“We are particularly looking for market access and a first customer for our startups. We also want to have at least one partner in every relevant market that supports our startups in the very early stage with technology, services, and industry knowledge. That’s why we are pleased to have Siemens as our new partner. Their technology and services are typically available only in the mature phase of a company, but startups also need them.” said Ras Lalmy, Managing Director of YES!Delft.
European technology talent
YES!Delft supports startups bringing a wide range of technological innovations to the market – from nanotech, quantum, and space to AI and medical technologies. You name it. What connects them is their drive to make an impact and create solutions for major challenges. Scaling up is essential to achieve this, especially within Europe. We have a broad partner network; this includes multinationals but also parties that make a very specific contribution to startups.
Together with other European academic incubators, YES!Delft recently visited Ekaterina Zaharieva, the first EU Commissioner for startups, innovation, and research. The goal was to engage European policymakers and remove obstacles so that technological talent can fully develop in Europe.
We have a broad partner network; this includes multinationals but also parties that make a very specific contribution to startups.”
Digitalization
This involves tools and services for digitalization, including simulation software and digital twins. According to a Siemens study, startups place this high on their priority list but do not have practical access to it. Early-stage start-ups are often busy with their concept and don’t have the money for digitalization states Patrick Fokke, Vice President & Managing Director Benelux.
Early-stage start-ups are often busy with their concept and don’t have the money for digitalization.
“We want to lower this barrier by showing inspiring examples and helping them take their first steps in digitalization. With the help of our integrated design and simulation environment in our Xcelerator portfolio and our low-code platform Mendix, they can reduce their risks, shorten their time-to-market, and develop faster.”
Strategic importance
At Siemens, we find it very important to stimulate innovation. We are happy to contribute with our technological solutions but also by sharing knowledge and through our network. In that context, collaboration with startups is also important to us. With our Xcelerator platform, we can support them and help bring their innovative ideas to the market” said Dirk de Bilde, CEO of Siemens Netherlands.
With our Xcelerator platform, we can support them and help bring their innovative ideas to the market.
One of the YES!Delft startups that has grown into a global player with Siemens’ support is Ampelmann. This spin-off from TU Delft develops solutions to safely transfer people and goods between vessels and wind turbines or platforms at sea. “Since the development of the first prototype, we have used Siemens PLCs and software to power the core of our technology,” says Jan van der Tempel, founder and CEO of Ampelmann. “Offshore transfers of people using our Hexapod – a six-legged platform that compensates for wave movements – feel very safe. Designing and operating this system involves safety challenges. Siemens systems make our solutions reliable and safe. Even if a part fails, people can safely cross.”
“It’s great that Siemens is now directly supporting YES!Delft startups! To make the world a better place, we must turn ideas into working machines. This collaboration will accelerate that.”
It’s great that Siemens is now directly supporting YES!Delft startups! To make the world a better place, we must turn ideas into working machines. This collaboration will accelerate that.
Organic growth
We absolutely see opportunities to further expand the collaboration that has now started in the future. For example, Siemens has its own venture capital entity, which fits well with our investor network, where we connect startups and scale-ups with investors. We also see potential for startups to tackle challenges within Siemens. The collaboration will grow organically.