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The Hague Innovators for a better world

The Hague Innovator of 2026: is that you?

Join the twelfth 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 in The Hague to develop (starting) 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.

If you’re an entrepreneur with an idea that can move the world forward, registering for The Hague Innovators Awards is a strategic step. Among other things, you’ll gain access to coaching, the strong ImpactCity network, you’ll learn to pitch from the best to go on stage and share your innovation.

Past winners have used this platform to start up, 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 2026? 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.

Depending on the award you apply for, we will put together an eight-week programme. You will take part in various programme modules, supplemented by optional modules, and receive expert guidance to help you develop your business.

The programme starts on September 23, 2026 and concludes with the finale on November 10, where the finalists will pitch their innovations to a jury consisting of partners, such as Rabobank, DOEN Participations, Unknown Group, and Innovation Quarter.

You should expect to spend a total of around 30 to 40 hours, spread over 8 weeks. Scroll down for a detailed schedule.

What can you win?

  • The Hague 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.
  • The Hague Student Innovator Award €3.500: This prize is meant for student impact entrepreneurs 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.

What is on the agenda?

  • 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;
  • Two tickets for the ‘Scale Your Impact’ event in November;
  • 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.

“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 Hague 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;
  • You are available for approximately 4 hours per week during the period from September 29 to October 31. Participation in the fixed programme components is mandatory; participation in additional events is optional. You will find the important dates below.

For The Hague Student 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 in a vocational (MBO), higher vocational (HBO), or university (WO) program at a school or university in The Hague; your age or academic year are irrelevant;
  • Registration with the Chamber of Commerce is not required;
  • You are available for approximately 4 hours per week during weeks 40 to 44;
  • You are available for approximately 4 hours per week during the period from September 29 to October 31. Participation in the fixed programme components is mandatory; participation in additional events is optional. You will find the important dates below.

Important dates

Mark your calendar:

  • September 1at noon: Registration closed
  • September 15: Announcement of nominees

Programme components:

Date & timeSession
Sep 23, 12:00 – 17:00Kick-off, lunch and impact tour Binckhaven
Sep 28, 12:00 – 17:00Pitch training by Thomas van Neerbos
Oct 6, entire dayVideo shoot
Oct 28, 15:00- 17:00Practising pitches & 1:1 coaching
Nov 5, entire dayFestival van de Toekomst, with Expert Support for founders
Nov 10, entire dayFinale

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

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 ‘The Hague Innovator’ of 2026? Now’s the time to prove it.

Naïf Care

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

Feelou

The maternity bra that feels good for 9+ months.

Droppie

Rewards consumers for returning clean recyclable waste through a smart app, making recycling more engaging and efficient.

GreenAnt

Propelling climate action through satellite data and AI.

Seepje

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

Weco – The Wave Collective

Develops solutions to generate electricity using waves in the ocean.

BeeSage

Data-driven urban beekeeping for increased productivity and sustainability.

North Sea Farmers

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

Circularise

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

Apply