We believe that generating new knowledge directly enhances critical decision-making, which can positively impact citizens and promote the sustainability of their communities.

What does impact mean to you?

We are committed to engaging in valorisation by fostering a positive feedback loop between science and practice. We do this by collaborating with universities, governments, industry, practitioners and students. In this way, all our work maintains strong connections with real-world, on-the-ground practice, policy, and communities. We developed four online courses that have been used by more than 30,000 people all over the world. Now that’s impact!

How did you become part of the Humanities Venture Lab?

A colleague pointed me towards the Humanities Venture Lab (HVL) and so I enrolled in their Humanities Create programme. This programme goes through all the steps to transform your entrepreneurial idea into a real-world venture. The five-day long programme was intense, with a steep learning curve, that ultimately launched the Urban Cycling Institute. Since then, I have been a member of HVL, and the Lab is the homebase of our organisation.

How did the Humanities Venture Lab support the development of your venture?

It is continuously inspiring to be part of the HVL community. It provides significant value for me by creating collaborative spaces, where I can come together with other entrepreneurs to develop and exchange ideas. An example is the quarterly gatherings of nonprofit female CEOs, where we share knowledge about leadership. Also, I found that the business coaching and financial modelling workshops greatly enriched our start-up processes.

What is your best piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Take risks! Being an entrepreneur means stepping out of your comfort zone into the unknown. Building a venture often brings doubts. It's crucial to trust your instincts, stay committed to your vision, and surround yourself with support. The rewards of this journey are always worth the challenges!