photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors
dr. nihal büyükuslu(she/her)
ceo & co-founder at wisemenu b.v.
about
i am a scientist with over 30 years of experience in biochemistry, nutritional sciences, and sustainable food systems. after completing my phd in biochemistry at the university of nottingham, i worked across academia and industry, leading r&d initiatives and supervising master’s and doctoral research. today, as co-founder & ceo of wisemenu, i combine scientific rigor with a vision for the future of food and healthcare, building an ai-powered smart menu platform that enhances nutritional transparency, empowers healthier choices, and helps food providers, such as restaurants and cafés, adopt sustainable, data-driven operations for a more responsible food ecosystem.
i want young women to know that…
i want young women to know that believing in themselves is the first step toward success. if you dream of becoming an entrepreneur or building a strong career, pursue it with determination and courage. challenges, setbacks, and doubts will appear, but they should never stop you from moving forward. every obstacle is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. do not allow barriers or stereotypes to define your limits. your ideas, skills, and leadership are valuable and needed in the business world. stay focused on your goals, keep learning, and never give up on earning your place and creating the future you envision.
powered by netherlands point of entry
at the netherlands point of entry we acknowledge the importance of a diverse ecosystem, where individuals are empowered to pursue their ambitions. embracing women and diversity in the dutch tech ecosystem is crucial for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and unlocking untapped talent, ensuring technology contributes to a more equitable and dynamic future. we’re excited to be part of the equals campaign 2026 and to spotlight the incredible journeys of dr. nihal büyükuslu and shivani chetty. their stories are powerful, inspiring, and proof of what’s possible—let’s motivate the next wave of entrepreneurs to start and grow their ventures in the netherlands!