<p><strong>Source: Oost NL</strong></p><p>Markets are changing rapidly. New laws and regulations, sustainability and environmental requirements, and shifting consumer preferences are forcing companies to continuously improve existing products. Think of PFAS-free alternatives, longer shelf life for food products, or a perfume with just the right scent experience. It is precisely with these types of formulations—complex mixtures of different substances—that development is often still based on trial and error. There’s a faster and smarter way.</p><h1>Self-driving labs</h1><p>The national growth fund program Big Chemistry is changing that. “Big Chemistry is transforming the art of formulation into a data-driven science,” says Guuske Busscher, managing director of Big Chemistry. “With autonomous, robotized setups using a high-throughput approach—also known as self-driving labs—and artificial intelligence, we can achieve desired results faster and more efficiently.”</p><p>Big Chemistry has received €97 million to position the Netherlands as a world leader in the field of chemical robotics combined with artificial intelligence. Together with partners AMOLF, Fontys, RU, RUG, and TU/e, they are working on, among other things, the construction of an autonomous “robot lab” at the Novio Tech Campus in Nijmegen. This fully robotized lab, which is expected to open in December 2026, is focused on commercial applications and contract research with and for companies. “This approach enables the industry to efficiently and rapidly meet the ongoing need for improved, sustainable, and reliable formulations,” Busscher continues.</p><h1>Big Chemistry Startup Program</h1><p>The Big Chemistry Startup Program builds on this infrastructure and focuses specifically on young companies (≤5 years) that develop or apply AI, data, and robotics technologies to measure, predict, and improve formulations in areas such as polymers, coatings, emulsions, fragrances, and adhesives. Examples include solutions that automate experiments using robotics, or use AI to predict properties such as stability, odor, solubility, or functionality.</p><p>Selected startups will receive €125,000 to €200,000 in funding, expert guidance, and access to a strong network of companies, investors, and leading research institutions. Technologies developed within the program may also be integrated into the new robotic lab, thereby directly contributing to the next generation of “self-driving labs.”</p><p>According to Marieke Smidt, project leader at Oost NL and the national Big Chemistry Startup Program, the strength lies in the integrated approach: “What makes this program strong is the combination of funding, guidance, and networking with unique and advanced experimental facilities, specifically designed for companies. These four aspects are often fragmented for startups, but we bring them together here. In this way, we support startups not only with knowledge and contacts, but also with grants for technological development, validation, demonstration, and IP development.”</p><p>The program helps startups advance not only technologically but, above all, commercially. “We encourage entrepreneurs to test their assumptions about the market and application from day one, and to work on problem-solution fit, market selection, and a solid business case. This prevents you from spending years on development without ensuring it aligns with real-world needs.”</p><h1>Develop Your Technology and Business in Parallel</h1><p>For entrepreneurs like Jesse Buijs, founder of NanoMoi, the program aligns well with the day-to-day reality of a startup. His company is developing an ultra-sensitive measuring instrument that provides insight into movement on the nanoscale, with applications ranging from measuring erosion and the melting of plant-based cheese to art restoration and sustainable coatings.</p><p>“The great thing is that the program starts from a strong scientific foundation and, from there, guides startups toward applications and potential users,” says Buijs. “That way, you develop your technology and business in parallel. This not only yields faster results but also better ones.”</p><p>He also recognizes the challenges many startups face: “There are often many possible applications, but that makes it hard to stay focused. It helps to exchange experiences with others on the same journey and make more targeted choices. That’s why it’s great that collective training sessions are offered.”</p><h1>National Collaboration for Maximum Impact</h1><p>The Big Chemistry Startup Program is a national initiative implemented by Oost NL on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW). In doing so, Oost NL works closely with a broad network of regional development agencies (ROMs), Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs), and the Green Chemistry, New Economy (GCNE) network.</p><p>This collaboration ensures that startups throughout the Netherlands have access to the right support, expertise, network, and follow-on funding. “By connecting startups with one another and making them part of this ecosystem, we increase their effectiveness,” says Busscher.</p><h1>Interested? Get in touch now</h1><p>Are you working on technology that makes formulations smarter, faster, and more sustainable? Then now is the perfect time to join us. The Big Chemistry Startup Program officially launches on May 1. Entrepreneurs who want to explore whether the program is a good fit for them can already <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://oostnl.nl/nieuws-overzicht/nieuw-landelijk-programma-versnelt-innovatie-in-formuleringen-met-ai-en-robotica">contact project leaders Marieke Smidt and Annette Schumer </a>for more information.</p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://oostnl.nl/nieuws-overzicht/nieuw-landelijk-programma-versnelt-innovatie-in-formuleringen-met-ai-en-robotica">New national program accelerates innovation in formulations with AI and robotics | Oost NL</a></p>

New National Program Accelerates Innovation in Formulations Using AI and Robotics News