Just past CREA on the Roeterseiland Campus, REC Impact is located in Building J/K on the first floor above Coffee-star. Anyone stepping onto the floor will immediately pass the office of Analytics for a Better World, a start-up from Economics & Business that, with the help of REC Impact, found a fantastic workspace.

In one of the meeting rooms, Erik Boer explains what REC Impact does, how a collaboration with Univé came about, what the partnership with the Municipality of Amsterdam involves, and what opportunities are available for alumni who want to make an impact.

What is REC Impact?

'REC Impact is, in short, a platform that brings together students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for societal challenges. We bring the outside world into the University of Amsterdam. It's all about combining entrepreneurship, science, and impact-driven work.'

What can REC Impact offer UvA alumni, businesses, and organisations?

'A valuable network, support, and resources to launch impact-driven ventures or further develop existing businesses. Alumni can take part in workshops, mentorships, and collaborations with researchers or lecturers to strengthen and validate their ideas.'

'We offer various elements, such as knowledge sessions, Impact Clinics, and a partner programme. Through this programme, we connect businesses, NGOs, and public institutions with our academic expertise, research capacity, and innovative student talent. Our aim is to co-create impactful solutions to global challenges — from sustainability to social justice.'

What are some examples?

'There are already several initiatives and start-ups that have emerged from the REC Impact network. Think of projects focused on the circular economy, sustainable energy, or digital transformation.'

'One concrete example is the launch of the Amsterdam Digital Transformation Lab, which we set up in collaboration with the Amsterdam Business School — several partners joined right from the start. Another initiative is Nursery, which offers workspace and business support to start-ups, run by students.'

'Another great example is the trend presentation we organised for Univé. Univé Innovation had a specific question — they wanted insights into innovations in certain domains. So, we put together an inspiring morning session, where experts and academics presented the latest trends, and we showcased a number of start-ups.'

How does a collaboration like the one with Univé come about?

'In this case, it started through a LinkedIn connection. Univé Innovation was looking for inspiration in areas such as sustainability and entrepreneurship. After a few exploratory conversations, we put together a programme with case studies and speakers — for example, Analytics for a Better World and a project on entrepreneurship for refugees. Several lecturers and professors also gave presentations.'

'We’ve seen that this approach works, which is why we’re doing it more often. We’re actively looking for alumni within organisations or companies — whether private, public, or semi-public. If they say, ‘I need knowledge in a particular area,’ they should definitely reach out to us. We can support them in various ways: through a clinic, a presentation, or even a so-called ‘broodje kennis’ — where a professor gives an inspiring lunchtime talk.'

You can also make use of physical office space in the REC Impact building — how does that work?

'There are several examples. Take Master Challenge, for instance — a spin-off from the Business School. They were based elsewhere in the city but wanted a space closer to the heart of academic life and surrounded by students, so they moved in here. The same goes for Academics for a Better World — they were looking to grow, host events, and welcome people properly. They now have a space here as well.'

'One of our new partners, consultancy firm SeederDeBoer, works here physically every Tuesday because they want to stay connected. When they want to do something around healthcare or healthcare innovation, for example, they turn to me or our team to help make the right connections. I can easily link them to a relevant researcher — it saves them a lot of legwork. In that sense, we really act as matchmakers.'

'If you say, ‘I want to take full advantage of what a campus has to offer in terms of knowledge, talent, and research,’ then we’ve got a vibrant, well-connected space right in the heart of the city. And we’re here to help facilitate connections and bring the right people together.'

So, REC Impact can offer a lot to alumni. What about the other way around? Can alumni give something back?

'Yes, in various ways. I would love for alumni to share their expertise with the younger generation. For example, by sharing their experiences with start-ups, acting as mentors for students and emerging entrepreneurs, or even leading a training session.'

'Additionally, alumni can contribute to research and innovative projects by collaborating with researchers or presenting challenges from their own organisations to students, who can then work on them. They can also support the further development of impact-driven start-ups within REC Impact by acting as investors or partners.'

'And if wealthy alumni come across an interesting start-up within our network and want to invest in it, we certainly wouldn’t say no. This can also be done through the Amsterdam University Fund.'

Does REC Impact offer startup funding for students or alumni?

'No, we don’t provide direct funding ourselves, but we do help students and alumni find subsidies, investors, and other funding opportunities. There are programmes and funds available that start-ups and entrepreneurs can apply for, and REC Impact supports them in applying for these resources.'

What are you proud of?

'This building is already a success. The fact that it has come to fruition is a true testament to the opportunities available to create a fruitful environment for both the academic world and society, as well as for businesses.'

'And the connections we’ve strengthened with the city of Amsterdam. The research and students on this campus have so much to offer the city and its residents. We can leverage this much more and become even more relevant. We invest a lot of time into promoting this in various ways, including by collaborating with neighbourhoods and the central city. For example, we’re working on an education and research agenda with the city in the area of digital transformation.'

What is your dream for REC Impact? And when will it be considered a success?

'My dream for REC Impact is for it to grow into a leading centre where impact-driven entrepreneurship and scientific research reinforce each other. A breeding ground where companies are born that improve the world, and where students and researchers are inspired to tackle societal challenges through innovative solutions.'

How can I get in touch if I want to collaborate with REC Impact?

'Make a connection via LinkedIn or send an email. And the coffee is always free.'