The aim of this new Matrix Innovation Centre is to encourage and accommodate entrepreneurship, valorisation and collaboration between universities and industry. Demonstrator Lab VU, currently housed in the W&N building, will also be given a prominent place as a breeding ground for research and innovation.
In 2022, VU Amsterdam became a partner of Matrix Innovation Centers, in which, besides VU Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, municipality of Amsterdam and Rabobank participate. Matrix Innovation Centers currently operates 7 Innovation Centres on the Amsterdam Science Park, home to more than 100 scientific companies, from start-ups and scale-ups to spin-ins of larger enterprises.
The development of the Matrix Innovation Center on the VU Campus fits into the strategic objectives of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC and the City of Amsterdam to strengthen the start-up and scale-up community and, in a literal sense, give more room for growth and innovation.
More information about the Innovation Center building
Contact for questions:
Marcel van Heemert, Programme Manager Campus Development, at m.a.van.heemert@vu.nl
Start of preparations
From 2 December 2024, preparatory work will start to prepare the ground for the construction of the Matrix Innovation Centre. This will take place on the site at the corner of De Boelelaan and the short section of Gustav Mahlerlaan.
The preparatory work consists of moving and placing new fencing, removing greenery and trees, moving cables and pipes and levelling the site. The work will cause no to limited (noise) nuisance and will be completed before the Christmas break.
Construction of the Innovation Centre by Matrix Innovation Centers is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2025.
Removing greenery and trees
In preparation towards construction (start May 2025), the existing trees need to be cut down. To this end, a detailed plan has been drawn up in close coordination with the municipality and the necessary felling permits have been granted. The chosen party to carry out the work is Germieco; this party was engaged by FCO.
The planning of the removal of greenery and trees was designed under careful ecological guidance. This has taken integral account of the fact that trees are cut outside the breeding season.
The felling of the trees will take place - in line with current planning - in weeks 49 and 50 (2 to 16 December 2024) and will take several days (dates subject to change). The work will cause limited to no (noise) nuisance.
Tree compensation
According to laws and regulations, trees that are felled must be compensated. This can be done physically or financially. In this case, the choice was made to compensate the felled trees via the municipality's replanting fund.