How can scientific knowledge and research-based ideas move beyond academia and contribute to meaningful societal change?
Applications are now open for the GROW Incubator, a new six-month programme in The Hague for researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers who want to develop research-backed ideas into viable, purpose-driven ventures.
The incubator is an initiative of the wider GROW community, which brings together Dutch universities and international partners around the ambition to Make Science Matter. The new programme responds to a persistent challenge: research can generate valuable knowledge and promising innovations, but these do not automatically reach the people, organisations and ecosystems where they can make a difference.
A different approach to venture development
Rather than starting with rapid commercial growth or investor-driven scaling, the GROW Incubator starts with the societal challenge a venture is trying to address.
Its approach is based on regenerative entrepreneurship: developing ventures that aim to create long-term value for people, communities, economies and ecosystems while building a sustainable organisation around that impact.
This can include innovations related to areas such as climate adaptation, water and food systems, health, biodiversity, circular economy, energy transitions and inclusive livelihoods.
The programme also recognises that research-based and impact-oriented innovations often need a broader ecosystem to succeed. Governments, universities, civil society organisations, communities, entrepreneurs and investors can all play a role in moving an idea from research towards implementation.
That thinking closely connects to the work of ICFI, where collaboration between universities and partners across countries and sectors is used to explore how innovation can be developed and applied in different contexts.
Collaboration across the Global North and Global South
A central element of the incubator is collaboration across the Global North and Global South.
GROW aims to bring scientific knowledge together with local expertise, lived experience and entrepreneurial practice. Its ambition is to develop more reciprocal and equitable pathways towards innovation and impact rather than treating knowledge transfer as a one-way process.
For the ICFI community, this makes the programme particularly relevant. It offers participants an opportunity to develop their own venture while connecting to an experienced international network of researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and other partners.
This approach also builds on GROW's wider international research community. GROW programmes have previously brought Dutch universities together with academic and non-academic partners in Africa around interdisciplinary and internationally connected research on the Sustainable Development Goals. (GROW in Research)
From purpose to a viable venture
Over six months, participants work through the different stages of building a purpose-driven venture.
The programme starts by exploring purpose, values, regeneration and systems thinking. Participants then map the context around their innovation, including communities, customers, stakeholders and potential partners. Later stages focus on developing the business model, operations, finance and legal frameworks, followed by communication, storytelling and visibility. The final part of the programme focuses on regenerative leadership and sustaining impact.
The programme is designed as a practical learning journey rather than a conventional course. Participants combine knowledge and tools, practice, relationships, reflection and embodied wellbeing.
This includes:
- a full in-person training day in The Hague every other week
- practical tools, experimentation and coaching
- monthly online check-ins
- peer-to-peer learning and mutual mentoring
- workshops and expert sessions
- self-paced online learning
- community building and co-creation
- site visits and immersive learning experiences
By the end of the programme, participants are expected to have developed a practical roadmap for their venture, a clearer pitch and impact story, a stronger network and greater confidence in navigating the complexity involved in building an impact-oriented organisation.
Who can apply?
The incubator is open to solo founders and teams developing a research-backed idea or early-stage venture that aims to create impact.
Applicants should be committed to building a regenerative, purpose-led venture and to actively participating in the learning community. At least 75 percent attendance is expected, including participation in workshops, practical activities and peer learning.
Teams with a partly physical presence in the Netherlands are welcome to apply.
Key dates
Applications for the first cohort close on 7 September 2026.
Selection and onboarding will take place by 25 September, with the programme starting in The Hague on 7 October 2026. The six-month programme concludes on 24 March 2027, followed by a GROW Community Event in April.
Thanks to support from LDE Global and Leiden University Spui Campus, the programme is heavily subsidised. Participation costs €30 per founder per month.
Interested in joining the first cohort?