NL Startup Competition 2025

Join us for the second edition of the NL Startup Competition where startups pitch for prize money, a valuable network and lots of opportunities.

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Take your startup to the next level!

Join us in celebrating the success of the first NL Startup Competition! Our first edition showcased exceptional startups dedicated to social impact, energy transition, digital progress, and sustainability.

Several participants from the first edition of the NL Startup Competition continued their journey on the international stage. ChatLicense, the overall winner, was selected for the Top 100 of the Entrepreneurship World Cup after progressing through the initial Top 250 Bootcamp, securing 8th place. Two other participating startups of NL Startup Competition, Pal and Kumasi Drinks, also took part in the global competition. We’re proud to see these teams grow beyond the national level and continue building on the momentum sparked during the competition.

Join us as we reflect on the success stories and prepare for the next chapter.  Stay updated on upcoming opportunities and be part of our vibrant community driving innovation forward. Registrations are closed for the 2nd edition of NL Startup Competition, follow us to see who will be participating this year!

Timeline

Mark your calendar!

April 11, 2025
Registration Deadline
April 29, 2025
Workshop "How to Pitch"
May 21, 2025
Speed Date & Get to know the teams
May 22, 2025
Finale at Upstream

Prizes

See the prizes structured to reflect the goals of the NL Startup Competition: supporting innovation with resources that go beyond visibility alone. Each one is designed to strengthen growth by providing access to expertise, tools, opportunities and more.

  • Entry ticket to Top 250 Entrepreneurship World Cup

Gain entry into the global Top 250 startups, with a chance to compete at the Entrepreneurship World Cup.

  • €10.000 prize money

Awarded to the winner of each category to support your next stage of growth.

  • Up-to €12.000 worth of development packages

Access tailored development packages designed to boost your product – from full-stack MVP development, AI integration to many more.

  • Office spaces

Receive workspace access to help build and grow your venture.

  • Consultation and training

Benefit from personalized sessions with industry experts to sharpen your strategy.

“At Erasmus Enterprise, we acknowledge the transformative potential of every startup. The NL Startup Competition is not only offering prizes, but also invaluable mentorship and support. We are excited to be a part of this initiative that puts a spotlight on innovative minds and steers their ideas towards impactful outcomes, all while staying true to the Erasmian Way.”
Liesje Goldschmidt
Liesje GoldschmidtHead of Business Development at Erasmus Enterprise
"De NL Start-Up Competition is een belangrijk nieuw initiatief dat innovatieve startups een podium biedt om oplossingen te ontwikkelen die cruciale maatschappelijke uitdagingen aanpakken."
Michiel Gaasterland
Michiel GaasterlandStrategic Advisory & Business Mentorship
"We can't wait to have the inaugural edition of the NL Startup Competition at Upstream Festival this year. This competition is the perfect opportunity for startups to put their pitching skills to the test in front of an audience of national and international investors, founders, innovative corporates and other stakeholders. Get ready for a blend of innovation, networking, and game-changing pitches that will leave a lasting mark on the entrepreneurial landscape!"
Lisette Braakenburg van Backum
Lisette Braakenburg van BackumPartner & Projects Lead at Up!Rotterdam
“Get ready to witness NL Startup Competition dominating the spotlight at Upstream Festival. This is the ultimate platform for promising startups to seize exposure and tap into an expansive network.”
Lars Crama
Lars CramaUpstream Festival
"Embrace the challenge, unleash your creativity, and let innovation be your drive.
Looking forward to be inspired in this contest."
Marco Molling
Marco MollingEuropean Patent Attorney at V.O. Patents and Trademarks
“Proud to be part of the first NL Startup Competition. Can’t wait to see all the ambitious ideas and founders. Supporting this competition not only fuels the growth of promising startups but also reinforces our dedication to keep developing this entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Gilles Meijer
Gilles MeijerGolden Egg Check
“I'm energized by the prospect of startups tackling societal challenges through innovation. Events like the NL Startup Competition offer vital networking, customer acquisition, and funding opportunities to help startups succeed. Really looking forward to being part of this ecosystem.”
Tobias Gutleb
Tobias GutlebVolkerWessels
“I’m passionate about using technology to make the world a better place. I’m currently working on a project called Ease2pay, it is an intelligent activation and payment platform. With it, operators of charging stations, parkings, ports, markets, marinas and camper parks create self-service options for users.”
Jan Borghuis
Jan BorghuisEase2Pay
"I am convinced that we can avert the climate crisis, but then we will need creativity and new technologies. So much more is possible! NL Startup Competition is a great incentive for startups to continue their journey. They are the beginning of a bright future."
Maike Akkers
Maike AkkersPort of Rotterdam
“In a world of ceaseless transformation, the next market disruptors lie within the brilliant minds of today's startups. The NL Startup Competition provides a platform for the best ideas to emerge and be recognized. They uncover innovative potential, guiding ideas from concept to implementation and influencing the future landscape.”
Subodha Perera
Subodha PereraEconsulate

Highlights

Upstream | Woensdag 29 mei 2024 | Photo's by: Jeancarlo Nunes dos Anjos
Upstream | Woensdag 29 mei 2024 | Photo's by: Jeancarlo Nunes dos Anjos
Upstream | Woensdag 29 mei 2024 | Photo's by: Jeancarlo Nunes dos Anjos
Upstream | Woensdag 29 mei 2024 | Photo's by: Jeancarlo Nunes dos Anjos
Upstream | Woensdag 29 mei 2024 | Photo's by: Jeancarlo Nunes dos Anjos
Upstream | Woensdag 29 mei 2024 | Photo's by: Jeancarlo Nunes dos Anjos

Revealed: The 2024 NL Startup Competition Winners. Find out more about the winners and the Grand Finale of NL Startup Competition!

See more

Finalists of 2025

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

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

CaseCanvas
HaptonTech
J58 Holding
UPYourself

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

Homemade
Jungle the Bungle
MemoryLab
ThoughtfulOasis

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

ExCulture
Powerchainger
VEMS
HalioGen Power

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

Aestuarium
BioFashionTech
FRAS
Primal Soles

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Organizational Partners

Driving entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

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Partners

Driving entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

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Interested in becoming a partner?

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NL Startup Competition


Take your startup to the next level!

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