The Leiden region has much knowledge, a lot of culture and a number of leading museums and can offer an excellent living environment. But in terms of entrepreneurship it could be better. That is why the initiative was taken to establish a Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, named HUBspot. The centre is intended to be open in the academic schoolyear of 2016.

Bustling Place in the Region

HUBspot is a place where education about entrepreneurship and innovation is provided, where students work on innovative projects and where start-ups are guided. It is also a place where entrepreneurs can meet each other and which is greatly appealing to investors.

The plan was created by a project group in which experts, student entrepreneurs, regional business associations and scientists/academics participated. Existing initiatives, both national and international have been looked into. The plan has been developed based on best practices, where specifically the diversity which distinguishes the Leiden region was focussed upon.

The project group: “We’re working on a centre which is based on internationally proven principles, but above all does justice to the significant capital held in the region. In short, the contours of a unique and ambitious centre which the Leiden Region can be proud of”.

HUBspot is based on three pillars:

An activities program focussed on education and research, guidance for starting entrepreneurs with a section open to the general public.
A pillar for housing that focusses on providing a working environment for permanent residents and flexible users.
A pillar for funding, which would actually be a fund that could co-finance start-ups with amounts between 10,000 and 500,000 euro.
Initially the centre will be funded by the Leiden district council (1.5 million euro), the University of Leiden (1.5 million euro) and the Hogeschool Leiden (amount yet to be determined). A separate working group location has been set up for determining the location of the centre, this is being guided by the Real Estate Company of the University of Leiden.