Meet the Alumni
GRAND REUNION
After an overwhelming interest of alumni, we are thrilled to announce that the registration for the 27-Year BioBusiness Masterclass Grand Reunion is now OPEN!
The Grand Reunion is thé opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share experiences, and connect with fellow alumni.
This event is exclusively for BioBusiness Masterclass Alumni. This includes the participants of the Niaba/BioPartner Network/HollandBio Masterclass BioBusiness and the latest BioBusiness Masterclass from across all editions from 1998 through 2025.
We are looking forward to welcoming you all in November!
History
The BioBusiness Masterclass has a strong legacy in the life sciences sector, with more than 25 years of history and 10 successful editions.
The program was first launched as the Niaba Masterclass BioBusiness and organized by Niaba. In later years, the organization was continued by BioPartner Network and HollandBio, ensuring the program’s lasting impact within the sector.
After nearly a decade-long hiatus, the BioBusiness Masterclass was relaunched in 2024 thanks to the initiative and support of one of its own alumni. This revival continues the program’s tradition of fostering entrepreneurial and business leadership in the life sciences, while connecting today’s participants with a powerful network built over the past decades.
Alumni Participitants
Over 11 editions since 1998
“A remarkable number of people from our group (BBMC 2009/2010) have become successful biobusiness professionals and/or entrepreneurs. The program was both highly educational and enjoyable.”
Jasper Buijs, Senior Business Developer OostNL
Class of 2010
“The BioBusiness Masterclass gave me the foundation and the confidence in 2009 to start my first company, 3D-PharmXchange – and now I’m building several life science companies.”
Inez de Greef, CEO Treeway & Managing Partner 3D-PharmXchange
Class of 2010
“I vividly remember the Masterclass BioBusiness from 2011 as I have learned so much! The diversity of topics, the quality of the speakers, and the networking opportunity are just outstanding.”
Hinrich Göhlmann, Director Discovery Data Science Genmab
Class of 2011
“The BioBusiness Masterclass is the ideal kickstart for bio-entrepreneurship, providing guidance on the most essential aspects.“
Han Zendman, CEO NYtor
Class of 2015
Explore our Alumni
Our BioBusiness Masterclass alumni form a strong, diverse community — now leading in biotech, pharma, investment, law, and beyond. This section is currently being updated. In the meantime, explore some of the first alumni we’ve added.
1998
- Gionata Leone, Senior Policy Advisor Wageningen University (retired)
1999
2004
- Wietse Mulder, Managing Partner Myosotis Investments BV, Director Ebiqs foundation, Founder TxMiller Foundation
2010
- Thomas Binsl, Forest Health Data Scientist Britisch Columbia Public Service
- Jasper Buijs, Senior Business Developer OostNL
- Bernd van Buren, Co-Founder and CEO Protinhi Therapeutics & Business Unit Manager Eurofins Spinnovation B.V.
- Inez de Greef, CEO Treeway & Co-Founder and Managing Partner 3D-PharmXchange
- Freek van Muiswinkel, Directeur Ondernemerschap en Regionale Samenwerking Universiteit van Utrecht
- Cristianne Rijcken, CSO Cristal Therapeutics & CEO Liberates
2011
- Roland Fulders, Senior Scientist
- Hinrich Göhlmann, Director Discovery Data Science Genmab
2012
- Jan-Remt Mellema, Executive Consultant Mellema Consulting B. V.
- Niels van Stralen, Chief Growth Officer Chaingraft
- Ernst Soethout, Managing Director Virtuvax
- Hans Timmerman, CEO Microbiome Navigato
2014
- Patricia Celie, Principal Consultant Catalyze Group
- Antoine Wellink, Head of Radboud Innovation Science Radboud Universiteit
2015
- Kees Bol, Executive Director Clinical Pharmacology Merus N.V.
- Giel Hendriks, CEO Toxys
- Joost Kreijtz, Chief Development Officer Trained Therapeutix Discovery
- Rick Meurders, Business Developer Radboudumc/Biotech Booster
- Paul Wever, Business Manager Royal GD
- Rikus Wolbers, Senior Programmamanager OostNL
- Han Zendman, CEO NYtor B.V. (part of Hatchtech Group)
2025
- Abrahim Ardisasmita, PhD Candidate UMC Utrecht & Co-Founder HelloR&D
- Indi Joore, Co-Founder HelloR&D
- Mariana Argenziano, Associate Director Manufacturing Technology Ncardia
- Sebas Pronk, Faculty of Impact Fellow Univesity of Utrecht & Co-Founder Lumox
- Florentine Zieglowski, Co-Founder RESPECTfarms
- Hidde Zittersteijn, Business developer Biotech Booster & Tech Transfer TNO
- Niels Jansen, Senior Patent Manager Novel-T and Business Developer BiotechBooster
- Jord Stam, Founder Clear2Cure
- Samuel Feldmann, Co-Founder Clear2Cure
- Michiel Stevens, CTO Tzu Cancer Therapeutics
- Janeska de Jonge, Business Developer Associate Myosotis Investments
- Luke van der Koog, CEO MimeCure
- Melvin Gurian, PhD Candidate University of Twenty & Founder of GlyCENA
- Francesca Marsili, Clinical Strategist/Research Equip Medikey
- Pieter van der Velden, Senior Researcher Leiden University Medical Center & Founder D4Diagnostics
- Jasper Driessen, Business Developer Planet B.io
“The Biobusiness Masterclass was the perfect introduction to biotech for me. It gave me the tools and confidence to prepare for launching my own company, and I highly recommend it.”
Ernst Soethout, Managing Director Virtuvax
Class of 2012
“The Biobusiness Masterclass was the perfect introduction to biotech for me. It gave me the tools and confidence to prepare for launching my own company, and I highly recommend it.”
Freek van Muiswinkel, Directeur Ondernemerschap en Regionale Samenwerking Universiteit van Utrecht
Class of 2010
“As the former director of Noviotech Campus, the Health & High Tech campus in Nijmegen, I learned during the Masterclass how the world of bio-business works. It gave me the foundation I needed to have meaningful conversations with the many start-ups on campus. The Masterclass has helped me tremendously.”
Rikus Wolbers, Senior Programma Manager OostNL
Class of 2015
“The BioBusiness Masterclass has provided me with a highly valuable network. I’m still in touch with the people I worked with in a team, and I can always call them whenever I need advice.”
Rick Meurders, Business Developer Radboudumc/Biotech Booster
Class of 2015
“The BioBusiness Masterclass enables you to explore all facets of biotech entrepreneurship within just a few months. It serves as a solid springboard for your next opportunities and challenges in this inspiring sector.”
Joost Kreijtz, Chief Development Officer
Trained Therapeutix Discovery
Class of 2015
“As a scientist, I gained a lot from the Biobusiness Masterclass because it taught me a great deal about IP protection, application and commercialization of research and Agro Food innovations.”
Arjen J van Tunen, former CEO van KeyGene, huidig directeur van Tunenagrofood BV
Class of 1998
Alumni Startups
Start-ups participated in the last 6 editions
These are the startups of our alumni since 2024. Information will be updated to include startups of earlier masterclass editions.
Alumni News
Join the Alumni Network
Have you participated in one of the BioBusiness Masterclass editions? We’d love to hear from you!
Please let us know if you would like to be added to the alumni list on this page, share a quote about your experience, or contribute to the current BioBusiness Masterclass as an expert or guest speaker.
BioBusiness Masterclass
Karpervijver 17, 3703 CJ Zeist, The Netherlands
office@biobusinessmasterclass.nl