Twice strengthens innovation and opts for partnership
Whether under the microscope or in programming language, developments in the high-tech industry are happening at lightning speed. Start-ups, scale-ups and multinationals in the Brainport region reinforce each other in a unique ecosystem. Supporting and accelerating this interaction is Twice's mission. From five tech hubs at Eindhoven University of Technology and the High Tech Campus, the company offers innovative enterprises not only office space and specialist labs, but also connections to the right network.
Investing in preconditions
“Our ultimate goal is to strengthen the regional economy,” says director Marc Kuipers. “The Partnerfonds invests in preconditions, things that need to be in order. By contributing to this, we also give something back to the companies.” For Twice, partnership is a matter of course: the organisation itself has grown thanks to its strong regional network.
Inextricably linked
Twice has been in existence for 27 years and is closely intertwined with the region. ‘The Brainport region has grown thanks to technical innovations and collaborations. We feel inextricably linked to this,’ says Kuipers. Twice's shareholders also reflect this collaboration: a public-private mix that has been investing in a thriving ecosystem for decades.
Growing with the region
The scale increase in Brainport brings new challenges. Kuipers: ‘Accessibility, housing shortages and staff shortages – these are social issues that affect all our tenants. It's great that the Brainport Partnerfonds is doing something about this.’
The growth also brings challenges for Twice itself. There are more students, and the number of companies establishing themselves here from abroad is also growing. This puts pressure on the limited space available to Twice. The company is constantly looking for new locations to meet the increasing demand. ‘We are looking at several campuses in the region. It is important, however, that there is also demand. Students and start-ups often want to start in a central location because these are more accessible and better known.’
Smart solutions
In addition to new locations, Twice is also looking for other ways to help entrepreneurs. One example is renting out a building that will be demolished in a few years' time, but which currently offers excellent office space. ‘This is ideal for early-stage start-ups. It allows us to offer a valuable springboard at low cost.’
This social function is a conscious choice, Kuipers emphasises: ‘We distinguish ourselves from other property providers by being able to rent out space cheaply to socially oriented start-ups and scale-ups. In this way, we contribute to innovation and to society.’
Success stories
The list of companies taking their first steps at Twice is impressive. Xeltis, for example, is developing artificial blood vessel parts here that reduce injury to dialysis patients. Zens brought wireless chargers to market and even managed to convince Apple with pilots at the High Tech Campus. RIFT is developing a groundbreaking solution designed to make industrial heat low-carbon. This innovative approach offers a practical, feasible and economically viable method for industries looking for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
For Kuipers, stories like these are at the heart of the mission: ‘If we create the right conditions, entrepreneurs can excel. That is the power of Brainport, and we want to make an active contribution to this with the Partnerfonds.’