Working Student Business Development - Agrifood & Biotechnology

Invest-NL is the national financing and development institution of the Netherlands. We support entrepreneurs and projects that contribute to major societal transitions, such as the energy transition, the circular economy, and deep tech.

In addition to investing in innovative companies and projects, we work on removing bottlenecks that hinder investments and scaling up. We do this through research, developing financing solutions, and connecting companies, investors, and governments.

Help scale up innovative food technologies

The Netherlands has a strong position in agrifood and biotechnology. However, innovative companies regularly encounter obstacles when moving from the laboratory to commercial production.

In our recent Agrifood Biotech Deep Dive, we investigated what is needed to bring innovations in biotech ingredients and food applications to market faster. Based on this, we are working on concrete projects to address the main bottlenecks. For the Business Development team Agrifood, we are looking for a working student to support us in the further development and implementation of these projects.

Your assignment

You will support three projects aimed at accelerating the scaling up of innovative biotech companies:

• Shared scaling-up facilities: improving access to pilot and production facilities, partly by investigating existing capacity and potential operational and financing models;

• Factory financing: exploring public and private financing solutions for first commercial production facilities (First-of-a-Kind);

• Demand creation: investigating how off-take agreements and collaboration with large companies can contribute to reducing investment risks.

Additionally, you will support other initiatives within the Agrifood team, including the innovation agenda of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN).

What will you do?

As a working student, you will work closely with colleagues from Invest-NL and external project partners. Your activities will include:

• Collecting and analyzing market information, investment needs, and financing opportunities;

• Conducting desk research into existing initiatives, business cases, and financing models;

• Preparing and elaborating discussions with companies, investors, and other stakeholders;

• Preparing presentations, memos, and project proposals;

• Supporting the organization of meetings, project planning, and documentation.

Who are you?

You are curious, analytical, and enjoy researching complex issues and translating them into concrete solutions. Additionally:

• You are pursuing a higher professional education (hbo) or university degree, for example in economics, business administration, innovation management, or a technical field;

• You have an interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, and financing;

• You work independently, structured, and enjoy taking initiative;

• You can communicate clearly, both orally and in writing;

• You are available from January 4th to June 30th, 2027;

• You can work an average of 16 to 24 hours per week.

Specific knowledge of the agrifood or biotech sector is not required. More important to us is that you are curious and quickly grasp new subjects.

What do we offer?

• Substantively challenging work at the intersection of innovation, technology, and financing;

• Ample room to work independently on projects and take responsibility, with guidance from the team;

• Collaboration with experienced professionals, innovative companies, investors, and governments;

• A varied role where analysis, strategy, and practice come together;

• Possibility to work hybrid;

• A remuneration of €1,816.15 per month (based on 24 hours) and travel expense reimbursement.

Are you the one we are looking for?

Then we would like to receive your application before November 24, 2026! Do you have any questions? Please contact Michiel Strijland via [email protected]. Our selection procedure consists of 2 selection rounds. You will receive a response to your application within 2 weeks after the closing date at the latest.

In case of sufficient applications, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prematurely.