Innovative Dutch Startups Receive NWO Fellowship Support
Netherlands, Wednesday, 5 March 2025.
Tim Hogervorst and Mert Astam, backed by NWO’s Faculty of Impact, will develop groundbreaking technologies in cryopreservation and haptics for the blind with financial and educational resources.
Pioneering Research into Commercial Applications
The two-year fellowship program, announced on March 4, 2025, will provide both researchers with intensive personal guidance from experts in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and investment [1][2]. The researchers will maintain their positions at Eindhoven University of Technology while being relieved of administrative and teaching duties to focus on commercializing their innovations [1].
Breakthrough in Biological Preservation
Tim Hogervorst’s venture focuses on advancing cryopreservation technology, addressing critical challenges in preserving cells, tissues, and organs through ice formation [1]. Current preservation methods often result in irreparable damage to biological materials, limiting their long-term storage potential. Hogervorst’s research aims to revolutionize preservation techniques, potentially improving access to life-saving treatments and biological materials for healthcare and breeding programs [1].
Innovative Haptic Technology for the Visually Impaired
Mert Astam, who recently completed his Ph.D., is developing haptic technology through his company HaptonTech to enhance sensory experiences for blind individuals [1]. The fellowship arrives at a crucial time for early-stage startups, providing essential resources for self-investment and educational development. This initiative is part of a larger cohort of eleven new fellows selected by NWO, focusing on various innovative solutions across different sectors [2].
Institutional Support and Future Prospects
Both innovations emerged from the Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology, with support from The Gate, the university’s entrepreneurial support department [1]. This collaboration exemplifies the growing emphasis on translating academic research into practical applications, with the Faculty of Impact program serving as a crucial bridge between university research and commercial enterprise [2].