Meet our Alumni
A community of life sciences entrepreneurs and professionals since 1998. Nearly three decades of learning, growing and building impact together.
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What do participants take away from the BioBusiness Masterclass?
Hear from Giel Hendriks,
Alumni 2014
Hear from Florentine Zieglowski & Henk Vietor,
Alumni 2024 & 2002
Hear from Luuk Hilgers & Arjen van Tunen
Alumni 2001 & 1998
Hear from Han Zendman & Jaap Koopman
Alumni 2014 & 2001
In their own words
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 is an unforgettable learning event. They created a really positive atmosphere in which the participants not just learned a lot, but really got to know each other and sincerely helped each other, -no exceptions. For Clear2Cure, both Samuel Feldmann and I attended and we truly believe it helped us take our business to the next level. Thinking about joining? Don’t hesitate—go for it! “
Jord Stam, Founder of Clear2Cure
Class of 2024-25
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
The Masterclass was the perfect catalyst to provide my career transition with the right knowledge, growth, and sense of fulfillment.”
Henk Viëtor, Partner FFUND
Class of 2002
Having a great drug design technology and creating a business are two different realms. The Masterclass provided structured guidance in facing the realities of business development with practical, engaging sessions. It led to a solid business plan and the launch of a company with a fellow participant.“
Jaap Flohil, co-founder of the Foldyne holding
Class of 2003
The atmosphere in the BioBusiness Masterclass is very special. The advice of professionals, the group dynamics and the network are invaluable to successfully take the step from researcher to entrepreneur.“
Frank Nijsen, CEO Quirum Medical
Winner of BioBusiness Masterclass 2013
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
You can immediately apply the experiences you gain in the BioBusiness Masterclass to your own company.
Kirsten Steinbusch, Program director BioBased Circular & Founder DAB.bio
Winner BioBusiness Masterclass Class 2012
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
The approachable attitude of experts and the interaction with the group are invaluable when setting up a life sciences company.”
Cristianne Rijcken, CEO Cristal Therapeutics
Winner of BioBusiness Masterclass 2010
Connecting almost three decades of BioBusiness Masterclass alumni
At our alumni reunion in November 2025, alumni across different generations came together at Slot Zeist to reconnect, share experiences and strengthen bonds. The energy, the shared stories, the spontaneous conversations from the cheerful “long time no see!” to the playful “Class of 1998? Oh no, I’m not 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 old, I was there in 2002!”, or the “Didn’t we meet just yesterday? Great to see you again!” created an vibrant atmosphere.
This reunion was more than a gathering: it was a celebration of what the BioBusinessMasterclass has become over the years. The impact of the program clearly reaches far beyond the course itself. Our alumni have turned a masterclass into a community, and a community into a dynamic, intergenerational network of support, knowledge, mentorship and inspiration.
Editions
Alumni
Welcome to our newest alumni of the 2026 edition!
Nearly 30 years of building life sciences entrepeneurs
The BioBusiness Masterclass is founded in 1998 by Niaba. Throughout the years, the program has been developed by several leading organisations.
In 2024, the Masterclass was relaunched by one of its very own alumni from the Class of 2004.
1998-1998
2000-2004
BioPartner Network
2005
2009-2014
2024-current
Alumnus, Class of 2004
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Join an ambitiour group of founders and life sciences professionals and build the knowlegde, leadership, strategy and network needed to move your venture forward.