With over 20 years of experience in commercializing scientific research, Chretien Herben has a proven track record in the innovation ecosystem. As the founder and CTO of a high-tech, venture capital-backed startup based on his PhD research, Chretien has hands-on experience in turning groundbreaking ideas into successful businesses.

Chretien has held various roles focused on valorization and innovation programs, establishing a national technology transfer network, and founding LifeSciences@Work. This initiative, along with its flagship Venture Challenge program, is internationally recognized as a leading Life Sciences startup platform. LifeSciences@Work's excellence is highlighted by receiving the European Enterprise Promotion Award in 2022 and its high ranking in the Financial Times’s List of Leading European Startup Hubs in 2024.

As a mentor and coach in several national and international programs, Chretien has guided hundreds of startups and scale-ups across diverse sectors. His expertise is also sought after in advisory roles, including serving as an advisor to Health-Holland's TopSector Life Sciences & Health and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Netherlands Patent Office.

Chretien holds a PhD in Physics from TU Delft, graduating with distinction (Cum Laude).