Key Note Speech kick-off DNNL Launchpad 2023

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and members of the Dutch New Narrative Lab community,

Today, we gather here for a momentous occasion, a day that marks a significant leap forward in our mission to reshape the Dutch startup ecosystem. We have come together to celebrate the kick-off of the DNNL Entrepreneurship Launchpad programme, a journey that carries a symbolic reference to "space" in both an astronomical and metaphorical sense.

First, let me take you on a journey through the stars. As a self-proclaimed science-fiction geek, I find inspiration in tv shows, and then one show specifically named "For All Mankind." This tv series explores an alternate history where the global space race never ended, where innovation knows no boundaries. In this altered reality, the Soviet Union's success on the Moon leads to a U.S. effort to catch up, emphasizing diversity and inclusion by training women and minorities previously excluded from space exploration. It is a testament to the power of diversity, innovation, and resilience, much like the vision we hold for the DNNL Entrepreneurship Launchpad.

Our program is built on the idea that we are not merely launching new businesses from high-potential founders but creating opportunities for often overlooked entrepreneurial talent from underrepresented groups. We aim to transcend barriers and stereotypes, by entering spaces that have traditionally been seen as not built for these exceptional individuals.

This initiative stems from an exploration conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. In response to a short 2020 newspaper article highlighting boardroom racism, I embarked on a mission that involved over 350 personal and intense conversations. These dialogues included not only individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds but also women from non-traditional paths, members of the LGBTQ+ community, disabled individuals, and people with diverse talents and perspectives.

The power of diversity and inclusion is at the core of our mission, and it is reflected in our leadership. Today, I'm proud to introduce Kimberly Ofori, as the Director of the DNNL Entrepreneurship Lab & Launchpad 2023. Because Kimberly embodies the spirit of this initiative. Kimberly represents the change we seek to foster, breaking down barriers and leading us into uncharted territory for this test project.

So our reference to "space" goes beyond the cosmos. And it also resonates with the idea presented in Dr. Nirmal Puwar's groundbreaking book, "Space Invaders: Race, Gender and Bodies Out of Place." This work delves into the notion that certain bodies are naturally entitled to certain spaces while others are not. It challenges us to question this status quo and redefine the spaces we inhabit, making room for everyone.

Well now, Kimberly asked me, pointedly, to hold a short speech on this day. And as Kimberly reminds me in many ways of the strong women I got to know in my life, like my own mother, I feel I should better just do what she says. Therefore I secretly take inspiration from a speech in the tv-series "For All Mankind," as it perfectly encapsulates the significance of this moment. In the series, a female director, Irene Hendricks, takes her place at the helm of the space program, breaking new ground for women. The male NASA director says, "This is a big day. An important day for our country. A day a lot of people said would never come. But it's also a big day here at NASA (= DNNL)."

Indeed, today is a big day for us, as we break new ground in the Dutch startup ecosystem. Kimberly, like Irene Hendricks, has earned her place through dedication, commitment, and leadership.

So, on behalf of the DNNL community and echoing the inclusive sentiments in the tv series, it is my honor and privilege to present to you our new DNNL Launchpad leader 2023, Kimberly Ofori, who will guide us as we launch our own Apollo missions of innovation and inclusivity.

As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the sky is not the limit. It's just the beginning.

Thank you, and let the DNNL Launchpad 2023 programme take flight!

by Ruben Brave on the 5th of October 2023 in the council chamber district office Amsterdam South-East the Netherlands