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The Hague Innovators for a better world

The Hague Innovators Challenge

Are you The Hague Innovator of 2023?
Join the ninth edition of The Hague Challenge and win €15.000

The world is becoming more complex and societal issues are increasing globally. At the same time, issues such as safety, energy, climate, and food have a significant impact on the lives of people living in cities.

With the ‘The Hague Innovators’ challenge, the municipality of The Hague challenges startups, scale-ups, and students to present their innovative ideas for global issues, as described in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Do you have an innovative idea for a better world? Then sign up for this year’s challenge powered by ImpactCity The Hague and present your creative vision to a selected jury of partners like Rabobank, DOEN Participations, Unknown Group, and UNIIQ.

“The Hague Innovator Award was a source of publicity and financial support for us. It was an experience we look back on with great pleasure!“

Luc Hogervorst, Weco, winner of The Hague Innovators Challenge 2022

Who can apply?

Startups and scale-ups that exist for 1-6 years. 

What does this challenge contain?

Out of all entries, the jury selects eight nominees for The Hague Innovators challenge. All nominees receive guidance over the course of four weeks on their way to the finals which will take place during ImpactFest. Nominees will get four training sessions and receive introductions to relevant partners of the ImpactCity network. We will help you with startup support if needed. Everything to help you pitch your solution at the leading impact event, ImpactFest 2023! 

What can you win?

  • Best Innovator prize € 15.000
  • Incentive prize € 5.000
  • Audience prize € 2.500

Participation conditions

  • Your innovative ideas tackle a global issue described in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Your company has a Chamber of Commerce number with the location in The Hague or the intention to move to The Hague. Not based in The Hague yet? Then we need a declaration of intent.
  • Participation in the training is mandatory. You can find important dates below.

Important training dates

  • October 4: Introduction to The Hague Innovators Challenge and ImpactCity, Business Model Canvas training
  • October 11: SEO workshop by Google & drinks
  • October 18: Startup support & video shoot
  • October 26: Pitch training
  • November 7: Finale at ImpactFest

All trainings are hosted in person in The Hague and physical presence is required for The Hague Innovator challenge nominees.

Previous winners

Weco – The Wave Collective

Develops solutions to generate electricity using waves in the ocean.

BeeSage

Data-driven urban beekeeping for increased productivity and sustainability.

Seepje

Natural detergents and polishes made with the skin of the Sapindus mukorossi fruit.

North Sea Farmers

Supports and accelerates the development of a sustainable and nature-inclusive seaweed sector.

Naïf Care

Bath and shower products with natural ingredients that support the youngest skin.

Circularise

Leading blockchain platform that provides digital product passports for end-to-end traceability and secure data exchange for industrial supply chains

Registrations are closed

Applications were open from August 29 until September 25.