Barely twenty-five years old, and already co-owner of a company that is about to become a phenomenon in Groningen. Eduard van Pagée not only does it, he also dares to dream. “Once I have something in mind and see opportunities, there is only one thing to do: go!” UMCG, Defence, Leiden University, these are just a few of the impressive names on the list of the software development and data company Researchable on Campus Groningen. The ambitions for the future are big. And the dreams even bigger. “Make sure to pay attention, because data is going to make the difference. After all, every company has become an IT company. They just don't know it yet. We help them get the most out of their data.”
"Why isn't it even bigger?"
Eduard met Frank Blaauw, managing director at Researchable when he studied Small Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Groningen. They both followed a VentureLab program, an initiative on Campus Groningen that helps start-ups grow. “I remember thinking, Hey, that's interesting what they're doing. Every company has data, right? Why isn't it much bigger then?" Eduard saw his chance and he took it.
Everything is data
Researchable specializes in unlocking, analyzing, and combining large amounts of data. “A good example is our collaboration with fellow campus resident EV Biotech,” says Eduard. “They try to reproduce raw materials in a sustainable way. To this end, they not only conduct research in a 'regular' laboratory but also in a digital laboratory. This produces an enormous amount of data. All this data must be stored correctly so that data analysis can be carried out. That is the database that we are building.”
Do something good for our world
Vitens, UMCG, Leiden University, Department of Defence, are just a few of Researchable's impressive list of clients. Each and everyone working in a more sustainable, smarter, or healthier way. With data. According to the Business Developer, that is exactly why he is so proud of his company. “It's so cool to work with companies that want to do something good for our world. It's great that I, as a bridge builder between technology and people, can contribute to that''.
Students are essential
To keep innovating, Researchable needs the knowledge of students. “They are essential to us.” Every month the company organizes a knowledge session with pizza and drinks and Researchable regularly has projects where students and recent graduates can provide added value. “It also helps that we are located on Campus Groningen. For example, we recently met a student from Kazakhstan on the Campus. An insanely smart person. He is now completely at the right place with us.”
Place to grow
Researchable now employs fourteen people. The goal for the near future? "To grow!”, laughs Eduard. There is no doubt about it for the men of Researchable: Campus Groningen is the place to grow. “The Campus breathes innovation. It is truly a magnet for innovative companies and a knowledge-hotspot. It is a little like Silicon Valley in miniature with countless opportunities. Here we can learn a lot from each other and get a little better every day.”
