The Launch is a pre-incubator for early phase entrepreneurship at the Heyendaal Campus in Nijmegen. And it doesn’t matter if you are a student, researcher or a teacher, our mission is simple.
We want to help develop and showcase your innovative ideas and support the start-ups that emerge from these ideas.
What we believe in
The Launch helps students and researchers at the Heyendaal Campus realize and validate their business ideas. How we do this? These are our core values:
- Empower
We want to empower entrepreneurial minds and help you with your first steps in becoming a successful entrepreneur! - Room to fail
No room for failure means no room for learning and growing. F.A.I.L. stands for: First Attempt In Learning. Something we definitely encourage! - Bringing ideas together
We believe in bringing ideas and people together. There is no ‘i’ in team. And we believe that Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). So dare to share your ideas!
Want to know more about us and our expertise?
Our Vision
We help starting entrepreneurs with innovative ideas on the Heyendaal campus to transform their business idea into a company with impact! Want to become an entrepreneur?
You can go to one of our workshops or events, talk to one of our business coaches, work at our lab & offices, get help with funding and join our business network and get connected.
Curious to find out how we can help you? Take a look! Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us!
Our founding story
The Launch (formerly Mercator Launch) was founded in 2018 and was set up as an entrepreneurial programme for the entire Heyendaal Campus that aims to stimulate entrepreneurial spirit among employees, PhD students and students and wants to help starting entrepreneurs with their ideas.
Our team and support
Ton Korts
Business coach
I’m Ton, a business coach at The Launch. With a track record in sales and venture building, I help you shape your value proposition, develop your business model, and define your sales strategy. You’ll meet me at the Discovery Track, Venture Track, and in 1:1 sessions where I support you in growing your startup.
Francien Mels
Business Coach
I’m Francien, a business coach at The Launch. With over 20 years of experience in product development and as a former entrepreneur, I help you explore whether starting a business is the best way to launch your idea, validate your value proposition, refine your business case, and identify opportunities to grow your venture. You’ll meet me at the Discovery and Venture Tracks, and in 1:1 sessions.
Jon Feenstra
Business coach
I'm Jon. As a business coach at The Launch and a business developer at the Knowledge Transfer Office, I support you in developing your startup. With a background in science, physics, sustainability, and technology, I help you shape your strategy, build collaborations, and refine your business model and value proposition.
Florine Dams
Community and Event Manager
Hi, I’m Florine. As Coordinator and Event Manager at The Launch, I’m the person you’ll see in emails about tracks and events, and you can reach out to me for questions about planning or organizing them. With a background in marketing, I also capture photos for social media and our website, helping to showcase the activities and energy of The Launch.
Jana Scheider
Work student - Content Marketeer
I am Jana. As content marketeer at The Launch, I work mostly behind the scenes to create engaging and impactful content. From shaping our social media and website presence to preparing the monthly newsletter and interviewing inspiring entrepreneurs, I make sure our stories are told in a way that connects and inspires.
Mathijs Buddingh
Project Manager Science Park
Hi, I’m Matthijs. I am the project manager of the Science Park, where we provide space for innovative entrepreneurs and offer the environment in which companies can grow after their start at The Launch. With my real estate background, I’m the person you’ll be in contact with when you need housing or accommodation solutions for your startup - whether on or off campus.
Ed Koster
Financial Business Coach
Hi, I’m Ed. As a business coach with a background in professional finance, I’m the person you’ll meet when you need support with the financial planning of your startup. Whether you’re budgeting, forecasting, or determining what your company needs to grow, I’m here to guide you.
Marioes Gerrits
Management and Office Assistant
Hi, I’m Marioes. As the Management and Office Assistant for Research & Impact, I support the team behind the scenes, including The Launch. While you may not meet me directly, I help keep everything running smoothly through administrative support, document management, and event planning.
Mario van der Toorn
KTO Manager
Hi, I’m Mario. As manager of the Knowledge Transfer Office, of which The Launch is a part, I’m most likely the person you’ll connect with when you want to protect IP originating from Radboud University or when you need a licence agreement with the university. With my legal and tax background, I’m here to help you navigate these processes smoothly.
The idea of The Launch was born in 2017.
The Launch (formerly Mercator Launch) was founded in 2018 by Radboud University and Radboudumc as an entrepreneurial programme for the entire Nijmegen Campus. Our goal is to stimulate entrepreneurial spirit among employees, PhD students, and students, helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into impactful and successful startups.
We primarily focus on supporting entrepreneurs in the pre-incubation phase. This means guiding you through the essential steps to further develop your business idea, refine your business model, and shape your business plan – all to increase your chances of creating a meaningful and effective startup.
Together with our founding partners, we continue to empower entrepreneurial minds across the Heyendaal Campus through The Launch!
Partners we are very proud to work with are:
Using my experience, I help others to turn their idea into business - and I love doing that.
Francien Mels