Ad Louter says goodbye to supervisory board: "Strengthen each other instead of competing with each other."

Let's go back to the beginning. How did you get involved with Novel-T? 

Ad: “In 2017, Eddy van Hijum (then deputy of the Province of Overijssel, ed.) asked me to chair the Novel-T Supervisory Board. I was immediately enthusiastic. The topic of innovation appeals to me, and I believe it's important to actively contribute to the region we’re a part of as Urenco Nederland. Twente was really developing at the time, and I wanted to be a part of that. It was shortly after Jaap Beernink took over as director and Novel-T split from Kennispark Twente. That immediately meant a change of course. We made a strong effort to demonstrate that innovation originates not only at the University of Twente, but also at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, ROC van Twente, and the SMEs in the region. One of our first discussions was about what the Novel-T ecosystem actually entailed. It soon became clear that we could also look beyond Twente and Overijssel. I found that discussion very valuable and constructive.”

Then you probably also discussed what role Novel-T should play within that ecosystem, right?

Ad: “That was the logical next step. How does Novel-T fit into that larger ecosystem with other players, like Twente Board and Oost NL? All those parties have their own strengths. I discussed that a lot with Jaap: look at where you complement each other and try to exploit that overlap. Strengthen each other instead of competing with each other. We really made progress together in that regard. Many of the discussions between the Supervisory Board and the Novel-T directors also focused on finding your place where you add the most value to the ecosystem.”

Of course, you weren't alone on the board. What was it like working with Joyce Berger (MST) and Tanja Lendzion (Antea Group)?

Ad: “I found that very inspiring. They were not only great colleagues on the Supervisory Board, but they are also true icons in Twente. Their willingness to make time for Novel-T always encouraged me. Together, we supervised the board and provided advice. But of course, Novel-T also has five founders, so it was very important for us to maintain close contact with them. All these interests play a role and change over the years because the world changes. And a plan needs to be made for that. That process is very dynamic and has developed well in recent years.”

Your role as chairman ends here. How do you see the future of Novel-T? 

Ad: "What really stuck with me is the drive and enthusiasm of the organization. For example, in recent years, Novel-T has carefully examined who we are and what our purpose is. This has resulted in an ambitious mission: how Novel-T will have helped 100,000 entrepreneurs change the world through innovation by 2033. I thought that was beautifully formulated, because it allows you to think big. That forces you to look at your activities differently, and then you can create events like Enschede Slush'D. It also helps us look at the target group more broadly, because there are plenty of innovation opportunities among SMEs in the region. I think Giels Brouwer, as the new chairman, is also ushering in a new phase as a young tech entrepreneur. I think that's wonderful to see. And because Roy Spit joined earlier this year, it feels like a new era is dawning for Novel-T. I hope that Novel-T will seek out collaboration even more and dare to look beyond the boundaries. Novel-T can play an important role for Twente in a national innovation plan. It was a privilege for me to be part of the Novel-T story.”

About Ad Louter

Ad Louter is the Managing Director of Urenco Nederland. After studying mechanical engineering at Delft University of Technology, he began his career at various Stork engineering firms. In 1997, he moved with his young family to Bangkok, Thailand, to head a Stork company there. After an economically turbulent, but therefore also educational period, he returned to the Netherlands in 1999 to lead the renovation of the Groningen gas field, working with a consortium of leading companies. After several jobs in oil extraction and the aviation industry, he joined energy company Delta in 2008 as COO. He worked there for seven years, combining the last three years with his position as director of the Borssele nuclear power plant. During that period, he also became chairman of Nuclear Netherlands. In 2015, he started at Urenco, and from 2017 to 2025, he was chairman of Novel-T's Supervisory Board.