The Netherlands is full of incubators, accelerators and other innovation hubs. To see what we have to offer, browse through the different industries and see if our hubs can help you grow to the next level.
We are currently updating the diagram regularly. You can check out the latest version here
Suggestions for the startup infrastructure diagram? Let us know
Did you know The Netherlands is the world’s second largest exporter of agricultural products, just behind the United States? Our flowerbulbs, cacao, cheeses, tomatoes, vegetables and of course beers are shipped practically anywhere in the world. Of course, innovation and research are key in Dutch agriculture and horticulture with one of the highest private R&D budgets worldwide. When it comes to sustainablilty, universities and businesses are constantly looking for ways to make our ‘foodprint’ leaner and greener. Add the fact that we are experts in offering solutions for sustainable livestock practices and smart methods to increase animal welfare, and you’ve found the ideal place to grow your AgriFood startup!
View companies within Agrifood
Agriculture
Food
Horticulture
19 out of the 25 top chemical companies in the world have significant operations in the Netherlands.
The Port of Rotterdam—one of the strongest refining and chemical clusters in the world—giving them strategic access to the North Sea through Europe’s largest harbor. These assets, among others, make the Netherlands a smart choice for BioTech, Smart Materials and Nanotech startups looking to expand or accelerate their business.
View companies within Chemicals
BioTech
NanoTech
Smart materials
Thanks to its progressive policies, affinity for innovation and a forward-thinking attitude, the Netherlands is a leader in offshore, renewable and smart energy. The ideal place to startup or scale up your innovative business. We’re committed to strengthening our already strong position in the global energy industry, offering world-class R&D facilities and outstanding incentive programs that support energy innovation.
Circulair economy
Energy
Home to major multinationals like Philips, Bosch, Boeing and ASML, the Dutch high tech industry is one of the most innovative in the world. Fueled by world-class open innovation R&D, the industry today consists of more than 1,700 firms involved in materials-related research and development in the Netherlands.
These innovative players big and small have definitely paved the way for high tech startups considering the Netherlands as their launchpad or growth hub.
View companies within High Tech Service
Aerospace
CleanTech
Drones
Energy
Hightech
Industrial solutions
Smart manufacturing
Smart mobility
Systems & materials
The Netherlands is a true trailblazer in Europe when it comes to information technology. We have an extremely fast growing FinTech scene, we’re home to one of the largest security clusters in Europe and our extremely advanced market of data centers is second to none. Fun fact: we also have the first dedicated wireless network for Internet of Things applications in the world. No wonder 60% of all Forbes IT companies have already established operations here. Is your startup ready to follow their example?
View companies within Information Technology
App
Data services
Fintech
Internet
IoT
Justice
Mobile
Peace
Security
The high-quality infrastructure for clinical research forms an attractive reason in itself for life sciences & health companies to choose Holland as their springboard to the European market. And in recent years, one of our stellar multinationals Philips has changed its strategy, making health tech one of their two main focus areas. Not coincidentally the city Eindhoven, where Philips was founded, is now home to one of the main life science & health hubs in The Netherlands (and Europe for that matter). Your startup could be part of these developments and benefit from them with accelerated growth as a result.
View companies within Life Science & Health
HealthTech
Life Science
MedTech
Cities like Amsterdam (advertising, media) and Rotterdam (design, architecture) are world renowned for their creative culture. Overall, The Netherlands’ innovative culture and high quality of life attracts creative minds from all over the globe, making it one of the world’s most multicultural hubs for creative talent. Plenty of reasons for your startup to choose The Netherlands, whether you’re doing business in the lifestyle & creative industry or just interested in attracting talented creative people
View companies within Lifestyle & Creativity
Consumer goods
Creative
Design
Education
Entertainment & media
Games
The Netherlands has a world-class logistics infrastructure. Not just because we say so, it was actually measured: The Netherlands was ranked 2nd in the 2015 World Bank global Logistics Performance Index (based on terms of efficiency and effectiveness of its customs, quality of transport, IT infrastructure for logistics and ease & affordability of shipping). The Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport are just two examples, with each investing heavily in technology, sustainability and overall efficiency on a yearly basis. In short: move your startup to Holland and moving your products all over the world will never be an issue.
View companies within Logistics
Logistics
Maker industry
Smart Port
The Netherlands is moving ever closer to an economic system that focuses on the re-usability of products and raw materials, minimizing wasted energy and resources. The Dutch exchange their ideas on the “circular economy” around the world and are known for their open minded attitude when it comes to new sustainability initiatives and readiness to partner up with innovative companies from all over the globe.
View companies within Sustainability
Circulair economy
Impact
Sharing economy
As you may know, a big part (around 25%) of The Netherlands is situated below sea level. This is one of the reasons we’re used to employing many methods simultaneously to protect the country from threats like flooding. This innovative integrated approach ranges from storm surge barriers, dikes and levees to eco-dynamic building, smart architecture and the use of natural barriers. All supported by a unique system of governance.
An example. The Dutch Digital Delta uses Big Data to show all the water flowing in the Netherlands on one dashboard. It indicates the location of weak areas in dikes or where water has reached critical levels and can be linked to models to prevent flooding.
With water being one of our main commercial and political focus points, The Netherlands is the place to be for startups dealing with water now and in the future.