Open Innovation Hub

Deep Tech & Digital Solutions

Connecting digital solutions & deep tech with the entrepreneurial heart of our regions

The Open Innovation Hub at Saxion UAS connects regional businesses with digital solutions, deep tech, and international expertise. As one of nine regional hubs within the E³UDRES² alliance, it serves as the main entry point to a European innovation network.

Supporting regional growth

Economic growth increasingly depends on people who combine technical expertise with entrepreneurship — the “Ent-r-e-novators.” Saxion supports startups and helps SMEs modernise through digital tools and new ways of working.

Through a central portal, businesses can directly submit requests: from student recruitment to coaching, digital implementation, and applied research. Saxion acts as a single point of contact that matches these needs with the right expertise.

What is the benefit for our region to collaborate within this international innovation hub?

By operating as a E³UDRES² hub, Saxion UAS provides a direct bridge between local industry and broader European expertise. Smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region no longer have to look for high-tech or digital solutions solely within local borders.

Instead, they gain direct access to cross-border knowledge, joint European funding, and an international talent pipeline. A major advantage of this hub is the ability to bring international students together. For example, students from the alliance partner in Romania are highly technically oriented. By collaborating with them, Saxion’s region can benefit from their specialized skills, filling a critical local shortage of this expertise.

Saxion’s Mechatronics and Robotics (SMART) Research Group

Saxion’s SMART Research Group actively brings cutting-edge automation challenges directly to the hub.

A current assignment involves the development of Geo-referenced 3D Mapping for Static Building Interiors. Students work with robotics frameworks to help autonomous systems navigate GPS-denied indoor environments, stripping away dynamic environmental noise to ensure seamless human-robot collaboration on factory floors.

The Saxion Innovation Infrastructure

Saxion supports collaboration through a strong ecosystem. This infrastructure connects education, research, and industry, and accelerates regional innovation.

Saxion Business Point

Central access for SMEs to talent and expertise

Centre for Entrepreneurship (SCvO)

Coaching and business development support, also see: Centre for Entrepreneurship | Saxion

Research centres

Translate deep tech and digitalisation into practical solutions

Labs (e.g. Mechatronics, Ambient Intelligence)

Spaces for co-creation and testing

What the Open Innovation Hub does

The Base

📍 Saxion UAS, The Netherlands

More about Saxion UAS

Contact the team of the open innovation hub

Vera de Ruiter

Saxion UAS

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Rob Reuvekamp

Saxion UAS

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