Techport and Rabobank work together to accelerate innovations among entrepreneurs
Techport and Rabobank are going to work together. The two parties recently signed an agreement to this effect. The parties have found each other in a collaboration that focuses on growing and accelerating innovations at SMEs and entrepreneurs in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
Techport's ambition is to further develop the innovation ecosystem in the Techport region. Rabobank wants to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation in the business community. Existing programs, activities and opportunities fit well with the shared ambitions in the manufacturing industry in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (MRA).
Mark Denys, chairman Techport: "In the past period we have further shaped and concretized the cooperation. Through good discussions we now know exactly how we can use Rabobank's activities and network to strengthen our Techport innovation roadmap. We opt for an intensive and substantive cooperation that will allow us to take quick steps: direct, concrete and practical. Through this collaboration, we put more emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs in innovation, both technically and in terms of market approach. We are also looking at how we can help entrepreneurs develop their organizations. This is something in which Rabobank has a lot of experience. Through the cooperation we stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship; together we make more impact and get a more sustainable result."
For example, Techport Challenges and Accelerator programs are being organized. The parties are doing this in cooperation with the GO!-NH Accelerator of the Province of North Holland. Workshops are also being set up and there is extra guidance for SMEs in the manufacturing industry in the MRA. In addition, Techport will pair students with SMEs and startups. Students can also participate in the Techport Accelerator and other activities. Students come mainly from Hogeschool Inholland, UvA, HvA and ROC Nova College.
Techport and Rabobank are committed to the intensive collaboration and development of the region. Ard van Berkel, SME director at Rabobank, says: "The collaboration in the programming and recruitment activities on offer establishes a clear link from Rabobank with the region and with our ambition to stimulate sustainable growth of entrepreneurs. As a proud partner of the Techport Innovation Roadmap, our aim is not only to help as many innovations as possible obtain financing, but also to share our knowledge and our network within the network. The program continues to expand and our ambition is to keep intensifying our cooperation and involvement. The expansion may manifest itself in a broadening of geographic scope, deepening in themes, deepening in sectors and expanding the number of participating companies and industry involvement."