Groundbreakers | With pioneering entrepreneurs in deeptech

Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon, is a guest in the first episode of Groundbreakers. We learn about the challenges and complex journey of developing small modular nuclear reactors (also known as SMRs) and how she became CEO of Thorizon. The “hamster wheel” is also discussed, along with the question of what the Netherlands can learn from France when it comes to industrial policy, and where the Netherlands truly excels.

Siete Hamminga, CEO of Robin Radar Systems, is the guest in the second episode of Groundbreakers. Nienke and Monique discuss how radar technology distinguishes between a bird and a drone, what it means to be far ahead of your time as an entrepreneur, what three consecutive years of losses do to you as a CEO, the power of a winning company culture, and what you are actually scaling against today. Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical context, Siete also illustrates how important it is to work with defense organizations and what developments have taken place in that domain.

In episode three of Groundbreakers, Ingrid Romijn, CEO of QBird, joins us. We dive into quantum-secure communication, QBird’s latest work, and the power of Delft’s quantum ecosystem. She also shares what it takes to balance life as a CEO and a parent. A real peek behind the pitch deck.

Scenexus, originally founded as a spin-off from TNO, develops technology that makes complex urban planning easier to understand and navigate. In this engaging conversation, Jeroen shares how the company effectively got its start in San Diego, reflects on the most successful product demonstration they ever gave, explains why this technology is so important, and discusses how risk is perceived and managed within a fast-scaling company expanding into international markets.

In episode 5 of Groundbreakers, Koenraad Wiedhaup, CEO of LeydenLabs, is our guest. Together with Nienke and Monique, he discusses the development of groundbreaking technology that can help reduce the spread of viruses and disease. Koenraad shares his personal entrepreneurial journey, from a successful career in consulting to leading an international biotech company. The conversation explores innovation, investment, pandemic preparedness, and the societal impact of solutions that can help reduce pressure on hospitals and support a healthier society.

Thijs Bosch, CEO of The Protein Brewery, is the guest in the sixth episode of the Groundbreakers podcast. In this episode, he shares how a technology that began with a specific fungus is evolving into a scalable solution to meet the growing demand for sustainable proteins. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, scaling a business, attracting talent, and building a company while the technology continues to mature and develop.