ECE and Microlab will prioritise creating societal impact by embracing a wide range of groups and communities locally and globally and by sharing knowledge. Microlab, designed for creators, maintains robust ties to the creative and cultural sectors with its maker’s approach, and is dedicated to fostering a diverse community of entrepreneurs.
Hands-on for societal impact
By joining forces with Microlab and moving from its previous location on Marconistraat to Aert van Nesstraat, ECE aims to blend its dedication to positive societal impact and entrepreneurial excellence with Microlab's innovative hands-on practices. Both partners are excited about the potential to inspire, support, and propel ventures that are committed to making a tangible, positive difference in the world, and to make entrepreneurial competencies available to all.
ECE’s director, Farshida Zafar says: “We are also excited about our increased ability to assist academics and students with their research endeavours, linking academics with starting entrepreneurs in the field and, in turn, engaging the ecosystem in pioneering new domains and scientific exploration.
“We are pleased to support entrepreneurs in these industries using our academically endorsed expertise from Erasmus University Rotterdam, and in particular Rotterdam School of Management.”
Cross-regional connections and research sessions
Plans for the partnership include creating opportunities for Rotterdam entrepreneurs and the community of Erasmus University Rotterdam to collaborate with the partners in hands-on experimentation and research sessions.
Luuk Visser, the co-founder of Microlab, emphasised: “The collaboration not only enhances our social impact, but also reinforces cross-regional connections among entrepreneurs in the various regions where Microlab operates. The two organisations are well positioned to strengthen each other with their complementary core competencies: academic insight, entrepreneurial guidance, and innovation prowess on one side, and excellence in creating a managed space and a community conducive to innovative entrepreneurship on the other.”
A dynamic platform that connects and facilitates entrepreneurs and creatives. With an inspiring environment and state-of-the-art facilities, Microlab strives to be an incubator for innovation and entrepreneurship. The platform provides space, community and resources to stimulate business growth. Microlab and ECE can be found on the 12th floor at Aert van Nesstraat 45, 3012CA Rotterdam. rotterdam@microlab.nl
Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship
As a part of Erasmus University Rotterdam, ECE is a leading expertise centre for entrepreneurship education and research. ECE offers a range of programmes, events, and support services that cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and foster entrepreneurial behaviour. Through dynamic collaboration with entrepreneurs, academia, government, and industry partners, ECE actively shapes the future of entrepreneurship and drives positive economic and social change locally and globally. Microlab and ECE can be found on the 12th floor at Aert van Nesstraat 45, 3012 CA Rotterdam.
Marketing and communications specialist at ECE Karina Zavidova zavidova@ece.nl
