Green Energy Ideation Labs: making more societal impact with green energy research
Under the banner of Ideation Labs, Delft University of Technology has developed a programme in which top students from Dutch universities work on the valorisation of scientific innovations and the exploration of their societal impact. Building on this programme and earlier cross-university pilots, a national Ideation Lab is now being launched focused on the valorisation of scientific findings for green hydrogen and chemistry.
This initiative, made possible by GroenvermogenNL and organized by 4TU, brings together researchers and students from knowledge institutions across the Netherlands to explore the market and societal potential of green energy research Ideation Labs bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact. The program unites researchers with entrepreneurial students, offering workshops and expert coaching. With a “science first” approach, researchers can assess the commercial and societal potential of their work without needing to become founders. Over five months, teams identify market opportunities, validate ideas, and pivot based on feedback. Students drive market research and networking, while researchers commit just one hour per week.
The goal is rapid, actionable results: transforming scientific breakthroughs into viable products, startups, or follow-up trajectories such as spin-outs, licenses, pilots, further research, or grant applications. The program fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Interested in joining? This initiative is open to BSc and MSc students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and professors!
Timeline 2025-2026
Now – November 2025 Scouting
November – December 2025 Matchmaking
February 2026 – August 2026 Programme runs
Key dates:
- Student application deadline: 17 November 2025
- Introductory interviews: Following 17 November 2025
- Matchmaking event: 3 December (Utrecht)
- Program Kick-off: February 2026
- Programme duration: end of Feb - end of June/beginning of July 2026
Your effort
The GroenvermogenNL Ideation Labs will be an opportunity for BSc and MSc students to engage in an intensive learning journey with expert training, putting entrepreneurship in practice by working directly with market participants. You will build your CV (Junior Business Developer @ 4TU), get out of the comfort zone to practice interacting with market participants, master a technology and a few markets, learn to test business ideas and explore startup opportunities. Last but not least, you will engage with groundbreaking technologies early on.
Students, we expect that you will contribute with approximately 10 hours per week to explore societal and commercial value of a research case and invest in connecting with researchers to ask technical questions.
For PhD candidates, Postdocs and Professors, the GroenvermogenNL Ideation Labs will be an opportunity to acquire market research insights for your scientific findings. You will explore commercialisation potential, but without taking the lead. You will be able to receive guidance through market exploration and validation. Make a societal impact by aligning research with real-life needs and initiate dialogue with stakeholders.
Researchers, we estimate that your efforts will cost around an hour for weekly meetings, and we expect you to be available on key programme dates such as intake and matchmaking events.
Unlock your entrepreneurial potential!
The GroenvermogenNLIdeation Lab is part of a well-established program with a strong track record. Over the years, the programme has proven to be inclusive and scalable, operating cross-university from the 4TU and open to broader national collaboration. As a plug-and-play concept with a proven approach within the 4TU and National Growth Fund consortia, it continues to expand its reach. For 2026–2028, we are planning three new cohorts exploring diverse themes such as AI, hydrogen and green chemistry, high tech for a sustainable future, and future network services.
Ready to join? Register now to be part of the next cohort!
The following institutions are involved
The consortium partners are: 4TU. consisting of Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, and University of Twente; Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University, Radboud University, Utrecht University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Maastricht University, Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
Learn more
Learn more about Ideation Labs, how it all started, an example of “Smart accelerometers: from lab to market with the 4TU Ideation Lab” and about a student visit to IEEE Inertial Conference 2025 Lindau.
