Welcome to Kate Hach, our latest team member here at Infinity.
Kate is a recognised expert in designing and managing accelerator programs for deep tech startups. Previously, as a co-founder and head of program at Intel Ignite, she spearheaded a programme guiding over 70 startups through a transformative, rigorous, 12-week deep tech accelerator programme. One of the seven tech streams in the programme was quantum computing.
Now Kate is gearing up to further enhance Infinity's startup support. Let's find out more...
What is your role at Infinity and what strategic role does it have for the Infinity and QDNL?
I have joined Infinity to design programs tailored to the needs of aspiring quantum entrepreneurs, growing quantum startups, as well as the organisations that nurture them across the Dutch ecosystem and beyond.
Infinity currently supports early-stage startups with practical support and access to experts for topics ranging from spinning out of research to funding to developing use cases together with industry. We want to take this approach to the next level and provide structural support to startups that will strengthen the Dutch quantum landscape, leverage and build on the competitive advantages of the ecosystem, and enable more cross-collaboration with international ecosystems.
What are you doing in your role at the moment?
To start this new-build, I have set my own experience aside for a moment and am spending my first weeks asking the ecosystem what it needs. I am conducting a series of interviews with leading quantum experts from all relevant quantum sectors across the continent. The insights will inform us how to build the best value-creating startup programs that allow Dutch and European quantum companies to grow and thrive on the continent.
Who would you like to hear from?
Quantum builders and enablers. Startups, VCs, universities, accelerators and industry with problems they need solved, or good practices they would like to share.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Over the coming months, you can expect entrepreneurship programs to be rolled out that will be built (just like any startup should) together with the customers - the quantum community. We will build, iterate and repeat.
Anything else you'd like to share?
As a half South African, I am a proud supporter of the emerging African deep tech scene. There are some really fascinating companies coming out of the deep tech hubs in Cape Town, Tunis, Rabat, Cairo, Nairobi and Lagos. Keep an eye out for them!
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We'll share more about Kate's activities with Infinity soon.