Sjoerd Louwaars - Founder, Innovator, and Entrepreneurial Leader
Professional Overview
Sjoerd Louwaars is a seasoned entrepreneur, innovation specialist, and strategic leader with a proven track record of driving organizational growth and transformation. As the Founder of Onbound, he leverages his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, higher education, and the public sector to foster innovation and empower organizations to navigate the evolving business landscape.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder of Onbound, Sjoerd is responsible for setting the strategic vision, leading cross-functional teams, and developing innovative solutions to address the complex challenges faced by his clients. He leverages his expertise in areas such as open innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange to help organizations unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable growth.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Onbound, Sjoerd held various leadership roles, including Senior Consultant at SIRIS Academic, Director of Innovation at PLNT Leiden, and Director of Innovation - Knowledge Exchange Office at Universiteit Leiden. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends, develop collaborative partnerships, and implement impactful initiatives that drive organizational success.
As the Founder of Weaverbird and the Changemakers Lab at the Centre for Innovation - Leiden University, Sjoerd has successfully translated his entrepreneurial vision into tangible outcomes, fostering the growth of innovative startups and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within academic institutions.
Academic Background
Sjoerd holds a strong academic foundation, having pursued his studies at prestigious institutions. His education has equipped him with a deep understanding of innovation, knowledge exchange, and the dynamics of complex systems, further strengthening his ability to navigate the evolving business landscape.
Areas of Expertise
- Open innovation and collaborative problem-solving
- Entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem development
- Knowledge exchange and university-industry collaboration
- Strategic planning and organizational transformation
- Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional team leadership
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Sjoerd has been a driving force in shaping the innovation landscape, particularly within the higher education and startup sectors. He has played a pivotal role in establishing PLNT Leiden as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, and has been instrumental in fostering impactful collaborations between academic institutions and industry partners.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindset, Sjoerd Louwaars is well-positioned to continue making a significant impact as the Founder of Onbound. Driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to empowering organizations to thrive in the face of disruption, Sjoerd is poised to forge new paths and drive transformative change in the years to come.
