Planet B.io will become a so-called Program Partner of StartLife, meaning that biotech-oriented startups in StartLife’s ecosystem will be proactively connected to Planet B.io’s network of facilities and expertise. Conversely, agrifoodtech-oriented startups in Planet B.io’s ecosystem will be connected to the hub in Wageningen, including a wide range of programming and mentors.
Full potential
Planet B.io and StartLife have previously worked together to support startups in the Dutch ecosystem, such as Upstream Foods, Deep Branch and Nature’s Principles. “For many years, Startlife has been instrumental in supporting numerous agrifoodtech startups, enabling them to reach their full potential,” said Cindy Gerhardt, Managing Director of Planet B.io. “We look forward to welcoming StartLife startups and supporting them in their often challenging journey to scale.”
“Planet B.io is unique because of its infrastructure, expertise and talent offering, especially with regard to scaling up production and in the field of biotechnology,” said Laura Thissen, Operations Director of StartLife. “We are confident that this partnership between Planet B.io and us will benefit companies in both ecosystems.”
Maximising impact
Planet B.io, a dedicated non-profit organisation founded in 2020, is committed to fostering the innovation ecosystem at the Biotech Campus Delft. Companies are enabled to develop and commercialise their biotech solutions thanks to access to laboratory space, pilot facilities and industrial production areas equipped with relevant environmental permits. Moreover, Planet B.io actively promotes collaboration between startups, companies, knowledge institutions, tech and service providers, investors and policymakers, with the aim of maximising the impact of biotech innovations.
StartLife is the top startup accelerator in agrifoodtech, co-founded by Wageningen University & Research in 2010. Its mission is to enable founders to build and grow startups with breakthrough technologies that shape a sustainable food system. To this end, it offers a wide range of services, including business development support, mentors, access to funding and a global network of leading players in the field of food and agriculture.  
By joining forces, these two key enablers will drive innovation and promote the development of many sustainable solutions.
Image: metamorworks/Shutterstock
