It was mid-December when we spoke to the director and co-founder via Teams. It has been a turbulent year to say the least, but all they need is a cup of coffee for one and a cup of tea for the other. When they both look back, they do not only see doom and gloom. On the contrary, they both concur that the past year was also one of wonderful new collaborations and projects.

A nice mix of corporate companies, start-ups and scale-ups
Loet: "In 2020, we were able to welcome a lot of new partners. Start-ups and scale-ups such as Flow Concepts, CastLab, IVY works, Purple Mountain, Genius Voice and BlewScreen came and joined us. So the family has grown a lot over the last 12 months. Max adds: "The mix of large and small companies that MindLabs now has is exactly how an ecosystem should be. And the best part is: we hardly need to make any acquisitions. Entrepreneurs are eager to join us. That is wonderful to see."

New projects to be proud of
Say 'MindLabs' and you are saying 'projects'. After all, experimentation, research, development and creation are in the association's DNA. 2020 was also marked by new plans and projects. "The RegioDeal is a good example of this," says Max enthusiastically. "Five projects with small and large parties, such as Interpolis, Netherlands Royal Air Force, and Port of Rotterdam. This RegioDeal is something we are proud of, especially as it is a confirmation of the mutual trust between partners, knowledge institutions and MindLabs."

Earlier this year, there was already plenty of attention for the how and what of this RegioDeal. Programme manager Mirjam Siesling told us all about it. Missed the interview? Then read here why Loet and Max call this one of the highlights of the year. 

Slowed acceleration due to coronavirus
We could not avoid it; 2020 was also the year when the whole world was under the spell of coronavirus. Including MindLabs, according to Loet: "Because of the measures, we missed the reaction speed that physical encounters often bring. Fortunately, despite this, we were able to attract partners and strengthen our position in Brabant." Max nods in agreement and adds: "We grew from a good to an indispensable initiative. We left adolescence behind, so to speak, and became more mature. And that is paying off. We work closely with EAISI and Brainport in Eindhoven and JADS in Den Bosch. A wonderful triangle of ecosystems that are becoming increasingly complementary to each other!" 

2021 will be an important year
Enough about 2020; it's time to look ahead to what 2021 will bring to MindLabs. Although things can always go off the rails - as last year proved - the two of them do have some plans for MindLabs. "The coming year will be one of stabilisation," says Loet. "We are going to firmly cultivate the roots of the plant we have started to grow. We will continue to prove what we are capable of. This will attract partners and projects. Which, in turn, will create new partners and projects. And, slowly but surely, a system will come into being." 

Max can already see it for himself: "Should anyone still find it difficult to understand what MindLabs is, all these projects will certainly tell our story. We are also currently developing a number of different videos. These help us show the issues we are tackling together in the projects." 

The year of cooperations
There will also be an even greater emphasis on cooperation in 2021. With Midpoint Brabant and JADS, Brainport, but also with the vocational, higher professional and university institutions (MBO, HBO, WO). All from their own unique standpoint. "We will also be seeking international partnerships and looking forward to European projects," Max says. "In addition to the public funding - which we are very happy about - we are also going to see if we can get private funding. We can then use this to purchase knowledge from the knowledge institutions on which we rely more and more."  

"And 2021 will be the year of construction," says Loet radiantly. "The MindLabs building will be a physical meeting place that will attract people to a new environment. A place where we can hopefully meet again face to face by then. I'm looking forward to that. Our building will be ready only at the end of the year, but it's like it is with holidays; I already can't wait!

A good tandem for MindLabs
The anticipation is not only reserved for the new MindLabs building. The positive prospect of another year of working together is also clear to see in both of them. They don't often talk about this cooperation. But one thing is clear: They complement each other seamlessly, the organised director and the self-willed professor. Loet: "As director of the official apparatus, I ensure that MindLabs has a solid foundation, good relationships and connections. Max has the intelligence. He is a scientist with a practical bent. That is unique! He guards the vision and translates wishes into projects."

"I've made a note of that", jokes Max after the compliments from Loet. Then he becomes serious and responds: "Absent-minded professors don't always want to be concerned with a stable infrastructure. Although I can be impatient, I am also realistic enough to see that the solid foundation laid by Loet is essential. If you ask me, we just make a very good match for MindLabs. Together."