On 21 September 2016 the winners of the Inspiring Solutions Programme 2016 were announced at the world congress of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) in Moscow. Utrecht Science Park received first prize here, thanks to the development of an education, training and research programme in which students and the business community can come together and strengthen each other. This Inspiring Solution not only helps the companies using the solution to innovate faster, but also ensures that these companies can attract and retain young talent.
The annual voting for the Inspiring Solutions Programme is conducted by the members of the International Association of Science Parks, a global network of science parks and areas of innovation. This network brings together managers of science parks and other areas of innovation; the IASP has 387 members in 79 countries who were invited to vote for the best inspiring solutions. Following creation of the shortlist in June 2016, the members cast their votes and Utrecht Science Park carried the day.
The winning solution, a cooperation between Utrecht Science Park, HU University of Applies Sciences and industry, enables pharmaceutical companies to bring their products to market more quickly by drawing on the help of students and research facilities. During their course of studies these students optimize analysis protocols from these companies, after which the protocols are validated in an accredited laboratory. Thanks to the programme the processes of product development and market access are accelerated, and what’s more students are trained for a job at pharmaceutical companies. The solution forms part of a programme set up by Utrecht Science Park to enhance the use of existing knowledge, talent and research infrastructure. Read more about Inspiring Solutions here.
