The Planet B.io team is growing! We’re excited to welcome three new colleagues who will strengthen our biotech innovation ecosystem: Mohammed Iaallala (Senior Manager Strategic Relations), Natascha Keijzer (Lab Manager), and Katri Kaunismaa (Senior Project Manager). Each of them brings valuable expertise to help our community grow, whether through strategic partnerships, lab management, or funding opportunities.
Mohammed Iaallala
As Senior Manager Strategic Relations, Mohammed’s focus is on building and strengthening key partnerships with government agencies, investors, service providers, and the wider biotech community. His role is all about forging meaningful connections and unlocking resources to help startups and scale-ups succeed.
“Planet B.io thrives because of its strong network of researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts,” Mohammed says. “I see myself as a bridge between our internal community and external partners - whether that means connecting startups with investors, advocating for them within government bodies, or facilitating collaborations across the value chain.”
He’s especially motivated by the transformative potential of biotech. “The sector is constantly evolving, and I love the fact that the work we do today has the potential to create real-world impact for years to come. Supporting passionate entrepreneurs who are solving major global challenges is incredibly rewarding.”
Natascha Keijzer
As Lab Manager, Natascha is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the Flexible Biolab and Education Lab. She manages everything from equipment access to lab safety and helps startups and students get the most out of these shared spaces. Natascha also plays an active role in strengthening the broader biotech ecosystem by managing the lab managers community at Planet B.io, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration between resident companies.
“My goal is to create an environment where researchers, entrepreneurs, and students can focus on their work without unnecessary hurdles,” she says. “By improving workflows, making the labs more accessible, and connecting the right people, I hope to make their journey easier and more efficient.”
Natascha is particularly excited about supporting the next generation of biotech innovators. “The Education Lab is a fantastic place for students and professionals to learn and develop their skills. Seeing them engage with real-world biotech challenges - and knowing that we’re providing the space and resources to make that possible - is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.”
Katri Kaunismaa
Katri joins Planet B.io as Senior Project Manager, focusing on managing existing grants and securing new funding opportunities that support our mission. Additionally, she will oversee the Kansen voor West voucher program, which provides financial support to biotech startups working on innovative projects.
“In addition to helping Planet B.io grow its services through grants, I’m excited to support startups directly. The voucher program is a great way to remove financial barriers and help them move forward,” she explains. “Biotech companies are at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions, and it’s inspiring to be part of an ecosystem that actively supports this innovation.”