Innovation Broker Aad Nales plays an essential role in the Dutch innovation community with his rich experience in entrepreneurship and technology. Aad currently works at Almende, where he is active in the IoT and robotics sector, connecting technological progress with business opportunities. His mission to connect technology and companies has already led to successful collaborations, including promising projects such as Phyleus that tackles the nitrogen problem in the Netherlands and pursues sustainable livestock farming. Aad's dedication to helping others and his passion for solving social problems through innovation make him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and companies in the Netherlands.
Why are you an Innovation Broker?
Aad Nales became an Innovation Broker because of his deep involvement in technologies and his desire to connect technology and companies to stimulate innovation. In his own words:
My passion lies in connecting technologies and companies to stimulate innovation. My experience as an entrepreneur and involvement in high-tech projects have shaped me into who I am. As an Innovation Broker, I can use my knowledge and expertise to help other entrepreneurs and companies realize their innovative ideas and projects.
In which sector are you active?
Aad Nales is active in two important sectors: IT and IoT, and robotics. These areas are of particular interest to him, and he has built a track record in developing technologies in these areas. He says: "We are working on developing robots for inspections and sensor networks. These technologies have enormous potential in various sectors."
What can entrepreneurs come to you for?
Entrepreneurs can contact Aad Nales for a wide range of challenges and questions. His dedication to helping others is deeply rooted in his philosophy, as he says:
As long as I have worked, I have said, you have to help each other. And the help you give you always get back.
Whether it concerns structuring problems, exploring new ideas, optimizing processes or providing support for technological issues, Aad is ready to volunteer his expertise and time. As an Innovation Broker, he now has the opportunity to spend even more time with entrepreneurs who may only need a few weeks of guidance. Entrepreneurs can contact Aad with their most diverse challenges.
Who or what type of SME would you like to help as an Innovation Broker?
Aad Nales is passionate about supporting SMEs active in the robotics, IoT and sensor networking sectors. He sees great potential to drive innovation in these areas and would like to help companies interested in deploying technology for inspection, automation and data collection. In his own words: "I really enjoy everything that has to do with using robots for inspections. That is really the area that we find exciting. Robotics of things that really move."
Have you ever been helped yourself?
Aad Nales has experienced in the past how valuable help can be when starting up your own business. He shared his experience of receiving support: "I have received help and advice in the past, such as legal advice and help with setting up my administration. That has helped me enormously."
Do you have an example of a successful collaboration?
Aad Nales: “An example of a successful collaboration is our current project with Phyleus, a company that focuses on circular livestock farming. We are working on the development of a robot that can be used in livestock stables to quickly and effectively separate urine and solid manure, reducing ammonia formation and thus significantly reducing emissions. The water and manure can also be reused in an environmentally friendly way. This project has the potential to contribute to solving the nitrogen problem and improving water quality in the Netherlands. We worked together to define the parameters for the robot and the parking process and are continuously looking for innovative solutions."
