center Groningen and parallel inclusion at UMC Utrecht (UMCU), marks the transition from preclinical development to actual application in clinical practice. In addition to FTV, a number of angel investors are participating in this funding round.The power of simplicity Hilbrand van der Zee, investment manager at FTV, says: “We are investing in SPCTR with confidence. The strength of this innovation lies in its simplicity: a proven technique in a new form, combined with AI. The team connects clinical expertise with advanced technology, exactly the kind of innovation we like to accelerate.” “The most important thing is the trust we receive from investors, surgeons, and patients,” Timmermans and Heeman emphasize. “The first patient data shows that this technology is ready for the next step: clinical impact in hospitals!”Ambitions The SPCTR team consists of seven people, including two interns, combining clinical experience with AI and software expertise. In the coming years, the team aims to implement the technology in multiple hospitals and expand to other solid tumors. “Our goal is to prevent as many repeat surgeries as possible and improve the quality of treatment for patients. We will start in Europe and then expand to the US and other regions,” says Heeman.Van validatie tot marktintroductie De investering van FTV zal de komende maanden gebruikt worden om de startup, opgericht in maart 2025, verder te ontwikkelen. Wido Heeman, CEO en founder van SPCTR: “We gebruiken deze investering van FTV voor drie kernactiviteiten: klinische validatie van prototypes, certificering van het apparaat en het productieklaar maken voor marktintroductie.” De start van de SPCTR-I studie vorige week, met de eerste geïncludeerde patiënt in het Borstcentrum Groningen en parallelle inclusie in het UMCU, markeert de overgang van preklinische ontwikkeling naar daadwerkelijke toepassing in de klinische praktijk. Naast FTV participeren een aantal angel-investeerders in deze investeringsronde.De kracht van eenvoud Hilbrand van der Zee, investeringsmanager van FTV: "We investeren met vertrouwen in SPCTR. De kracht van deze innovatie zit in de eenvoud: een beproefde techniek in een nieuwe jas, gecombineerd met AI. Het team koppelt klinische expertise aan geavanceerde technologie, precies het soort innovatie dat wij graag versnellen." "Het belangrijkste is het vertrouwen dat we krijgen van investeerders, chirurgen en patiënten," benadrukken Timmermans en Heeman. “De eerste patiënt data laat zien dat deze technologie klaar is voor de volgende stap: klinische impact in ziekenhuizen!”Ambities Het SPCTR-team bestaat uit zeven personen, inclusief twee stagiaires, met een mix van klinische ervaring en AI- en software-expertise. In de komende jaren wil het team de technologie in meerdere ziekenhuizen implementeren en uitbreiden naar andere solide tumoren. "Ons doel is zoveel mogelijk heroperaties te voorkomen en de behandelkwaliteit voor patiënten te verbeteren. We beginnen in Europa en breiden daarna uit naar de VS en andere regio's," aldus Heeman.Artikel: Future Tech VenturesAfbeelding: Casper Maas
Faster diagnostics for infected hip and knee prostheses can make the difference between recovery and months of debilitating treatment. Sabiad is developing technology that makes bacterial infections visible and, in the future, may even enable their targeted destruction. “With implant infections, everything revolves around time,” says Saskia van den Dool, co-founder and COO of Sabiad. “Once a biofilm forms on the implant, the chances of successful treatment rapidly decrease.” Bacterial infections around joint implants are among the most persistent complications in orthopedics. Every year, thousands of patients develop infections following hip or knee surgery—conditions that are difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. Sabiad, a spin-off from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) building on the research of Prof. Dr. Jan Maarten van Dijl, aims to change this. The company is developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on one core technology: an antibody that binds with extremely high specificity to Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main causes of implant infections. In early 2026, the company relocated from Friesland to the Healthy Ageing Campus in Groningen.From Oncology to Infectious Diseases Sabiad’s roots partly lie in oncology. Co-founder Ton van den Hoven was previously involved in SurgVision, a successful UMCG spin-off that used fluorescent tracers to visualize tumor margins during surgery. “In oncology, tracer technology has taken off enormously in recent years,” says Van den Dool. “What we are doing is translating that concept to bacterial imaging.” Personal experience also played a role. A few years ago, Van den Hoven survived a severe bacterial infection that resulted in ten days in intensive care and months of hospitalization. “Then you truly understand how life-threatening and disruptive such an infection can be,” Van den Dool says. “That sense of urgency is deeply embedded in this company.”Gaining Time Is Crucial The core problem with implant infections is time. Current standard diagnostics rely on bacterial cultures, which take two to five days. During that period, patients are often already treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, without knowing exactly which bacterium is responsible. “And it’s precisely in those first days that a biofilm can develop,” Van den Dool explains. “After four or five days, the chance of success is already significantly lower.” Sabiad is therefore developing a diagnostic test based on joint fluid (synovial fluid) that is performed outside the body. “You can compare it to a COVID test,” Van den Dool explains. “You take a small sample of fluid, mix it with our test, and get a rapid answer. That allows you to win those crucial days.” This so-called ex vivo test has a relatively short regulatory pathway and, according to current planning, could reach the market around 2028–2029.Imaging and Therapy In addition, Sabiad is working on a tracer that can be administered directly to the patient. This tracer binds specifically to Staphylococcus aureus and makes the bacteria visible during imaging. “If you can make something visible, you can in principle also attach something to it,” says Van den Dool. “For example, a therapeutic component.” Preclinical research shows that the same antibody technology can be used to selectively destroy bacteria, for instance via photodynamic therapy (targeted killing of bacteria using light) or radioactive isotopes (elements that emit radiation, used for diagnosis or treatment). This trajectory is still at an early stage and requires lengthy clinical studies. Commercial application is therefore not expected until the next decade.International Interest Interest from the medical community is strong, Van den Dool notes. In the Northern Netherlands, Sabiad collaborates with the Northern Infection Network for Joint Arthroplasty (NINJA), a consortium of top clinical hospitals working together on joint infections. Internationally, the company is also gaining traction, with preclinical collaborations including UCLA and recent discussions with major U.S. hospitals. “This problem exists everywhere,” Van den Dool says. “We are aging, we receive more implants, and antibiotic resistance is increasing. Everyone in healthcare sees that this situation is not sustainable.”Close to the Ecosystem Sabiad’s choice for the Healthy Ageing Campus in Groningen, directly opposite UMCG, was a deliberate one, according to Van den Dool. “Our clinical studies, microbiological expertise, and orthopedic collaborations are all here. Then you want to be physically close. That’s why the first phase-zero study will start this year at UMCG, under the supervision of Professor Paul Jutten from Orthopedics,” Van den Dool explains. Within five to ten years, Sabiad expects to become part of a larger medtech or pharmaceutical company. “Our role is to bring the technology through phase two clinical trials,” says Van den Dool. “After that, scale is needed to truly deliver this innovation to patients worldwide.” The societal impact could be significant: fewer revision surgeries, faster recovery, lower healthcare costs, and more targeted use of antibiotics. “Everyone knows someone with an infected prosthesis,” Van den Dool says. “If we can contribute to a faster, better approach, then we are truly making a difference.” Article: Campus Groningen (author Marlies Schipperheijn)Photo: Saskia van den Dool
