The way we work
Our recipe is actually quite simple …
This is how we do it
Our societal impact manifests through our ventures. We truly believe anyone with the ambition to improve the lives of others deserves the opportunity to become an entrepreneur.
We support only those ventures that dedicate their teams, time and technology to address the grand societal and planetary challenges of our time. We engage our deep-tech ecosystem, talent network and proven venture building programs to enable soon-to-be entrepreneurs to make a difference. That is why we consider the integration of sustainability initiatives in our program vital to our success.
Our program
Every company we build follows our rigorous Venture Builder Program. Before a company enters the program, co-founders, technology applications and market opportunities must be identified and validated. This is the entry ticket into our program.
The program itself focuses on maturing the startup, increasing “investor readiness.” To achieve this, teams are drilled and trained to formalize their value proposition, design and innovate their business models and build prototypes, their teams and partnerships.
At the end of our Venture Builder Program, the startups are ready to attract external funding to execute pilots, refine their products and take the next steps to scale their organizations.
Our tools
To structure the development of our startups during our program, we have developed a proprietary toolchain to stimulate venture development: the Venture Journey.
In this online environment, startup teams build their data rooms on different axes: from Business Model to Supply Chain and from Sustainability to Finance.
We know success depends on the people you surround yourself with. Therefore, we collaborate closely with the Eindhoven Startup Alliance, corporate partners, investors, tech experts and advisors. Together, we guide teams through our program and launch them into the market towards success.
Focus areas
CleanTech
Startups leverage – or invent – technologies that reduce the impact on the environment.
CleanTech ventures create sustainable solutions to address climate change, resource depletion and pollution. Using innovative technologies such as renewable energy and green chemistry, they reduce the environmental footprint of industries. This drives the transition to a more responsible future, creating economic opportunities and spurring innovation. These ventures prioritize environmental impact, driving positive change towards a sustainable world.
Datacom/Telecom
Technologies to improve access to communication networks to underserved communities across the globe.
Datacom/Telecom technologies include Internet and mobile broadband, which can help bridge the digital divide and provide access to critical services such as healthcare and education. By enabling greater connectivity, these technologies also have the potential to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for individuals and communities. Significant challenges remain in expanding access to these technologies, particularly in rural and remote areas with limited infrastructure.
Healthcare
Emerging technologies are revolutionizing the field of global health by improving standards of care, particularly in the areas of diagnostics and monitoring.
Safety
Advanced technologies and machinery to improve personal safety and asset safety worldwide.
The development and application of advanced technologies and machinery have the potential to improve personal safety and asset safety on a global scale. Examples include biometrics, integrated photonics, drones and robots automating dangerous tasks and enhancing situational awareness. These technologies are crucial in various industries, from transportation to public safety. Continued innovation and investment can significantly improve safety and security worldwide.
AgriTech
Deep tech to improve farm/agriculture efficiency, sustainability and pollution.
Deep tech has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry. By leveraging these technologies, farmers can improve their efficiency, increase their crop yields and reduce the amount of resources and inputs needed to produce food. This not only increases profitability for farmers, but also helps reduce the environmental impact of agriculture as well as mitigate pollution. By embracing deep tech in agriculture, we can move toward a more sustainable and responsible approach to food production that benefits both the industry and the planet.
Our people
The amazing people behind our “teamwork makes the dream work” motto.
John Bell is passionate about sustainability and building impactful ventures that solve grand societal challenges. With his extensive experience in open innovation, new business creation, partnerships and strategy, he’s certain to fulfill that goal. Previously, he spent five years at Johnson & Johnson, where he led their internal accelerator, and at Philips Research he was responsible for open innovation, partnerships with tech institutes and collaboration with startups.
Earl brings 25 years’ experience to the CTO role at HighTechXL. Earl has published more than 100 publications and more than 55 patents related to process engineering and is also part-time professor at the Technical University of Delft in the field of power to chemicals.
