Academic Startup Competition

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The Academic Startup Competition is a contest that provides an opportunity for Academic entrepreneurs based in the Netherlands to compete for a spot within an incubation program for the top 20 most promising upcoming science-based startups.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The Academic Startup Competition in the Netherlands is primarily aimed at valorizing academic startups in their respective fields. The competition seeks to recognize and promote promising science-based startups in the country. One of its objectives is to facilitate connections between startups across different fields, fostering an environment where skills and knowledge can be shared. By doing so, it strives to foster an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurial growth, thereby contributing to the Dutch economy and job creation.

How does the program work?

The Academic Startup Competition (ACS) offers selected academic startups the chance to showcase their business projects to an audience of international investors and businesses. Successful applicants are introduced to innovation ecosystems, and receive help in developing a network of peers, experts, and mentors.

Selected startup entrepreneurs participate in a unique series of workshops, promotion track and peer-to-peer learning to help their founders to accelerate the growth and scalability of their business.

The competition itself consists of four stages:

  1. Applications (open from August until September).
  2. Pitchday (October): From all applications, 20 are selected to participate in the CES Unveiled program, including pitch training, workshops and matchmaking. These startups pitch in front of a jury.
  3. Promotion tour (November): The jury selects the 10 best startups, which are highlighted individually through an online campaign.
  4. Incubator program (December): The academic entrepreneurs participate in a unique program led by the Consulate of San Francisco, to help them grow their business and build a community. This offers participants an opportunity to get in contact with customers, investors or experts, and gain insights into the US market.
  5. ImpactFestival (January): During this second event day, entrepreneurs will meet with peer-entrepreneurs, and ACS alumni.

The winners are offered a host of benefits including access to peer-to-peer discussion groups with investors, experienced founders, and experts, media coverage, and networking events. The competition also aims to support the top 20 startups with various programs including mindset transition, thinking big, building a team, professional team assessment, executive search support, one-on-one interviews, and challenge-based sessions.

Eligibility requirements:

  • An academic startup with the ambition and potential to be disruptive and scale internationally within the coming 5 years. In the case of biotechnology, biomedical or medical projects, the company needs to be on the market within 7 years.
  • A successful transfer from science/technology developed at a Dutch University, University Medical Center, KNAW or NWO institute; 
  • Maximum 3 years in incorporation; and
  • Registered at the Chamber of Commerce.
Eligibility

Eligibility requirements:

  • An academic startup with the ambition and potential to be disruptive and scale internationally within the coming 5 years. In the case of biotechnology, biomedical or medical projects, the company needs to be on the market within 7 years.
  • A successful transfer from science/technology developed at a Dutch University, University Medical Center, KNAW or NWO institute;  
  • Maximum 3 years in incorporation; and
  • Registered at the Chamber of Commerce.
What is the overall cost?

There is no available information on the cost of the Academic Startup Competition.

How was it implemented?

The Academic Startup Competition is run by The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU), with support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. Academic Startup Competition Ambassadors contribute to the competition by spreading awareness about the competition through their networks. The ambassadors open potential doors for participants, provide feedback, give insights and assist throughout the competition.

What impact has been measured?

Some of the winners of the competition, such as Sensip-dx, Time-travelling Milkman, TargED Biopharmaceuticals, LumetalliX, Liion Power, QuiX Quantum, EXIT071, IMcoMET, Maeve Aerospace, and MantiSpectra, have gone on to make significant strides in their respective industries. However, no overall impact assessments of the program have been published.

CURATED BY

Cristina Fernandez

Director for Knowledge + Programming
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United States