Business Developer Innovation Funding & Deep Tech

Are you an experienced innovation consultant, grant writer, funding advisor, or subsidy expert with a strong network in the European innovation ecosystem? Do you enjoy working with pioneering technologies, ambitious entrepreneurs, and cutting-edge research? If so, this could be the next step in your career.

We are looking for a commercially driven Business Developer to help expand Catalyze Group's presence across Europe's deep-tech, sustainability, and life sciences sectors.

This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in innovation funding, grant acquisition, and strategic advisory work while taking greater ownership of client relationships, market development, and business growth. You will engage with innovative SMEs, scale-ups, universities, research institutes, and technology leaders, helping them access funding and accelerate impactful innovations.

Whether you have a background in grant consulting, proposal development, innovation management, or public funding advisory, this position enables you to build on your technical and funding expertise while developing your commercial career.

What We're Looking For

You combine a strong understanding of innovation funding with a natural ability to build relationships and identify opportunities.

Your profile

• Master's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Technology, Sustainability, Business Innovation, or a related field
• At least 3-5 years of experience advising, managing, or securing funding through European and national programmes such as Horizon Europe, EIC, Eurostars, Innovation Fund, or comparable schemes.
• Background in grant consulting, proposal writing, innovation advisory, business consulting, or funding strategy
• Comfortable engaging with founders, researchers, innovation managers, and senior stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong commercial curiosity
• Experience generating business opportunities, developing client relationships, or managing accounts is a plus
• Track record of delivering measurable results
• We are particularly interested in candidates who understand both the technical and funding dimensions of innovation projects and want to play a more active role in growing business.
• Based in the Netherlands

Sectors We Work In

• Energy Transition & Clean Technologies
• Sustainable Food & Bio-based Systems
• Semiconductors & Advanced Electronics
• Quantum Technologies & Photonics
• Robotics & Automation
• Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
• Life Sciences & Health Technologies

What You'll Do

• Build and develop relationships with innovative SMEs, scale-ups, universities, and research organizations
• Identify high-potential innovation projects aligned with European funding opportunities
• Generate and qualify new business opportunities
• Lead commercial discussions with founders, executives, researchers, and innovation leaders
• Collaborate closely with consultants and funding experts to create compelling client solutions
• Negotiate agreements and successfully close new engagements
• Contribute to the growth of Catalyze's Deep Tech & Sustainability portfolio
• Deliver against clearly defined commercial objectives and revenue targets

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Attractive performance-based bonus structure
• Clear career progression towards senior commercial and leadership positions
• Hybrid working model (2-3 days in the office)
• 27 vacation days plus 8% holiday allowance
• Pension plan, commuting allowance, and lease bike scheme
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
• Exposure to Europe's most exciting innovation projects and ecosystems

Why This Role Stands Out

This is not a traditional sales role.

You will combine your understanding of innovation, technology, and funding with commercial ownership and business development responsibility.

At Catalyze, you will:

• Help breakthrough innovations reach the market
• Build strategic relationships across Europe's innovation ecosystem
• Work with founders, researchers, and technology leaders
• Drive growth in some of the world's most important emerging industries
• Create measurable impact through innovation and funding
• If you are ready to move beyond writing proposals and advising clients, and want to play a leading role in shaping the future of innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

If you are driven by commercial setting in innovation & funding space- we strongly encourage you to apply!