This edition of the CIC Monthly joins forces with Upstream Festival for a “Get Ready for Upstream” session. Expect a quick preview of what’s ahead, from program highlights to side events, and plenty of time to connect with founders, partners, and the wider ecosystem ahead of Upstream 2026.
On June 4, 2026, CIC Rotterdam and Rotterdam Sqaure will host an interactive roundtable event for entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, and ecosystem partners. An afternoon focused on meaningful exchange, practical insights, and building stronger connections across the community.
Roundtable Topics
Education
Bridging the gap between academia and industry, continuous learning, and specialized skill development.
Led by August Papadopoulos, Director Impact & Engagement at Erasmus University.
This roundtable focuses on how startups and universities can work together to drive innovation and talent development. Topics that can be discussed include how startups can partner with universities to access real-world evidence for regulatory filings, what an effective entrepreneurial fellowship could look like for PhD candidates building a company while completing their research, and how startups can collaborate with students through internships, including both the opportunities and the challenges this brings.
Recruitment
Attracting talent, retention strategies, and building a diverse, mission-driven workforce.
Led by Leon Commissaris, Principal Consultant at Spring Search.
This roundtable focuses on attracting, sourcing, and retaining toptalent in a highly competitive and fast-growing market. It covers the Value Proposition: beyond salary, what is the “hook” that attracts top-tier scientists and engineers in a global talent landscape. It also explores Niche Roles, focusing on how startups can source highly specialized profiles such as Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Bioinformatics through unconventional channels. Retention in High-Growth looks at how to maintain a strong culture and keep early-stage talent engaged as the company scales beyond the “honeymoon” phase.
How to Build Your Company
Scaling operations, navigating regulatory hurdles, and securing sustainable funding.
Led by Bart Voorn, one of the founders of Ditto Care; a fast-growing healthcare startup that uses AI to clarify care.
This roundtable explores the balance between Infrastructure and Agility, focusing on when a lean startup should begin transitioning into a more structured organisation. It addresses the challenges of introducing processes, systems, and governance without losing the flexibility and speed that drive early-stage innovation. The discussion looks at how startups can scale responsibly while preserving the mindset and creativity that made them successful in the first place.
Some things are just better in person. Our doors are opening once again for CIC Monthly, the premier gathering for the creators, thinkers, and doers in our community. We’re still putting the finishing touches on this month’s program, but you already know the drill: great energy, meaningful conversations, and the best crowd in town.
Mark your calendars—the best ideas start here.
Some things are just better in person. Our doors are opening once again for CIC Monthly, the premier gathering for the creators, thinkers, and doers in our community. We’re still putting the finishing touches on this month’s program, but you already know the drill: great energy, meaningful conversations, and the best crowd in town.
Mark your calendars—the best ideas start here.
Some things are just better in person. Our doors are opening once again for CIC Monthly, the premier gathering for the creators, thinkers, and doers in our community. We’re still putting the finishing touches on this month’s program, but you already know the drill: great energy, meaningful conversations, and the best crowd in town.
Mark your calendars—the best ideas start here.
Some things are just better in person. Our doors are opening once again for CIC Monthly, the premier gathering for the creators, thinkers, and doers in our community. We’re still putting the finishing touches on this month’s program, but you already know the drill: great energy, meaningful conversations, and the best crowd in town.
Mark your calendars—the best ideas start here.
Some things are just better in person. Our doors are opening once again for CIC Monthly, the premier gathering for the creators, thinkers, and doers in our community. We’re still putting the finishing touches on this month’s program, but you already know the drill: great energy, meaningful conversations, and the best crowd in town.
Mark your calendars—the best ideas start here.