Biotech Booster connects Business Developers and the newly introduced Impact Developers to the broader ecosystem. While both roles focus on transforming knowledge into impact, they operate in different contexts. Since the role of the Impact Developer was recently introduced at Universities of Applied Science, we plan to feature monthly interviews with Impact Developers in our program.
Business Developers work in research universities and university medical centers, where valorization follows already established paths. Impact Developers operate at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), innovating closer to real-world challenges with industry partners.
This creates another kind of valorization: practice-driven, fast-moving, and focused on higher Technology Readiness Levels. At the same time, it presents unique challenges, as knowledge-transfer structures within UAS continue to evolve and hold significant untapped potential.
Across the Netherlands, Impact Developers connect researchers, companies, and societal partners to support innovation and shape new pathways for impact. To showcase their work and perspectives, we are launching “Meet the Impact Developer”, a monthly Q&A series highlighting the people driving innovation within UAS.
If you have an idea at a UAS or are an industry partner seeking applied R&D, connect with the innovators featured in this series and explore opportunities to collaborate.
Q: Who are you, and what does your role look like in practice?
My name is Annemieke van der Goot, and I am an Impact Developer at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. I help Saxion researchers and Biotech Booster project partners turn their research results into societal and economic benefits.
In practice, researchers often come to us when a research project has ended or is about to end, but the innovation itself is not yet ready for implementation or commercialization. There may still be questions around ownership, market potential, funding, or who will continue developing the product or service.
A large part of my work revolves around helping researchers and partners navigate those next steps. That can include discussing intellectual property: what exactly has been developed, who owns it, and under what conditions results can be transferred or licensed. We also explore the type of follow-up funding needed. Technical validation is often covered within research projects, but activities such as market validation, business modeling, and economic feasibility assessment are typically not funded, even though they are essential for creating real impact.
Another important part of my work is connecting researchers with companies or organizations that might want to develop or use their results. Sometimes this leads to a technology transfer, and other times it starts a new project together. If researchers want to keep working on their idea themselves, we help them on their entrepreneurial journey, which can even lead to starting a spin-off company.
Q: What inspires or drives you most about working at a University of Applied Sciences?
What I really value about research at a University of Applied Sciences is that projects almost always start from a concrete societal question or challenge. Research is typically carried out in close collaboration with industry partners, healthcare organizations, governments, and end users. That means innovations are developed together with the people who will eventually use them.
I think this creates a very different way of working. It is not just about pushing new technology, but about finding the best solution for a real problem. I also value how research groups at UAS bring together people from different fields. At Saxion, for example, researchers in biology, engineering, design, and prototyping often work side by side.
This mix is especially valuable for small and medium-sized companies. Many of them do not have large research teams, so working with a UAS gives them access to research experts, testing facilities, and teams focused on putting ideas into practice and making an impact.
Q: What makes innovation at a UAS different from other knowledge institutions?
Research at a University of Applied Sciences is typically very problem-driven. The societal challenge is central, and the solution is developed in close collaboration with stakeholders, including companies, clinicians, patients, and end users.
Compared to universities or medical centers, the technology may not always be as groundbreaking, but the real strength is turning new ideas into practical solutions. Since researchers work closely with stakeholders, the solutions often change and improve during the process.
I have seen projects where researchers began with one idea but, after talking with patients and clinicians, developed a completely different solution that better met the real need. I believe this flexibility and ability to respond to feedback are key strengths of UAS research.
This is also why Universities of Applied Sciences are such interesting partners for SMEs. The focus is not only on publishing research, but on creating impact together and developing solutions that can realistically be implemented in practice.
Q: Can you share a project or moment that really stayed with you?
One moment I am particularly proud of is the number of HBO Take-off valorization grants recently awarded to Saxion researchers. Saxion received three out of the eight grants awarded nationally, and even more researchers applied.
To me, this shows how our researchers think. They do not just move on when a project ends; they truly want their results to make a difference in society. Even if they do not see themselves as future entrepreneurs, they are willing to try new things and learn how to bring their ideas closer to the market.
I believe that being open to valorization and entrepreneurship is very important, and I see this attitude growing quickly at UAS.
Q: What is something people often misunderstand about your work?
A common misunderstanding is that impact development at Universities of Applied Sciences can just follow the same approach as Knowledge Transfer Offices at research universities.
But the context is different. The kind of research, the way we work together, and the stage of innovation are often different. UAS research is usually closer to implementation and is part of hands-on collaborations. This means we need our own ways to create value and impact.
At the same time, I think we at UAS still need to get better at showing and measuring the impact we make. There is a lot of valuable innovation happening, but it is not visible enough yet.
Q: Where do you see the biggest opportunity for UAS in the coming years?
I believe Universities of Applied Sciences can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between fundamental research performed at universities and UMCs and real industrial applications.
They are also well-positioned to support small- and medium-sized companies as partners in innovation and research. SMEs are very important for the Netherlands’ innovation, but many do not have big research departments. UAS already works closely with these companies and is well placed to help turn knowledge into practical solutions and new business opportunities.
In areas like biotech and health, I see huge opportunities for Universities of Applied Sciences to speed up implementation and make sure innovations really reach people.
Q: What would you say to someone considering working with a UAS?
I would say: do not hesitate to involve a University of Applied Sciences, especially when you are working on a challenge that requires practical implementation, user involvement, or multidisciplinary collaboration.
UAS are easy to approach and focus on working together. We team up with companies, healthcare organizations, governments, and end users to create solutions that are not just new but also practical and useful.
For SMEs especially, collaborating with a UAS provides access to expertise, facilities, and networks that are often difficult to build internally. A good collaboration is truly a partnership focused on creating real societal impact.
