Acceleration Program Future-Proof Building - SAM Panels

At registration, which was open nationwide, I specifically asked for guidance from NOM. We are based in Venlo, but in the future we see expansion in the Northern Netherlands as an option. The supply of raw materials is large and there is a strong circular network. In fact, making the step to construction is incredibly difficult. In ATB, I wanted to validate how we could approach the construction sector.

It was a reality check; it put us in our place for a while. The program takes you out of your tunnel vision and makes you think about what you are doing. You get both feet on the ground. For example, it taught us to better analyze what triggers to use our material. We didn't yet distinguish ourselves on the health aspect of our panels, but that turns out to be an important proposition. This was evident from the large number of interviews we did to validate our story. This also put us in touch with a modular builder in the North, with whom we are now jointly developing panels in a modular system. Tests are underway.

The cooperation with NOM was good. We had weekly meetings about our participation: what the progress was and how everything was going. So we also came into contact with that modular builder through NOM. For the time being, that also turned out to be very valuable. Because of the strong network function that NOM has, you can turn one and one into three.

I would definitely recommend it! It has brought us a lot. But, please note: 1. you have to make the time and 2. you have to have the courage to open up. There is no point in participating if you don't have the time to also do the proper outreach. It takes time. You also have to have the courage to endure the criticism that your business case or entrepreneurial story gets and not completely go against it. You have to be open to it. If you can't do that, then don't do it. In any other case: highly recommended.