NL
NL Startup Competition

NL Startup Competition x Draper 2026

Awards Dutch startups up to €10,000 in cash plus a five-week Draper University program in Silicon Valley.

Between cyclesNL Startup CompetitionNetherlands

NL Startup Competition is run as a national initiative, now in its third edition and newly partnered with Silicon Valley investor Tim Draper's Draper University. Of the more than 120 startups that applied, 11 were chosen as finalists across the Port & Maritime, Climate & Energy and Health & Wellbeing categories, and those finalists take part in two preparation workshops before pitching live at the

NL Startup Competition looks for early-stage Dutch startups pitching solutions in three category tracks — Port & Maritime, Climate & Energy, and Health & Wellbeing. Applicants don't need deep experience in a category to enter, since the program is built more broadly for founders across the Netherlands' startup ecosystem.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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