Naomi Blöser was 17 and sure of one thing: “I didn’t want to study.” Growing up in Germany, she started her first company at just 15. She wasn’t interested in attending lectures or reading books on subjects far removed from real-life practice and that wouldn't help with her plans. Her mother wasn’t thrilled with this entrepreneurial spirit, and Naomi had to draw up an Excel file stating all the courses that might interest her, along with their deadlines for registration. “Thank God I heard about Unknown University just in time. I discovered that I could work on my business from day one there.”

Unknown University is a university of applied sciences in The Hague, offering an accredited degree focused on entrepreneurship. Its campus is located in De Titaan,an impact innovation hub next to the Caballero Factory, where people work on solutions to today’s biggest challenges. Jurgen Nieuwenhuijsen is director of Unknown University. “Students come here with their own business ideas,” he says. “Right from the start, they get the chance to work on them, and after four years they graduate with a degree. Students do not attend large-scale lectures but practical workshops. Their lecturers and coaches are real entrepreneurs.”

The unknown

The term ‘Unknown’ plays a key role in the university of applied sciences’ philosophy. In a world where the solutions are often the cause of the problems, like the fossil fuel industry, new directions and ways of thinking are needed: paths that are literally unknown and waiting to be discovered. That is why you will find students at Unknown University, who are, for example, exploring how hydrogen applications can contribute to the energy transition.

Nieuwenhuijsen says, “We want students to develop a mindset that embraces the unknown. There are even more uncertainties in our rapidly changing world. Entrepreneurs need to see opportunities in setbacks and adapt if circumstances require. Self-reflection is central to our approach. Students are actively coached on developing their business as well as themselves.”

Oliver Christodoulou, 23, from South Africa, graduated from Unknown University a few months ago. He found the workshops led by entrepreneurs inspiring, giving him tools for his own business. After graduation, Titaan became his working environment, where his company provides business advice to African start-ups. “I love this company and if the talks go well, my stay in the Netherlands will probably be extended. For how long?” He laughs, “Unknown.”

Making a difference

According to Nieuwenhuijsen, the students on campus mainly learn by doing. “Seventy per cent graduate after four years with an active business. The remaining 30 per cent usually find jobs at the companies they encountered during their studies. Lecturers don’t tell students whether their business concept is a good idea. The real test is whether they have customers or investors. Because students have to create demand, they learn how it works in the real world.”

This reality is part of daily life for students in the rich ecosystem at Titaan. They are surrounded by opportunities: from start-ups and scale-ups to visiting industry leaders and investors. Events and networking drinks are held regularly, and sustainability takes shape in the basement’s innovative kitchen community.

Nieuwenhuijsen shares an example of a student from Africa. “She came up with the idea of making make-up that is specially tailored to women of colour. She delved into chemistry and developed products that better suit darker skin tones. The fact she now has customers is proof of her success.”

Naomi is also well on her way with her own company, she is driven and happy at Titaan. “And it's not because of the Dutch weather and food.” She’s doing exactly what she wants at Unknown University, and her mother is also satisfied. At the end of her studies, she will receive a degree, just like at other universities of applied sciences: a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “My mother and I are on the same page again these days.” She smiles broadly. “Never waste a good crisis.”

www.unknown-universityas.com