Leo Smit Email & Phone Number

Enschede Area, Netherlands

Hy2Care develops the CartRevive(R) hydrogel implant for the treatment of cartilage defects.As CEO, I have created the team, with which we developed the therapy towards clinical stage. We have successfully completed the first phase of our EU trial, are actively recruiting patients for phase 2. We received the H2020 EIC Acellerator blended financing, and have obtained FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in the US.

Netherlands

SkinDream improves sleep through textile products that can be used in bedding and clothing products. SkinDream textile technology improves the micro climate on the skin. It keeps the skin cool and dry.SkinDream top quality bedding products are available online through www.skindream.nl

Oirsbeek, The Netherlands

insightfully Innovate helps you to innovate and grow through in-depth understanding of your customers and your business. www.insightfullyinnovate.comBased on more than 25 years of industrial experience in R&D, New Business Development, Marketing and Communications, we provide insights and hands-on support to improve speed, lower risks and maximise results in your innovation pipeline. We have specific up-to-date industry networks in a.o. high performance textiles, medical devices and sports-gear. Most of all we help you turn innovative inventions into commercial success. Our support will be tailored to your needs - through workshops, in company presentation, project management or coaching of your staff - whatever fits best with your needs. We look forward to meet with you and discuss how we can help you!

Arnhem

Developed a new business segment "Advanced Cushioning" for the company. Utilising company proprietary technology and introducing a new polymer, a new product was created: Enkair, a circular alternative to soft foam. Fully recyclable, Enkair supports the environment as well as it is lightweight. Primarily Enkair is comfortable, it easily conforms to to the body and is very breathable.

Urmond

Created and the innovation partnership with Team Giant-Alpecin, the successful WorldTour professional cycling team. DSM supports Team Giant-Alpecin with innovations that help improve the performance of their riders and are subsequently commercialized. A broad array of activities are managed, ranging from materials innovations for bicycle components and clothing towards nutritional ingredients for performance and improved health. The partnership forms a strong marketing communications platform used by a wide range of DSM's product brands. Currently the cycling team is known as Team DSM-Firmenich.

Urmond

Leading a team of communications professionals that are jointly responsible for managing DSM's reputation in the field of Science and Innovation. Initiated communications projects that contribute to DSM's innovation growth strategy by positioning DSM and DSM employees as leaders in their field.

Executing Strategic Projects in the Open Innovation / Marketing and Sales area's of DSM Innovation Center:Business Model Harmonization and Strategic Positioning (Forward Integration / Acquisition Strategy) for DSM Biomedical.Open Innovation and Business Development for DSM Advanced Surfaces.

Strategic development of the Implant Solutions segment, focussing on the development and commercialization of break-through polymer technologies for use in medical implants. Specific focus on orthopedic and cardio-vascular end-markets. Examples include Easy-XL™, a novel polyethylene platform and HALS-UH, a stabilized polyethylene platform, both for use in arthroplasty (artificial hips and knees).

Building the medical segment for Dyneema, with the Dyneema Purity® product. Champion for the product, business and brand development. Created and executed the business strategy including a new business model. Negotiated Supply and Trade Mark License Agreements. Launched in 2004, Dyneema Purity® became the leading raw material for high strength orthopedic sutures within 4 yrs. The Dyneema Purity® product line became one of the fastest growing products for the new BU DSM Biomedical and continues to be one of the most profitable segments for this unit. In 2015 The Dyneema Purity® fiber was chosen by an independent jury to be amongst the top 100 innovations from the Netherlands, launched so far in this century.

Managed the pipeline of new application developments for DSM's ultra strong polyethylene fiber (www.dyneema.com). Created the process for obtaining, selection and handling of new opportunities. Started various new PMC's, notably the Medical segment (www.dyneemapurity.com) and Air Cargo Transportation.

Managed a group of Process Technology professionals (academic and PhD level) which was dedicated towards the PolyOlefin processes of DSM (various types of polyethylene and polypropylene; EPDM elastomers), now owned by SABIC and LANXESS. Initiated and executed projects on capacity increase and cost reduction in the manufacturing operations.

Scientifc and people management of small group of professionals.

Starting job, building on my graduation expertise.