The summer months of 2026 have not just been filled with sunshine, but also with inspiring initiatives, strategic networking, and knowledge session that strengthen the understanding of TTO role within Erasmus MC innovation ecosystem.
NL-US Health Accelerator
One of the most significant developments from the Erasmus MC Incubator over the past six months has been its involvement in the NL-US Health Accelerator, a program organized by Cedars-Sinai Accelerator+ and Rotterdam Square in collaboration with Erasmus MC.
Erasmus MC Incubator played an active role in shaping the program’s structure and objectives and contributed to the development of the curriculum delivered at Erasmus MC, which forms the first phase of the accelerator before participating start-ups travel to the United States.
In addition, the Incubator helped connect participating start-ups with Erasmus MC clinicians and researchers and leveraged its network to engage expert speakers from both within and outside Erasmus MC, providing valuable insights and industry perspectives throughout the program.
We are especially proud to share the news about ExoVectory and Kaminari Medical, Erasmus MC spin off companies, selected for the first NL-USA Health Accelerator program. This is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate innovation, build valuable international connections, and explore growth opportunities in the US healthcare market.
Convergence Summer Drinks
The annual Convergence Summer Drinks brought together colleagues from Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), and TU Delft to strengthen connections and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Highlights included:
• An update from Luna van den Bergh research advisor, Convergence Health and Technology (H&T) on H&T program and its ongoing collaborative projects.
• A keynote by Eline van Beest, an entrepreneur, an investor and professor of Practice at TU Delft, on entrepreneurship, valorization, and developments in the Dutch innovation landscape.
• A presentation by Caya Huijbregts, COO from Neollie, an Erasmus MC and TU Delft spin-off developing an innovative feeding robot for neonatology, now based in the Erasmus MC Incubator.
The event highlighted the power of bringing together complementary expertise from healthcare, engineering and fundamental sciences. The growing portfolio of flagship projects and spin-offs such as Neollie shows how strategic partnerships can turn pioneering ideas into tangible outcomes, strengthening the region's position as a leading hub for health and technology innovation.
TTO Knowledge Sessions
To support researchers in translating their discoveries into impact, the Technology Transfer Office organized during the summer several knowledge sessions:
- Together with Bart Schultink, Information Security Officer of Erasmus MC, TTO explored the opportunities and risks of using AI tools in the valorization process.
- Prof. Eric Claassen, CEO Vironovative BV, prof em. of entrepreneurship in the life sciences at Vrije Universiteit Athena Institute, shared practical insights during his session "How to Recognize the Value of Your Research Results."
- In collaboration with the Research and Development Office (RDO), TTO hosted "Funding for Impactful Innovations." Jelle Eikelhof, business development manager TTO & investment manager at UNIIQ discussed preparing innovations for investment, while Jeroen van Alphen van Duren, European grant funding expert from RDO provided an overview of grant funding opportunities and support for researchers pursuing valorization activities.
Through these events and knowledge-sharing initiatives, TTO continues to help researchers transform innovative ideas into societal and economic impact while fostering a vibrant innovation community.