As HighTechXL’s Chief Growth Officer, Boudewijn mentors and coaches startup teams in the venture building program. He co-founded EFFECT Photonics, taking it from the university lab to one of Brainport’s fastest growing semiconductor companies. He remains as advisor at the company.
As COO at HighTechXL, Nikki brings a wealth of knowledge after working at multiple accelerator programs, where she focused on event organization, operations and mentor management. Before joining the startup world, she enjoyed an acclaimed career as a professional handball player for German clubs and for the Dutch national team. Nikki plays to win and applies the same approach to her work as she did to her sports career.
Esther Peeks is HighTechXL’s Team Dynamics Coach and HR Manager. She supports startups from team recruitment and formation to high performance level. Esther also developed the ASML Talent Program. Special interests include diversity in teams and female leadership.
Robin is Program Director at HighTechXL and has supported, advised and monitored 30+ new promising deep-tech ventures in their development during HighTechXL’s Venture Builder Program.
As HighTechXL legal officer, Armelle Tieke-Launay is a business partner for HighTechXL stakeholders. Armelle provides legal support on a daily basis and is responsible for the professionalization of legal services. She is also the first contact for initial legal needs of startups in the HTXL Venture Building Program.
Ivana has been HighTechXL personal assistant, admin and program support for more than three years. She has 10 years of experience as a general advisor for normative and legal affairs and five years in the insurance industry as an Executive Manager in an insurance brokerage company.
Ximena is responsible for the full recruitment and onboarding process of co-founders in the venture building program and the interns who join HighTechXL. She is the right person to look for when you are interested in an internship, being an advisor for one of the ventures or when you want to build your own venture and learn more about becoming a co-founder.
Joris enjoys working where cutting edge technologies meet innovative entrepreneurs, so working on the Tech Scouting team is a perfect fit for him. Joris and team assess promising technologies for applications and economic and impact potential. Joris is driven to find the best deep tech to help ventures make a positive impact on the world.
John brings over 25 years’ experience in the high-tech machine building to his role as supply chain specialist. He has a strong network and expertise in product development for complex mechatronic applications.
Jordy is responsible for everything software- and tooling-related within HighTechXL. After working as a software developer for several years, he decided to broaden his field of work and involve himself in all IT-related matters at the company. Responsibilities range from custom developed software to cybersecurity and IT-related partnerships.
Rick is HighTechXL Venture Support Manager, focusing on integrated photonics, where he is sourcing new applications and helping with the ideation for applications of this emerging technology to take it to market. Rick is also founder of Spectrik, a deep-tech venture developing an integrated photonics gas sensor to measure ammonia and methane emissions in the livestock sector.
Tijs is a HighTechXL finance intern doing a Master in Finance at Tilburg University. His internship assignment will focus on improving the financial model used by ventures and linking this model to investment readiness.
Sofia is a dedicated marketer bringing a wealth of experience in international business and digital marketing. Committed to crafting data-driven strategies leading the marketing and community initiatives with a focus on authenticity and engagement. With a passion for learning Sofia excels in navigating the dynamic digital landscape, ensuring that every campaign not only reaches but resonates with diverse audiences, fostering growth and connection.
As the design lead and art director of HighTechXL, Louisa oversees and directs the design and creative strategy for the startup ventures. With extensive experience in design thinking, branding and product development, she is adept at helping the teams and delivering high-quality designs that align with business objectives.
Christos is from Athens, Greece and for the past six years has been the man behind the scenes creating our amazing videos. Never seen without his headphones, Chris doesn’t have much to say but expresses himself through his videos.
Polina is an animator and illustrator with four years of experience in Fine Arts. She has done animation commissions for various organizations, such as NHS, Museum of Brands and Blink Industries, and she has participated in joint exhibitions. Currently, Polina is pursuing a degree in animation at the University of the Arts London.
Leticia, hailing from Brazil, brings her expertise in education and community management to High Tech XL. Her dedication lies in enhancing the program’s effectiveness through both practical and strategic tasks.
