AIPO Explores Dutch Innovation Models at Breda, Erasmus, and Yes! Delft

In early October 2024, members of the Ateneo Intellectual Propert Office (AIPO) embarked on an enriching journey to the Netherlands, visiting leading Dutch institutions known for fostering innovation and startup growth. The trip, held from October 3 to 4, offered AIPO members a chance to benchmark best practices, operational models, and innovation strategies at three prestigious institutions: Breda University of Applied Sciences, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, and the Yes! Delft Incubation Center.

Breda University of Applied Sciences

The first stop was the Breda University of Applied Sciences, renowned for its hands-on approach to education and innovation. Here, the AIPO team gained insights into how Breda combines academia with industry expertise to support student entrepreneurs. The institution’s dynamic programs and industry partnerships serve as a model for fostering innovation in applied settings, giving the team valuable takeaways on integrating practical entrepreneurship into educational curricula.

Group photo from left to right: Dr Fritz Kohle of BUAS, Ms Mariela Alcaparas of AIPO, Mr Tijs van Es of BUAS, and Mr Steve Chaves of AIPO

Photo: the BUAS Innovation Square

Erasmus University of Rotterdam

Next, AIPO members visited Erasmus University of Rotterdam, known for its commitment to social impact and entrepreneurial growth. Erasmus’s interdisciplinary focus on business and social sciences allowed the group to explore the synergies between academic research and practical entrepreneurial applications. The visit included a tour of the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, where the team observed how the center nurtures startups and accelerates innovation through mentorship, networking, and resource-sharing.

AIPO with the Head of Business Development of Erasmus Enterprise, Ms Liesje Goldschmidt

The Q Building of the Erasmus Enterprise Center

Yes! Delft Incubation Center: An Incubator for Innovation

The final stop was the Yes! Delft Incubation Center, one of Europe’s top incubators for technology-driven startups. Here, AIPO members engaged with program managers and entrepreneurs to understand the core elements of Yes! Delft’s incubation model, including its hands-on support for startups at every stage of development. This visit highlighted the center’s extensive support system, which spans from ideation to market entry and beyond, making it an invaluable reference for AIPO’s future initiatives.

AIPO with Ms Radena Tsoneva, Community Manager of Yes! Delft Incubation Center

Photo of the Yes! Delft Incubation space (courtesy of yesdelft.com)

Key Takeaways and Future Plans

The benchmarking trip provided the AIPO - Ideation Support Group with invaluable knowledge about Dutch best practices in fostering innovation and supporting startups. By learning from these institutions, AIPO aims to enhance its support mechanisms for ideation and innovation, inspired by the collaborative, impact-focused, and resource-intensive approaches observed.

The AIPO team is now evaluating ways to integrate these insights into its local initiatives, aiming to bring similar collaborative and supportive environments to budding innovators in the Philippines.

---

AIPO would like to express its gratitude to the Ateneo Office of the Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization for helping them arrange meetings with the universities mentioned in this article. Special thanks are also given to the Office of the Vice President for Higher Education for the financial support provided to help make this study mission happen.

Interested in how AIPO can help you or your team? Talk to AIPO at aipo@ateneo.edu or call +632 89270096.

You may also follow their social media for the latest news and updates: fb.com/ateneoipo or linkedin.com/company/ateneoipo. AIPO Explores Dutch Innovation Models at Breda, Erasmus, and Yes! Delft