Mayor Bruls and Alderman Brom visiting the Institute for Molecules and Materials
On Friday 24 January, the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) at Radboud University welcomed Mayor Hubert Bruls, Alderman for Economic Affairs John Brom, and Health & Hightech Account Manager Monique Schaap-Kersten from the Municipality of Nijmegen for a working visit. During this visit, they gained insight into the importance of fundamental research for innovation and entrepreneurship, learning about the connection between research and innovation at IMM and its impact on Nijmegen, such as contributions to education, business activity, and economic development.
Nijmegen aims to be the city where science, technology, and entrepreneurship reinforce each other. To further develop the innovative ecosystem it is crucial for businesses, knowledge institutions, and government to work together. This will help boost business development, attract talent, and encourage collaboration. “What we have seen here at IMM today demonstrates how essential fundamental research is for innovation and economic development. It is inspiring to see how science and entrepreneurship in Nijmegen converge to create impact for the city. This visit shows that much has already been achieved, and with our collective efforts, we can further strengthen this growing momentum. We are not at the starting point but in the midst of a promising movement”, Mayor Bruls says.
Research and innovation
The Institute for Molecules and Materials, part of the Faculty of Science of Radboud University, focuses on understanding, designing, and manipulating molecules and materials. This fundamental knowledge leads to applications in areas such as energy saving, information technology, and drug development. Thanks to its strong international networks, the institute attracts talent from across the globe, while spin-offs and startups bolster the regional economy. Innovations such as energy-efficient data storage and new materials directly contribute to societal progress. “During this working visit, we had the opportunity to inform, inspire, and connect, which is a valuable chance to demonstrate how fundamental research at IMM contributes to innovation, spin-offs, and strengthening the economic and societal ecosystem in Nijmegen”, the IMM Board says.
Visit
During a tour of the ‘STILL lab’, researchers showcased how breakthroughs in technology and industry can be achieved through research at the smallest scales. The visit also included a stop at the Mercator 3 building on campus, home to several chemical spin-offs. Companies such as Tagworks Pharmaceuticals, Synaffix, Soluxa, and Aerocount presented their journeys, challenges, and successes during short presentations. A roundtable discussion provided a platform for exchanging insights and experiences, benefiting both spin-offs and established companies.
Science park
Many of these spin-offs are based at the Science Park in Nijmegen. This hub provides knowledge-intensive businesses with links to Radboud University and Radboudumc with space to grow. Startup Soluxa, which originated as an IMM spin-off, develops innovative coloured solar panels that can be integrated into building facades. They modify standard solar panels with a nano-coating to achieve the desired colour. Spin-off Synaffix specialises in advanced biotechnology for developing best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other targeted medicines, enabling the creation of advanced treatments for diseases that currently lack effective therapies. Startup Aerocount makes air pollution visible with innovative particulate matter sensors that provide insights into air quality, both indoors and outdoors, helping to create healthier living and working environments. Tagworks Pharmaceuticals develops groundbreaking chemical technologies for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Their innovative company focuses on drug development using ‘click-to-release’ chemistry, enabling drugs to be activated locally and with high precision. “Inspiring to see how companies contribute to the progress of the region. By connecting fundamental research with an entrepreneurial mindset, we create an ecosystem where innovation can thrive, enabling us to make an impact both in the city and at the Science Park,” Mathijs Buddingh’ (Project Manager Science Park) and Antoine Wellink (Head of Radboud Innovation Science) say.
Nijmegen as city of Health & Hightech
Nijmegen aims to further establish itself as leading Health & Hightech city in the Netherlands. The key priorities for the municipality include facilitating the growth of businesses in the city and region, attracting new enterprises and talent, and fostering collaboration. To provide space for businesses driving innovation in healthcare and digital transformation, the municipality is focused on further developing Campus Heijendaal and Noviotech Campus. The continued development of the Science Park is a key component of this strategy. At the heart of the Science Park is the startup programme Mercator Launch, which serves as the cradle of new entrepreneurship. These ventures grow into the employers of the future, establishing themselves in the city and region. Close collaboration is fostered with other locations and organisations such as Noviotech Campus, HAN, ROC Nijmegen, and StartUp Nijmegen.
Contact information
This article is written by Radboud University Nijmegen.
Organizational unit: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Scanning Probe Microscopy
