Merlijn van Breugel, a key figure in the founding and development of exquAIro, officially parted ways with the organization on July 1, 2024. From the early collaboration phase between REWIRE (formerly MIcompany) and the UMCG, which later led to the creation of exquAIro, he was closely involved in building and realizing the organization. Merlijn reflects on his journey with exquAIro, where he helped pioneer a successful organization that innovates academic and professional AI education in the pharmaceutical and academic sectors. He also shares a glimpse into his new venture, a new startup.
Starting a Mission
“I was actually involved before exquAIro even had a name,” Merlijn recalls. “In 2019, a collaboration started between REWIRE, where I worked, and the UMCG. I spent a year working full-time as a data scientist, which led to the start of my PhD under the guidance of Prof. dr. Gerard Koppelman of the UMCG. My research focuses on using bioinformatics and AI to analyse complex data, particularly multi-omics data, to gain new insights into paediatric lung diseases. At the same time, the idea arose to make the collaboration between REWIRE and UMCG more structured.”
Merlijn’s involvement from almost the beginning made him a co-architect of the organization. “In the early days, the focus was on the question: “How could AI drive innovation in biomedical research and drug discovery, and which type of education would help professionals to start using this new technology most effectively.”
‘Now We Had to Make It Happen’
When exquAIro was launched in 2022, the ambitions quickly became clear: collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry and the development of AI education programs. Merlijn played a crucial role in securing major collaborations, such as with AstraZeneca. Pharma was already investing heavily in AI, creating momentum, but gaining the trust of prominent global players as a newcomer was no easy task.
“When AstraZeneca decided to partner with us, it was a milestone,” Merlijn proudly states. While the team had a strong track record in AI education via GAIN, we hadn’t proven our proposition yet within that industry. But they saw the value in our educational model and were willing to invest commercially. It was an exciting period—I remember flying to Sweden with Gerard to give our first training session. It was make or break, it was time to deliver.”
The educational program quickly became a solid foundation for exquAIro. Merlijn’s involvement in setting up AI & Data bootcamps and intensive training programs, where doctors and researchers gained in-depth knowledge and skills in six weeks, proved particularly effective. “There is synergy in combining training efforts with funding and supporting professionals through the exquAIro grants,” says Merlijn.
A Bridge Between Business, Academia and Hospitals
Merlijn emphasizes the unique culture exquAIro was able to create between the business world and academia. “We had a diverse group with different perspectives. This collaboration brought value, but also required adaptability. Decision-making in academia, hospitals and business differs, which sometimes led to friction but ultimately made us stronger.”
The diverse expertise—medical content, data science, and education—made the team resilient and versatile. “It was quite a stretch to build this new organisation while ‘regular work’ carried on, but it was definitely worth it.”
Moving Toward New Challenges
Although Merlijn officially stepped down from exquAIro, he remains active in the world of data science and healthcare. He is working on a new start-up that focuses on improving patients’ insight into their healthcare journeys. More will be made public early 2025.
A Legacy of Innovation
His work at exquAIro has had a lasting impact. The organization continues its mission to accelerate medical breakthroughs using AI, thanks in part to the foundations Merlijn helped establish. His departure marks a new phase for both exquAIro and Merlijn, but the connection remains. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. This wasn’t just a project—it was a journey where I was able to grow both professionally and personally.”
Merlijn’s role on the board is taken over by Ilya Petoukhov, and we’re also excited to welcome Geerte Koster to exquAIro as teacher and facilitator of the AI & Data Bootcamps. We’ll share more about both of them and give them the floor at a later time, so stay tuned!
Want to learn more?
Merlijn is always open to contact. Whether you want to know more about his new start-up, have questions, or want to discuss the possibilities of AI in healthcare, don’t hesitate to reach out to him (merlijnvanbreugel@gmail.com).
Text: exquAIro (Marlies Schipperheijn)
Photo: Merlijn van Breugel