Investment fund UNIIQ announces a pivotal investment in four budding startups, aiming to strengthen the innovation landscape. This funding reflects UNIIQ’s commitment to accelerating the transition from concept to market-ready solutions. Such support not only facilitates the development of new technologies but also fosters a conducive environment for breakthroughs in various industries. In 2025, the environment for startups is increasingly competitive, yet rewarding for those that show resilience and adaptability, making this investment crucial for the companies involved.
Why Is UNIIQ Investing in Startups?
UNIIQ, renowned for focusing on the proof-of-concept phase, commits €1.4 million to four ambitious startups. This decision highlights their strategic intent to aid emerging companies. The beneficiaries include LYLA, spearheading digital quality control in cancer medication; GenLumina, developing light-activated agents against cancer; Secuped, innovating diabetic foot ulcer monitoring; and QHarbor, assisting research institutions with streamlined data operations. This investment not only supports their core initiatives but also emboldens their growth trajectories.
What Does this Mean for the Region?
By investing in these startups, UNIIQ significantly bolsters both entrepreneurial ventures and the regional innovation ecosystem centered in South Holland. This move is set to accelerate technology advancements, particularly in health and deep tech/data sectors. Previous investments by UNIIQ have yielded substantial growth, influencing the region’s innovation landscape positively and attracting further investments and collaborations.
LYLA, based in Delft, is transforming how radioactive cancer medication is controlled, shifting from analog to digital methods. The funds will aid LYLA in team expansion and market entry, demonstrating a pivotal shift towards more efficient and targeted cancer treatment solutions. Ernst van der Wal of LYLA articulates optimism, stating,
“Given their experience and network, we believe UNIIQ can help us grow and scale further.”
GenLumina’s focus is on enhancing cancer patient care through substances that selectively eliminate cancer cells. This Leiden-based startup plans to use its funds to establish labs and forge partnerships, signifying strides in precision medicine. Donny de Bruin notes,
“The input from UNIIQ has helped us enormously with our positioning. We have already raised more than € 1 million in financing.”
Secuped, also rooted in Leiden, addresses unmet needs in diabetic care. The startup’s funds are earmarked for prototype development, aiming to prevent severe complications in diabetes patients. Martijn van de Giessen emphasizes the importance of the investment process, remarking,
“The investment process with UNIIQ has already led to new insights, valuable contacts, and unforeseen opportunities for funding.”
QHarbor, positioned in Delft, aids research institutions in handling experimental data effectively. The financial backing from UNIIQ enables them to bring their technology to the market, setting a new standard for data storage in physics research. Stephan Philips underscores the strategic importance, saying,
“With the seed capital from UNIIQ, we can bring our technology to the market and further develop our platform into the standard for data storage in physics research.”
The ongoing support from UNIIQ underscores the potential for transformation in health and technology domains. Constant collaboration with academic institutions and a focus on scalable innovation reflects a holistic approach to nurturing nascent ideas. Given the complex nature of advancing from proof-of-concept to tangible market solutions, such partnerships are essential.
