Meet Maarten, Program Manager of StartLab.Brussels for Academics. In his role, he is on a mission to connect VUB researchers with the guidance of the StartLab.Brussels entrepreneurship program, helping them transform their ideas into real-world innovations. Curious about how he's making an impact? Read on to learn more.
What is your role at VUB TechTransfer?
I am the Program Manager of StartLab.Brussels for Academics. I connect the support services of our TechTransfer office with the coaching and guidance we provide for early-stage entrepreneurs at StartLab.Brussels.
What are your main responsibilities in this role?
I oversee the StartLab.Brussels for Academics program. We only launched this academic year with a program specifically designed for researchers, so currently much of my time goes to communication, branding, positioning, recruitment and networking. I therefore collaborate closely with my colleagues within StartLab.Brussels, who are responsible for programs aimed at young first-time entrepreneurs and students.
I coordinate participants’ involvement, work with my colleagues to develop the program offerings, organise information sessions, and manage other related activities.
How long have you been with VUB TechTransfer?
I joined VUB TechTransfer in October 2024.
What are your observations on the entrepreneurial landscape for VUB researchers, and how do VUB TechTransfer and StartLab.Brussels support that?
There is incredible talent among VUB researchers, but much of it remains unexplored when it comes to entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship can be exciting but also involves uncertainty, setbacks, and restarts. This can be intimidating, but when you are young, it is the perfect time to take risks and explore new opportunities.
Our goal at StartLab.Brussels is to make the entrepreneurial journey easier and more understandable. Many researchers are curious about entrepreneurship, but do not yet know what it entails. We welcome everyone, regardless of where they are in their journey. We support them in turning their research into real-world innovations that create meaningful impact beyond the lab.
What is the project you are most proud of at VUB TechTransfer?
Of course I would choose our own StartLab.Brussels coaching program. But that would be unfair to all my colleagues who work incredibly hard to support researchers in every possible way. But StartLab.Brussels is a unique story. It is connected to VUB TechTransfer, but also has its own identity and vibe. We are a coaching program focused on giving every opportunity and support to researchers who want to become entrepreneurs. Without judgment or pressure, it must come from the researcher’s own wish. And if they are motivated, we are there for them.
What is an ideal day off for you?
No plans and no schedule, just doing whatever feels right in the moment. It could be some sports, time in nature, a bit of travel, or simply relaxing with good food. It is about enjoying the small things and not overthinking anything.
Last but not least, we have to know, what is your favorite invention of all time?
Language is the mother of all human inventions, and maybe also the most powerful. Without language, there are no thoughts, no storytelling, no science, no humor, no shared history, no cultural exchange and definitely no AI.
