Eugen went to France for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, followed by doctoral studies in Germany. Afterwards, life took an unexpected turn with marriage and a brief move to the U.S. “During COVID-19, in the midst of worldwide lockdowns, I got an opportunity to work in Amsterdam in the field of single-molecule biophysics. The move to the Netherlands turned out to be a perfect fit. It feels like the best of both worlds: vibrant and welcoming, with opportunities for both personal and professional growth.”

“In this role, I focused on studying interactions between proteins and DNA. These interactions are crucial for understanding diseases and developing therapies. With expertise in instrumentation and method development, I realized our academic tools could be industrially relevant. That inspired me to start my own business, making these tools more accessible and impactful. The Netherlands has an incredibly supportive ecosystem for startups. I learned about the Startup Visa through the Netherlands Point of Entry  They made the process straightforward: an innovative idea, a business plan, and a facilitator were all I needed.” Eugen joined PLNT in Leiden as part of an incubation program. “I was skeptical. I thought I knew it all from my prior work experience. But starting a company is a completely different challenge. The program has been invaluable, from connecting me with relevant experts to helping secure grants and funding.”

Grants like Health Holland and initiatives such as the Biotech Booster enhance credibility and provide vital resources for growth. “The Dutch ecosystem is fantastic for biotech and pharma startups. Collaboration is easy, and there are many opportunities for partnerships and learning. The Dutch business culture is straightforward and tactful, creating an ideal environment for building connections. Adjusting to Dutch punctuality was an interesting cultural shift, but the honesty and precision of Dutch communication have been valuable in professional interactions. Founders should leverage the opportunities in the Netherlands, remain open to collaboration, and stay curious.”