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The Hague Innovators for a better world

The Hague Innovator of 2025: is that you?

Join the eleventh edition of The Hague Innovators Awards and win up to €15.000!

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, challenges like climate change, energy transition, urban safety, and food security demand innovative, scalable solutions. The Hague Innovators Awards empower startups, scale-ups, and students to further develop innovations for a better future.

These awards are more than a competition—they’re a launchpad for change-makers. By spotlighting fresh perspectives and sustainable innovations, The Hague Innovators help catalyse real-world impact where it’s needed most: in our cities and communities.

Enter now

If you’re an entrepreneur with an idea that can move the world forward, registering for The Hague Innovators Awards is a strategic step. You’ll gain access to coaching, a strong impact network, and the opportunity to pitch at ImpactFest—a leading event for mission-driven innovation in Europe.

Past winners have used this platform to scale globally, gain funding, and refine their business models. In a time when society urgently needs bold thinkers, this is your chance to be seen, supported, and to make a difference. Are you The Hague Innovator of 2025? Now’s the time to prove it.

“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 2022

What are these awards all about?

The Hague Innovators Awards challenge startups, scale-ups, and students to develop creative solutions for global challenges based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Each year, selected nominees receive expert guidance, pitch training, and access to an influential impact network. The five-week journey culminates at ImpactFest, where finalists present their ideas to a jury consisting of partners, such as Rabobank, DOEN Participations, Unknown Group, and Innovation Quarter, and compete for prizes up to €15,000. The awards are all about accelerating innovation for a better, more sustainable world.

What can you win?

  • Best Innovator Award €15.000: This prize is meant for impact startups and scale-ups in The Hague. The winner will be selected by an expert jury.
  • Audience Award €2.500: This prize is meant for impact startups and scale-ups in The Hague.The winner will be selected by the audience.
  • Future Innovator Award €3.500: This prize is meant for student impact entrepreneurs in The Hague. The winner will be selected by an expert jury.

What else can you expect?

  • Be introduced to valuable contacts from the ImpactCity network;
  • Receive professional, tailored training depending on your registration. A pitch training to help you effectively present your business to potential investors and customers, and for students a business model canvas training to sharpen your business plan;
  • A one-on-one coaching session with a renowned partner to support your development;
  • Get the chance to meet both starting and established entrepreneurs from The Hague and visit various hubs in the city;
  • Visibility in the media and within the ImpactCity network;
  • Video shoot featuring your business and the other nominees;*
  • Optional: Offered media appearances such as a radio interview on Den Haag FM;
  • A ticket to ImpactFest 2025;
  • A stage for your business during ImpactFest, attended by relevant investors, partners, and (international) entrepreneurs;
  • In short: a unique opportunity to put your business in the spotlight and increase your impact.

*The video shoot is only applicable for nominees of the ‘Best Innovator Award’.

“Winning the The Hague Innovators award just gave us that push in the right direction”

Anne Dijkstra – Sta van Uiter, Co-Founder Feelou and winner of The Hague Innovators 2023

Participation conditions

For the Best Innovator & Audience Awards:

  • Your innovative business tackles a global issue described in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
  • Your company has existed for a maximum of six years;
  • 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 all program elements is mandatory. You can find important dates below.

For the Future Innovator Award:

  • You have a business plan for an innovative idea that addresses a global issue outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
  • You live in The Hague or are enrolled at a university or university of applied sciences in The Hague;
  • Age or year of study does not matter;
  • Registration with the Chamber of Commerce is not required;
  • You are available for approximately 4 hours per week during weeks 40 to 44;
  • Participation in the training sessions is mandatory, while attendance at additional events is optional. You can find the important dates below.

Important dates

  • May 26: Registrations open*
  • September 1 at noon: Registrations closed
  • September 25: Announcement of nominees
  • September 29 and/or 30: Video shoot for nominees**
  • October 6: Pitch training for nominees
  • October 9: Support for your idea at Expert Support
  • October 17: Doing Good and Doing Business event at The Hague University of Applied Sciences***
  • October 30: Finale at ImpactFest

Trainings and events are hosted in person in The Hague, and physical presence is required for nominees.

*Knowledge institutions submit nominees for the ‘Future Innovator Award’.

**The video shoot is only applicable for nominees of the ‘Best Innovator Award’.

***Only for nominees of the ‘Future Innovator Award’.

Previous winners

Past winners have used this platform to scale globally, gain funding, and refine their business models. In a time when society urgently needs bold thinkers, this is your chance to be seen, be supported, and make a difference. Are you The Hague Innovator of 2025? Now’s the time to prove it.

Feelou

The maternity bra that feels good for 9+ months.

Wattrogen

Revolutionising wind energy in urban & metropolitan areas.

GreenAnt

Propelling climate action through satellite data and AI.

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

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