Taking the first steps with Prometheon in the Entrepreneurial Lab

A playground for innovation

The journey started with an internal innovation challenge, an open invitation to explore new ideas. For Mario Beck, it was the perfect opportunity to act on a long-standing ambition.

“The Entrepreneurial Lab offered the space to experiment, try things out, and simply start building,” he explains. “That freedom made all the difference.”

According to Pepijn Rinzema, this is exactly what the lab is designed for. “It is a unique environment where people can explore ideas in a very open way. That sense of play and discovery is essential to real innovation.”

Prometheon stood out from the beginning. It was one of the first AI-focused projects within the lab, a field full of potential but also complexity.

Navigating the challenges of AI

Working with AI within enterprise environments brings specific challenges. While TMC has strong expertise in delivering secure, on-premise AI solutions, not every situation allows for dedicated infrastructure. In some cases, teams still rely on external APIs, which introduces considerations around data security and privacy.

Rather than seeing these limitations as barriers, Mario saw them as part of the opportunity.

“It sparked quite some internal discussion,” he says. “But for me, it was exactly that combination of ambition and opportunity that made it impossible not to start.”

Learning by doing

What makes the Entrepreneurial Lab stand out is its focus on learning through experimentation. It is not about having all the answers from the start. It is about creating an environment where ideas can develop step by step.

“The lab really is a playground,” says Pepijn. “And learning through play is one of the most effective ways to grow. Without that environment, it is much harder for ideas to take shape.”

This approach is a core part of Employeneurship, giving people the freedom and support to turn ideas into real solutions.

Building towards the future

Today, Prometheon has grown into a true startup. Together with his co-founder Milan, Mario builds a sustainable business that creates value for organizations while contributing to the broader conversation around AI. Looking ahead, his motivation is both professional and personal.

“My daughter is two and a half now,” he shares. “She will grow up in a world where AI is everywhere. There are great opportunities, but also risks. I want to be on the side that helps organizations use AI responsibly, making work more efficient and helping people do their jobs better.”

From lab to lasting impact

Prometheon shows what can happen when talent, ambition and the right environment come together. It highlights how the Entrepreneurial Lab enables employeneurs to explore new technologies, challenge the status quo and build solutions that matter.