Biotech breakthroughs offer enormous potential, especially when they make the leap from research to application. But in biotechnology, this is particularly complex: long development timelines, significant investment, and regulatory hurdles make the path to market difficult. Biotech Booster supports early-stage innovations in this journey, with a clear goal: turning scientific potential into real-world impact. To achieve this, the program brings academia and industry together at an early stage. Not only when companies are already forming, but right at the start, when key decisions about strategic direction, application, and market potential are made.
A central component is the Biotech Booster Pool, a network of over 160 experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and experts who actively select, guide, and accelerate projects.
Dorus Velema, Manager Pool & Panels, leads this effort. Together with CBO Marco de Boer, he matches entrepreneurs to suitable projects at the appropriate time. As he states: “In essence, what I do is connect people who want to be involved in our program to the right projects, at the right time, in the right role.”
The Pool of Entrepreneurs was created to address the ongoing gap between scientific knowledge and entrepreneurial execution.
“There is a big gap between academia and research on one side and industry on the other,” Dorus explains. “By bringing those worlds together, more biotech innovations can reach the market.”
Early-stage biotech teams often prioritize science, leaving questions about market need, positioning, and scalability until later. Involving entrepreneurs from the beginning ensures these considerations are addressed early, allowing teams to start with the end in mind.
The Biotech Booster Pool of Entrepreneurs now includes over 160 members and continues to grow. It features experienced founders, investors, and domain experts, with a focus on those with proven track records.
“We look closely at everyone who applies and who we think fits the preferred experience and profile,” Dorus says. “For instance, someone who has built something and, for example, raised significant private capital, is labeled as an experienced entrepreneur.”
Entrepreneurs contribute to the program in several ways. While there were initially two main roles, additional opportunities have developed as the program has evolved. Key roles include:
- Impact Assessment Panels (Level 1)
Entrepreneurs help evaluate early-stage project proposals, with a strong focus on societal relevance and commercial feasibility.
“They look at the business case and ask: is this something the market actually needs? That perspective is crucial.”
Their input directly influences which projects move forward. In his interview, Bouke de Jong explains what this looks like in practice.
- Project Steering Committees (Level 2)
For Level 2 projects, entrepreneurs provide ongoing guidance as part of a Project Steering Committee. This typically involves a few hours per month over a longer period, helping teams navigate strategic decisions around market fit, partnerships, and growth.
In practice, entrepreneurs bring in different types of expertise, from fundraising and business development to operational scaling, depending on what a project needs at a given moment.
A good example of this can be seen in the experience of Michelle Meijer, who shares how entrepreneurs contribute hands-on insights and strategic direction within a Project Steering Committee for the ChemoPredict project by VitroScan.
“We see that projects really take bigger steps with this kind of support,” Dorus says. “They receive guidance that goes beyond what you’d normally see at this stage.”
- Panel of Entrepreneurs & advisory roles
Entrepreneurs can also contribute as part of an independent selection committee for Level 2 projects, where they assess which projects have the strongest potential for success and should be selected for the program. In his interview, Willem van Weperen explains how this works and why he likes to be involved.
4. Thematic Cluster advisory boards (new)
The new idea is that each Thematic Cluster receives its own TC Advisory Board, which consists of entrepreneurs who advise on the portfolio and general support for the TC groups in our program. This includes strategic guidance, network support, leadership development, and more. They will meet in person about twice per year, with regular online updates throughout the year.
4. Direct project support (new)
Biotech Booster is currently expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs to work more directly with Level 1 projects, for example, by helping sharpen project plans in the early stages. “The idea is to create even more direct interaction, so projects can build relationships with entrepreneurs early on, and keep that connection as they grow,” says Dorus.
How the Pool works
The Pool of Entrepreneurs is not a fixed commitment or a guaranteed role – it’s a flexible network. “You don’t commit to anything just by joining,” Dorus explains. “We reach out when there’s a specific need or assignment.”
This means:
- You will be matched at the right time with the right people
- Engagement depends on program and project needs
- Roles vary in time commitment (from incidental one-off panels to structural, longer-term involvement)
“It’s all demand-driven. That’s important to understand,” Dorus says. “At the same time, members are invited to community events such as the Project Day, annual events, and Entrepreneurs Hangout events, creating opportunities to connect with projects and other entrepreneurs.”
Why entrepreneurs join:
So why do busy entrepreneurs choose to get involved? According to Dorus, there are a few recurring motivations.
1. Staying close to innovation
Entrepreneurs get early access to emerging biotech innovations and insights into how new ideas are developing.
2. Expanding their network
The pool brings together a diverse group of founders, experts, and innovators across the ecosystem.
3. Giving back
Perhaps most importantly, many entrepreneurs see this as a way to contribute.
“There’s a strong ‘giving back’ mentality in the biotech sector. People genuinely want to help move the ecosystem forward and let biotechnology thrive in the Netherlands,” Dorus says.
4. Energy and inspiration
Working with early-stage teams also brings fresh perspectives. “Entrepreneurs often say they really enjoy working with new, enthusiastic project teams. It brings them new energy and perspectives.”
5. Real impact on projects
The involvement of entrepreneurs is not just theoretical – it leads to tangible results.
Projects benefit from:
- sharper strategic focus
- better-informed market decisions
- access to relevant networks
- practical, experience-based guidance
In many cases, the involvement of entrepreneurs has opened up new networks previously unavailable to them or helped pivot and change strategic direction for the better. “Their perspective, especially on the market side, brings completely new insights.”
Contact us via network@biotechbooster.nl for more information.
