NL Startup Competition 2025

The competition continues. Pre-register now for NL Startup Competition 2026 edition and take your startup to the next level with funding, exposure and valuable connections.

Take your startup to the next level!

The first and second editions of NL Startup Competition brought together ambitious startups tackling social impact, energy transition, digital innovation and sustainability.

After winning the 2025 edition, ExCulture was selected for the global Top 100 of the Entrepreneurship World Cup, with more to come. In 2024, our winner ChatLicense secured 8th place in the global finals, joined by fellow NLSC participants Pal and Kumasi Drinks.

These are just a few examples of how far the journey can go. We’re proud to support startups as they grow beyond the national level… and we’re getting ready for what’s next! 

See this year’s winners and pre-register for our next edition! 

Pre-register now!

NL Startup Competition 2025

NL Startup Competition is a national initiative that supports and accelerates startups from across the Netherlands. Through expert-led sessions, pitch opportunities, and access to a growing network, the competition gives early-stage founders a platform to share their work, gain exposure, and access the support they need to grow.

In its second edition, NL Startup Competition brought together over 120 startups. 16 were selected to take part in two preparation workshops and a live pitch event during Upstream Festival in Rotterdam. Each team pitched in one of four focus areas: Social, Energy & Environment, Digital and Circular.

Winners of 2025

We are proud to announce the winners of the second edition of NL Startup Competition.

Drive positive change and tackle pressing societal issues head-on.

Transform industries with cutting-edge tech solutions that streamline processes and improve experiences.

Lead the charge towards a sustainable future with innovative energy solutions.

Promote environmental health by rethinking how we use and reuse resources.

In the Media

Catch up on published articles about the competition, our finalists, and the ideas shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

Organizational Partners

Driving entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

Partners

Driving entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

Interested in becoming a partner?