Collaboration, innovation & growth

In 2015, the Ministry of EZK and other organizations (StartupDelta and subsequently Techleap.nl) took the initiative to ensure that start-ups and scale-ups collectively in the Netherlands have better access to capital, markets, knowledge and a network to collaboration, innovation and ultimately growth of ambitious technology companies. These companies develop products or offer services for, for example, the energy transition, mobility, biotechnology, nanotechnology, digital (financial) platforms, quantum, healthcare, circularity of raw materials and products.

Minister Micky Adriaansens (EZK) has had the program evaluated by an external agency. This shows that the Dutch start-up and scale-up climate has improved substantially in 8 years. And that even more is possible. Such as with the further development of high-quality technological knowledge in products and services: so-called deep tech. And by focusing even more on growth companies that tackle the biggest societal challenges such as health, climate, energy and digitization.

Minister Adriaansens: “I accept the recommendation to continue with Techleap.nl. A booster is still needed to maintain and strengthen the knowledge and networks that have been built up. Techleap.nl will realize this improvement with a different role and focus. This will soon be aimed at getting more deep tech companies in the Netherlands and allowing more start-ups to grow into scale-ups. In addition to public financing - as in other EU countries - more private financing such as venture capital must also be provided for the part that can now be taken up by the market itself. Techleap.nl can play a role in mobilizing those market parties”.

10,000 start-ups in the Netherlands and more than 135,000 tech jobs

According to the latest, leading Genome Ranking from 2022, the Netherlands is now in position 14 worldwide when it comes to the start-up climate, 1st in the European Union (before Berlin, Germany) and overall 2nd in Europe after London (United Kingdom).

There are more than 10,000 start-ups in the Netherlands, including more than 10 with a value of more than 1 billion dollars. The Dutch sector accounts for more than 135,000 tech jobs. Among the more than 10,000 start-ups are approximately 1,400 so-called deep tech companies: knowledge-intensive start-ups that combine high-quality (technological) knowledge from universities, for example, with research, development and production.

Start-up policy and decision on Special Envoy

Before the summer, the cabinet will publish its tightened policy for start-ups, scale-ups and the promotion of venture capital. At the same time, the cabinet will also take a decision on whether or not to (re)appoint the Special Envoy (envoy) for start-up and scale-up policy: Prince Constantijn van Oranje.