08-10-2024
From Idea to Innovation: The role of Planet B.io’s Shared Service and Education Labs
To drive innovation, growth, and education within the biotech sector, Planet B.io launched two new initiatives last year: the Shared Service Lab and the Education Lab, located at the heart of Biotech Campus Delft. These labs aim to bridge a crucial gap in the region, providing access to fully equipped, ready-to-use laboratories that support the growth of startups, educators, and students in the white biotech sector. By integrating these labs within the ecosystem, Planet B.io aims to provide a flexible, state-of-the-art environment where biotech ideas can transform into reality, helping create sustainable solutions for food, feed, materials, and chemicals. We spoke with Fenneke Jolink, Project Manager, and Maartje Mikx, Education coordinator, to explore the journey and impact of these exciting projects.
Maartje, could you briefly describe what the Shared Service Lab and the Education Lab are and what makes them unique?
Maartje: “The Shared Service Lab is designed for pre-startups that want to work on their proof of principle but don't have their own lab yet. We provide a fully equipped, turnkey lab space, allowing them to get started within a week and with short term agreements. The lab is well-suited for experiments in the field of DNA assembly, strain engineering, strain screening, media selection, process development, and downstream processing.
The Education Lab, on the other hand, accommodates up to 24 students, offering them hands-on lab experience within an industrial environment alongside biotech startups and corporates. This exposure provides students with a unique learning opportunity in a professional biotech setting.”
What was the primary motivation behind creating these labs at Planet B.io, Fenneke?
Fenneke: There are two key motivations. Firstly, for the Shared Service Lab, we noticed that pre-startups face significant challenges due to the high investment required for a fully equipped lab. By offering a ready-to-use lab, we lower this entry barrier, making it easier for startups to begin their journey. Additionally, when startups launch in a specific location, they’re more likely to stay, which benefits our community.
For the Education Lab, we identified a talent gap in the biotech industry. By providing educational facilities, we aim to attract more students to the biotech field and making education in the region more appealing. Having educational institutions on the Biotech Campus Delft strengthens relationships between academia and industry, encouraging more internships and collaborations.”
How do these labs contribute to the overall mission and vision of Planet B.io, Maartje?
M: “Our goal is to help biotech thrive. A flourishing ecosystem requires both talent and a critical mass of companies. The Shared Service Lab lowers the threshold for startups, while the Education Lab nurtures the next generation of biotech professionals, ensuring a continuous influx of talent.”
Who are the primary users or target audiences for each of the labs, and what specific needs do they address?
M: “The Shared Service Lab primarily serves pre-startups but is also available to our existing tenants who may need temporary lab space for specific projects. The Education Lab primarily focuses on vocational (MBO) and applied sciences (HBO) students, but we certainly do not exclude master's students.”
Fenneke, can you explain the process of securing the subsidy for developing these labs?
F: “The development of these laboratories would not have been possible without subsidies, and we are incredibly grateful to have received two significant grants. The first grant comes from the MRDH, which is dedicated to fostering collaboration between education and campus development. This funding has enabled us to establish the lab itself and support the time needed to build strong connections with educational institutions. The second grant we received was from Kansen voor West, subsidizing the equipment itself. This organization values the creation of opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this region, making their support invaluable.”
Maartje, can you walk us through a typical day in the life of someone using the Shared Service Lab or Education Lab?
M: “Let's take a typical start for a pre-startup. They may have developed an idea and conducted initial experiments at for example the TU Delft. Then they come to us for a fully equipped lab environment, where they can further develop and work on their proof of principle. After discussing their needs, we help them get started with their own bench, lab coat, and lab glasses. Our lab manager guides them through the equipment and safety protocols, and they begin their experiments, often working alongside other startups. They can tap into the welcoming ecosystem of Planet B.io, where they can connect, discuss their projects, and gain support from our community.”
"Our goal is to help biotech thrive. A flourishing ecosystem requires both talent and a critical mass of companies. The Shared Service Lab lowers the threshold for startups, while the Education Lab nurtures the next generation of biotech professionals, ensuring a continuous influx of talent."
Fenneke, what kind of feedback have you received from the first users of these labs, and how has it influenced ongoing development?
F: “One of our first users, Capabel, a private education company, found the Education Lab ideal for launching their new curriculum since they lacked their own lab facilities. Starting with one group, they’ve already expanded to three. They appreciate the professional, industrial environment, which resonates well with their diverse student base aged 18 to 55. For the Shared Service Lab, Hologenomix valued the opportunity to start their experiments before their own lab was ready and were impressed with the quality of the equipment, making the transition smoother.”
What impact do you hope these labs will have on the biotech community in Delft and beyond, Fenneke?
F: “The Education Lab strengthens our relationships with various educational institutions, besides our partner TU Delft, with for example Capabel, De Haagse Hogeschool, and Inholland. This broadens the opportunities for startups to connect with a wider talent pool. Furthermore, the addition of the Shared Service Lab and our Flex Office gives Planet B.io the opportunity to support startups at all TRL levels increasing the chances of success for new biotech ventures.”
Maartje, what has been the most rewarding aspect of working on these projects?
M: “As someone from an education background, this was my first experience with biotech. It has given me a more optimistic view of the future because every company we work with is actively contributing to a more sustainable world.”
Lastly, Fenneke, how do you see these labs evolving in the future?
F: “I envision a steady increase in users, bringing new questions and challenges that inspire us to expand. For example, we already get a lot of questions whether bioreactor capacity is available and we are now working on getting this in place. Each new customer adds to our growth and helps us evolve making sure we have the right facilities and equipment for our customers.”
The Shared Service Lab and Education Lab at Planet B.io are pivotal in driving biotech innovation, nurturing talent, and creating a thriving ecosystem. They serve as a bridge between startups, educational institutions, and the broader biotech community, fostering collaboration, growth, and sustainability.
For more information, reach out to Fenneke Jolink today. Let’s create a better world with biotech together!