Making more societal impact with green energy research
A nation-wide programme connecting researchers and entrepreneurial students who want to make impact by bringing scientific innovations in the Green Energy sector to the real world.
About the Programme
Under the banner of Ideation Labs, the Impact Studio of Delft University of Technology has developed a proven programme in which top students from Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences work on the valorisation of scientific innovations and the exploration of their societal and commercial impact.
This initiative, made possible by GroenvermogenNL and organized by Impact Studio and 4TU, brings together researchers and students from across the Netherlands to explore the market applications of hydrogen and green energy. Ideation Labs bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact. The program offers workshops and expert coaching. With a “science first” approach, students can help researchers 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 around one hour per week.
Interested in joining? This initiative is open to bachelor and master students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and professors!
Timeline 2026-2027
Now – October 2026 Scouting
November – December 2026 Matchmaking
February 2027 – August 2027 Programme runs
The selection and matching process
- Students express their interest before the deadline. Applications go through a light initial screening, mainly to check whether there is a basic fit with the programme. Students who pass this first step are invited to an online information session, where we explain the programme, the commitment involved and what is expected from participants. After this session, we ask you to make your own decision: are you ready to commit to the programme? If yes, you are invited to the matchmaking event. This is where the main and highly competitive selection round takes place. You will receive the case summaries in advance so you can prepare.
- Researchers start by submitting an interest form. After a short intake with the Impact Studio team, selected researchers receive a template to submit a 1–2 page case summary, which is shared with students ahead of the matchmaking event.
- During the Matchmaking Event, students and researchers meet through a series of speeddates. Students will also meet members of the programme staff during the event.
- Following the speeddates, students indicate their preferred cases, while researchers and programme staff provide feedback on the matches. This input is used to make the final selection and offer students a place in the programme. Teams are then formed and confirmed by the end of December. Only selected participants continue into the programme.
Want to learn more about the science behind the programme?
Read our white paper: LINK
* Ideation Labs is a program developed by the Impact Studio, a collaboration between TU Delft Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Impact Centre, and Delft Enterprises
How Ideation Labs Work
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.
The goal is rapid, actionable results: transforming scientific breakthroughs into viable products, startups, or follow-up trajectories such as spinouts, licenses, pilots, further research, or grant applications.
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.
Questions?
Contact: ideationlabs@tudelft.nl
This initiative is a collaboration between five leading Dutch knowledge institutions
